ananda

• gentle postures designed to move the energy up to the brain and prepare the body for meditation
• proper body alignment and controlled breathing

anusara

• pairs strict principles of alignment with a playful spirit
• challenging postures
• message is to open one's heart and strive to connect with the divine in one's self and in others

ashtanga

• physically demanding
• involves synchronizing breathing with progressive and continuous series of postures
• process produces intense internal heat and profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs
• improves circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body, and a calm mind

bikram

• comprehensive workout that includes all components of fitness - muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular flexibility, and weight loss
• 95-105 degree temperature promotes more flexibility, detoxification, and prevention of injuries

hatha

• easy to learn, basic, popular, and the foundation of all yoga styles
• incorporates asanas (postures), pranayama (regulated breathing), meditation (dharana and dhyana), and kundalini (laya yoga) into a complete system that can be used to achieve englightenment or self-realization
• source of exercise and stress management
• should be approached in a calm, meditative mood
• perform slowly, with control and grace, being inwardly aware as the body performs its various poses

integral

• traditional type
• combines postures, breathing exercises, selfless service, meditation, chanting, prayer, and self-inquiry

ishta (integral science of hatha and tantric arts)

• opens energy channels throughout the body with postures, visualizations, and meditation

iyengar

• promotes strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance through coordinated breathing and poses that require precise body alignment
• poses are generally held longer than in other styles of yoga
• uses equipment like cushions, blankets, straps, and blocks to help the less flexible
• slow pace, attention to detail, and use of props - beneficial for if recovering from an injury

jivamutki

• expresses the spiritual and ethical aspects of the practice of yoga
• vigorous and challenging asana form with an emphasis on scriptural study, sanskrit chanting, vegetarianism, non-violence, meditation, devotion to god and the role that music and listening play in the practice of yoga

kali ray triyoga

• a series of flowing, dancelike movements
• incorporates pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation

kripalu

• the yoga of consciousness
• gentle, introspective practice that urges practitioners to hold poses to explore and release emotional and spiritual blockages
• goal-oriented striving is discouraged and precise alignment is not as important as in some other traditions
• three stages: (1) learning the postures and exploring the body's abilities; (2) holding the postures for an extended time and developing concentration and inner awareness; (3) a meditation in motion in which the movement from one posture to another arises unconsciously and spontaneously

kundalini

• awakening the energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward
• includes postures, chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises

power

• yoga with brawn
• american interpretation of ashtanga yoga, a discipline that combines stretching, strength training, and meditative breathing, yet takes it one step further
• the poses resemble basic calisthenics -- push-ups and handstands, toe touches, and side bends -- but the key to power yoga's sweat-producing, muscle-building power is the pace
• instead of pausing between poses as you would in traditional yoga, each move flows into the next, making it an intense aerobic workout

restorative

• long periods of time lying on blocks, blankets and yoga bolsters
• passively allows muscles to relax

sivananda

• traditional type
• combines postures, breathing, dietary restrictions, chanting, scriptural study, and meditation

svaroopa

• approachable style
• often beginning in chair poses that are comfortable
• promotes healing and transformation

viniyoga

• commonly used as a therapeutic practice for people who have suffered injuries or are recovering from surgery
• a gentle, healing practice that is tailored to each person's body type and needs as they grow and change

vinyasa

• coordination of breath and movement
• a very physically active form of yoga

white lotus

• a modified ashtanga practice
• combines breathwork and meditation