— The different yoga styles that we provide...
Hatha Yoga
The Sanskrit term "hatha" is an umbrella term for all physical postures of yoga. In the West, hatha yoga simply refers to all the other styles of yoga (Ashtanga, Iyengar, etc.) that are grounded in a physical practice. However, there are other branches of yoga such as kriya, raja, and karma yoga that are separate from the physical-based yoga practice. The physical-based yoga is the most popular and has numerous styles.
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar was founded by B.K.S. Iyengar and focuses on alignment as well as detailed and precise movements. In an Iyengar class, students perform a variety of postures while controlling the breath. Generally, poses are held for a long time while adjusting the minutiae of the pose. Iyengar relies heavily on props to help students perfect their form and go deeper into poses in a safe manner. This style is really great for people with injuries who need to work slowly and methodically.
Kundalini Yoga
Involves the practice of the spiritual & physical in equal parts and is all about releasing the kundalini energy in your body said to be trapped, or coiled, in the lower spine. These classes really work your core and breathing with fast-moving, invigorating postures and breathing exercises. These classes are pretty intense and incorporate movement, dynamic breathing techniques, meditation, and the chanting of mantras, such as Sat Nam, meaning truth is my identity. The goal is to build physical vitality and increase consciousness.
Ashtanga Yoga
In Sanskrit, Ashtanga is translated as "Eight Limb path." Ashtanga yoga involves a very physically demanding sequence of postures, so this style of yoga is definitely not for the beginner. It takes an experienced yogi to really love it. Ashtanga starts with five sun salutation's and then moves into a series of standing and floor postures. In Mysore, India, people gather to practice this form of yoga together at their own pace. Vinyasa yoga stems from Ashtanga which is the flowing style linking breath to movement.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa means "to place in a special way" and in this case yoga postures. Vinyasa is the most athletic yoga style. Vinyasa was adapted from Ashtanga yoga in the 1980s. In Vinyasa classes, the movement is coordinated with your breath and movement to flow from one pose to another. Many types of yoga can be considered Vinyasa flows such as Ashtanga, Power Yoga & Prana. It can vary depending on the teacher, and there can be many different types of poses in different sequences.
Jivamukti Yoga
Jivamukti was founded in 1984 by Sharon Ganon and David Life. Jivamukti is mainly vinyasa flow-style classes infused with Hindu spiritual teachings. A series of chants usually open the beginning of class followed up by a series of poses that align with the five tenets of Jivamukti yoga and philosophy. At its core, this style emphasizes connection to Earth as a living being, so most Jivamukti devotees follow their vegetarian philosophy.
