yoga is gaining popularity in the western world, which raises the question to those who want to begin practicing... What yoga class should I start with?

Iyengar yoga is a really good style for beginners because it uses props, such as blocks and a belt, as aids in the different postures. It is extremely structured and focuses on the structural alignment of the physical body through development of postures (asanas).

Every style is based on asanas but each has a different emphasis. Below is a summary of other popular yoga styles that are good to begin with.

Iyengar

The focus of Iyengar yoga is on body alignment. Props such as blocks and straps allow beginners to flow in asanas more easily. As oppose to moving quickly from pose to pose, Iyengar focuses on holding poses over long periods.

Hatha

Hatha is a general term that embodies all forms of yoga. Courses defined as Hatha yoga are generally slower and more gentle, making it another great course for beginners.

Vinyasa

A term that means breath-synchronized movement, Vinyasa is based on a series of poses called Sun Salutations. The focus is on the breath during the salutations, connecting it with the muscles that are being challenged and stretched.

Bikram

Bikram yoga is practiced in a heated room (95-100 degrees), which allows for every muscle to relax and deepen into the series of 26 poses. With the room hot and humid, sweat pours from every pore, cleansing the body of impurities.

Kundalini

One of the purposes of Kundalini yoga is to free energy in the lower body by moving it up. Kundalini uses fast, repetitive movements and the breath to move deeper into each pose.