Commonly known as “power yoga,” ashtanga yoga is a flowing practice that emphasizes challenging posture series and strong breathing. The teachings of ashtanga yoga are derived from Pantanjali’s Eightfold Path, a series of disciplines that are widely considered the moral codes of the yogic tradition. In the West it is mostly associated with the form [...]

The yogis say that any work may be transformed into karma yoga by developing the attitude that the work is done for the peace and harmony of all. Karma yoga is the selfless service of humanity without the expectation of reward, compensation or any personal gain other than the delight of helping another. The word [...]

If you’ve noticed the term Astanga yoga being bandied about but have no idea what it is, we’re here to explain it. Many an unwitting gym denizen has stumbled into this class thinking it would be a relaxing way to spend the hour before their real exercise class begins. What they experience instead is a [...]

Jnana yoga is the part of yoga that focuses on self-inquiry and remembering one’s true nature. “Jnana” means knowledge or wisdom. It employs the philosophy of Vedanta which is found in the Upanishads, the concluding portions of the oldest Indian scriptures or Vedas. It is said to be the most difficult path because one must [...]

If thoughts of the yogic experience conjure up visions of gentle poses, wafting incense and sweet chants of “om,” you’ve yet to experience the sweltering, sweaty, body-bending workout that is Bikram or “hot” yoga. The Bikram method is the brainchild of Bikram Choudhury, an India National Yoga Champion who has been named the most knowledgeable [...]

Despite yoga’s booming popularity, there are still many misconceptions about the practice. For example, many people don’t realize that the word “yoga” is commonly used in America to refer to hatha yoga, the branch of yoga that focuses on physical postures, breathing exercises and related techniques. Hatha yoga was developed, in part, to create good [...]

More than 100 different schools of yoga exist, according to the American Yoga Association. Some types of yoga are practiced more in the United States than others. When you start a yoga program, look into what type of yoga you will be practicing. You may also want to experiment with several types of yoga to [...]

What do you get when you pair the flowing movements of Vinyasa with Ashtanga yoga? Power yoga. Even though this yoga type has been around for thousands of years, people have recently been discovering it anew. Richard Freeman, a student of yoga since 1968, shows you what all the buzz is about. Ashtanga yoga in [...]

Yoga has existed for centuries. Yoga traditionally is part of a larger picture of a lifestyle of mindfulness. The founders of yoga centuries ago realized the importance of exercise that emphasizes flexibility and strength. Yoga means “union”, and specifically the union of mind, body and breath. The body is placed in various positions that increase [...]