ASHTANGA
Tone
What to Expect
This vigorous practice features six levels. The first is called the primary series, a sequence of postures done in rhythm with the breath that a practitioner must master before moving on to the next level. Teachers are often hands-on in adjustments, helping you keep your body in proper alignment to get the most out of each asana.
Try it at Home
Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners DVD
($20, gaiam.com)
Useful Prop
A cork block to help improve your alignment, especially during standing side bends.
($18, huggermugger.com)
BIKRAM
Sweat
What to Expect
A room heated to at least 105 degrees is a main requirement for this trademarked series of 26 poses. Because heat is so integral to Bikram, it’s best experienced in a studio, although at-home CDs and DVDs can help you master the sequence. Note that not all hot yoga classes are Bikram: Some teachers increase the temperature and lose the script.
Try it at Home
Bikram’s Beginning Yoga Class Audio CD
($20, bikramyoga.com)
Useful Prop
A big water bottle to keep you hydrated before, during, and after class.
(from $26 for 40-ounce bottle, kleankanteen.com)
HATHA
Ground
What to Expect
The word “hatha” is made up of the words “ha” (sun) and “tha” (moon), suggesting the union of the breath and body through physical postures, or asanas. Although asanas are part of all yoga styles, “hatha” is usually used to describe a relatively slow paced class that incorporates basic poses such as Downward-Facing Dog and Triangle.
Try it at Home
The Power of Hatha Yoga: Beginner Series DVD
($18, amazon.com)
Useful Prop
A Mexican Yoga Blanket from Barefoot Yoga Co., which you can fold for support in seated poses.
($29, barefootyoga.com)
IYENGA
Stretch
What to Expect
This practice emphasizes alignment as a way to bring a deep sense of awareness of the body. Iyengar instructors typically hold poses for up to 30 seconds and prodigiously use props like straps, blocks, bolsters, and blankets to help students sink into the poses. It’s an ideal method to learn solid yoga fundamentals, and it’s good for those with injuries.
Try it at Home
Rodney Yee’s Yoga for Beginners DVD
($15, gaiam.com)
Useful Prop
An organic cotton yoga strap that can be used to help you ease your body into a deeper stretch.
(from $12, zafu.net)
VINYASA
Flow
What to Expect
Vinyasa is a general term that describes a class in which movement is synchronized to the breath and each pose flows into the next without pause. With so many interpretations of vinyasa out there, you could land in a slow or fast class depending on the instructor’s teaching style. Overall, it’s a dynamic practice that requires a meditative focus.
Try it at Home
Shiva Rea: Daily Energy Vinyasa Flow Yoga DVD
($20, amazon.com)
Useful Prop
A Yogitoes mat towel, which can be placed over studio mats for a nonslip surface.
(from $64, yogitoes.com)
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