Yoga styles you didn't know about yet

Since yoga became popular, many styles and variations have emerged around the world. This centuries-old Eastern philosophy is now everywhere, practiced and taught by people of all ages, shapes, and backgrounds. With so many different types of yoga, it can be difficult to decide which style is right for you. It's helpful to ask yourself what's important to you in your yoga practice: are you looking for an intense workout or a more meditative, gentle approach?

We have prepared a small cheat sheet for you on yoga styles:

Ashtanga Yoga

What to expect: Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, an inspiring dynamic style of yoga, is an athletic and demanding practice. Traditionally, Ashtanga is taught in the Mysore style: students learn a series of poses and practice at their own pace, while the teacher moves around the room, making adjustments and individual suggestions for each student individually.

The bottom line: The practice is continuous, so the practitioner learns to observe what is happening, as if from the outside. With continuous practice, this skill of "mindful non-attachment" extends to all aspects of life. This is one of the important meanings of K. Pattabhi Jois' famous saying: "Practice and everything will come."

Teachers and centers: Founded by K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009), this system is taught worldwide. Jois' grandson R. Sharath currently heads the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India. There are Ashtanga yoga schools all over the world.

Baptiste Vinyasa Yoga (Baptiste Power Vinyasa (BPV))

What to expect: This is a physically challenging, flowing practice that will get your heart pumping and encourage you to find true personal power in life. Classes are 90 minutes long, held in a warm room (30-35 degrees), and are designed to strengthen the entire body.

What's the point: The goal of Baptiste Vinyasa Yoga is to create freedom, mental balance, and the ability to live more powerfully and openly in the present moment. The physically challenging practice is a training ground for addressing emotional and philosophical issues that arise in your life. The important aspects of Baptiste's method are summarized in five pillars: breath, heat, flow, gaze, and core stabilization.

Teachers and Centers: Baron Baptiste, son of yoga pioneers Walt and Magana Baptiste (who opened the first yoga center in San Francisco in 1955), began practicing

as a child and studied with many Indian yoga masters. The Baptiste Yoga Institute is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.