What is Yoga?

Yoga means "union" in Sanskrit, the language of ancient India where yoga originated, and refers to the 'union' between mind, body and spirit. Yoga practice involves physical postures or poses that involves stretching and creating balance in the body through developing both strength and flexibility. Each pose has specific physical benefits and can be done quickly in succession, heating up the body (vinyasa-style yoga) or more slowly to increase stamina and allow concentration on the alignment of the pose. Although the approach to each pose can vary depending on the type of Yoga practiced, the poses remain the same.

Benefits of Yoga

The benefits of yoga start with general well-being. It takes a broad holistic approach that teaches people a new lifestyle, way of thinking and way of being in the world. Some physical benefits to note include:

Increased strength and flexibility and more toned, longer and leaner muscles
Increased grace
Relaxation and relief of stress
Increased energy and vitality
Detoxification

Types of Yoga

Depending on your personality and what you want to get out of your Yoga Practice, there are a variety of types of Yoga you can practice.

Type of Yoga	Description	Specific Benefits of Type of Yoga	Who it is Good For
Anusara	A heart-opening form of yoga focused on alignment and creating a joyful practice. Balances strength building with flexibility while progressively working the body open.	Increased flexibility Increased strength Stress-relief Joyfulness	Process Princesses: Those looking to build strength and flexibility in a systematic and enjoyable way
Ashtanga	A fast-paced, intense style of flow yoga. A series of poses is performed connected by constant movement.	Increased flexibility Increased strength Cardiovascular training Increased agility Increased core strength Detoxification through sweating	Athletic Type As: Athletes or those who are looking to increase overall fitness, strength and agility with one practice
Bikram (Hot Yoga)	A hot yoga practice performed in front of mirrors. Focuses on alignment and building strength through the repetition of 26 postures. The room is kept between 95 - 100 degrees.	Increased flexibility Increased strength Detoxification through sweating Increased discipline	Competitive Cuties: Those who are competitive athletes or high energy individuals Routine Lovers: As a result of the high number of repetitions, Bikram is good for those who prefer routines
Forrest	Focused on strengthing the core muscles and relieving tension in the neck and shoulders, Forrest yoga is based on cultivating compassion and self-acceptance.	Increased flexibility Increased strength Released tension in neck and shoulders Increased core and abdominal strength Relaxation Increased self acceptance	Tension Release: Those who suffer from a stiff back, mild back pain, or neck and shoulder tension
Iyengar	An alignment focused practice that utilizes yoga props including blocks, straps, and blankets. Long holds and deep breathing are emphasized.	Increased strength Increased flexibility Released tension Relaxation	Yoga Beginners: Those who want to learn the fundamentals of yoga alignment Relaxation Seekers: Those seeking relaxation techniques
Jivamukti	A spiritual and inspiring practice consisting of intense flowing postures, inspirational music, meditation and chants.	Increased flexibility Increased strength Strong adherence to yoga philosophy Strong spirituality	Holistic Hotties: Those looking to integrate their physical, emotional, and spiritual practices
Kripalu	A moderate style of yoga focused on systematically loosening the joints and stretching the muscles. Classes incorporate meditation, breathing, posture flows and relaxation.	Increased flexibility Increased strength Increased joint health Breathwork Relaxation	Technique Lovers: Those who want to learn yoga alignment, relaxation techniques, and limited breathwork
Kundalini	A breath-centered practice with quick repetitive movements. Focused on freeing the energy in the lower body and allowing it to flow through the body.	Increased flexibility Increased energy Increased breath control Reduced anxiety	Holistic Seekers: Those looking to increase their energy while bringing emotions to the surface Breath Conscious: Those who want to perform intense breathwork
Power	A fast-flowing yoga practice typically done in a hot studio. Provides a cardiovascular workout in addition to full-body stretching.	Increased flexibility Increased strength Cardiovascular training Increased agility Detoxification through sweating	Cardio Queens: Those looking for a cardiovascular component in their yoga class Well-rounded Fitness Fans: Those who want to add yoga to a regular fitness routine
Vinyasa	Also called "flow yoga," postures are linked through strong movement. Builds deep strength and flexibility through a combination of long holds and flow sequences.	Increased flexibility Increased strength Cardiovascular training Increased agility Relaxation	Gymnastic Hopefuls: Those looking to build deep strength and flexibility, and who enjoy movement
Yin	Focused on stretching the body's connective tissue through very long holds. Causes surrender and deep relaxation throughout the body. A good complement to more active forms of yoga.	Increased flexibility and intense stretching Increased joint health Restoration Relaxation	Yoga Afficionados: Practitioners of other active forms of yoga Stiff and Achey Relief: Those suffering from muscle stiffness or achey joints Relaxation Seekers: Those seeking deep relaxation