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 health so that people could progress along a spiritual path. Ancient yoga teachings consider disease a major obstacle to achieving enlightenment, since those who are unfit and in pain won’t have the strength to take a journey of deep, sustained introspection.
Another source of confusion comes from the many different kinds of yoga practiced in the United States. In some communities, you’ll find more than two dozen different types of yoga offered, ranging from relaxing, meditative forms to sweat-producing, high-intensity approaches.
Beginners, especially those who are older or out-of-shape, might want to try a gentle style such as Viniyoga or Kripalu. Some yoga studios mix several styles that are appropriate for beginners or people with physical limitations into a class simply titled “Gentle Yoga” or “Easy Does It Yoga”. In some cities, it’s also possible to find yoga classes geared to people with special needs, such as breast cancer patients or back pain suffers.
Finding the Right Style
If you’re a “hard body” type in excellent shape, you may want to try a more demanding, aerobic form of yoga, such as Power Yoga or Ashtanga, which feature fast-paced classes that typically leave students dripping in sweat.
Another more vigorous form is Bikram Yoga, sometimes called “hot yoga” because it’s done in a heated room. Created by Bikram Choudhury, who achieved fame as the teacher of Hollywood stars, this form requires a relatively high fitness level for participation.
A popular, less-vigorous style is Iyengar yoga, which is characterized by a focus on proper alignment and the use of props—such as blankets, wood blocks and straps—that enable people of various flexibility levels to perform the physical poses. Another popular style, Integral yoga, is geared to integrating mind and body through postures, breathing and meditation.
Find the Yoga Style for You
Shop around for a yoga class taught by an experienced teacher whose personality and approach suits your needs. Be aware that with today’s yoga boom, some teachers have little more training than a weekend workshop. Talk with the instructor about his or her credentials and philosophy of instruction. If you’re new to yoga, start in a beginner class—even if you’re very fit—so that you can get a good foundation in the basics.
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