According to U.S. News and World Report, 18 million
Americans now practice yoga. Virtually all of the yoga
being taught in the United States is hatha yoga - yoga of
the physical body. Within hatha yoga there are many
different styles which have evolved as each teacher brings
their own perspective and personality to this ancient
practice. It can be confusing to sort out the diverse
styles. Following is a brief tour into some of the more
popular hatha yoga classes taught in the United States.

Stepping into an Iyengar yoga class you’ll notice a variety
of props such as blocks, benches, blankets, bolsters,
straps, and sandbags. These supportive aids are used to
facilitate a strong emphasis on anatomical alignment. This
precise analytical approach to yoga postures comes from the
teachings of B. K. S. Iyengar.

Quiet relaxing music is often played throughout a Kripalu
class creating a peaceful ambiance. Amrit Desai designed
this approach that it is well suited for Westerners because
of its emphasis on stress reduction. You will notice all
ages, sizes, and abilities in a Kripalu class as it is
easily adapted to all levels. Sometimes called a
meditation in motion, you can expect mental as well as
physical benefits from practising Kripalu yoga.

If you prefer a rigorous workout you might try Ashtanga
yoga. Students of Ashtanga perform postures as continuous
flowing movements all linked together. This system works
best when the body is hot and sweaty from non-stop motion.
The method encompasses six series of postures that are
mastered sequentially. The primary series consists of 75
postures. Pattabhi Jois developed Ashtanga yoga, which is
sometimes referred to as Power yoga.

Bikram’s yoga is sometimes called Hot Yoga or Type A Yoga.
Swimsuits are the preferred attire, everyone is sweating
profusely in a hot room as they bend, twist and move. From
the front of the class a teacher barks instructions. Sound
like yoga boot camp? Developed by Bikram Choudhury, this
class consists of a series of 28 poses which are repeated
twice in an hour and half. The classes are held in
controlled temperature rooms at 95 to 100 degrees
fahrenheit. The heat is to facilitate flexibility, release
toxins, and prevent injuries. Bring a towel and be
prepared to wring out your mat at the end of this extreme
yoga class.

Participating in a Kundalini class you may find yourself
chanting, meditating or performing postures, all designed
to awaken the Kundalini. Kundalini is believed to be an
dormant, coiled energy, stored at the base of the spine.
Awakening Kundalini is a way to heighten or expand
self-awareness. Kundalini Yoga was Introduced by Yogi
Bhajan, a Sikh from India.

Prefer your own private class? A Viniyoga teacher adapts
postures and breathing exercises to suit the needs of each
individual student. T. K. V. Desikachar developed this
method of teaching hatha yoga that has a strong emphasis on
one-on-one interaction between teacher and student.

As more and more people are discovering the benefits of
hatha yoga the teaching styles are increasing. With so
many different options it is important to take the time to
find the style and teacher that fits your taste.
Lori Chandler R.Y.T. is a registered yoga instructor who
teaches Kripalu Yoga at Central Washington University and
throughout the Ellensburg commmunity. You may contact her
at loriwchandler@hotmail.com.