• Hatha – This term has come to signify a gentler, more centering approach to the practice of postures.
• Anusara – Similar to iyengar, emphasizes alignment and precision with a bit more flow.
• Kundalini – Emphasizes breathwork, freestyle movement, and student interaction.
• Integral – A gentle posture practice with strong grounding in breath, meditation, and study.
If it is within your means, working with a private teacher is a very powerful way to study. But for most of us, classes are a more realistic option. They are a great way to explore the many forms of yoga to see which type works best for you. It is always a good idea to begin with a gentle approach and then move to a more intense practice.
Chanting, in yoga, can be very intimidating for people who are new to the practice. Chanting is not about religion, but about community and a universal sense of spirituality. If you’re not comfortable, it’s fine to sit in silence ; many types of classed don’t include any chanting at all. But give it a try first ; I can’t tell you how many students have told me that they were terrified of chanting at first, but now love it.