  What are the Yoga Methods and Which One is Right for Me?
When you are just starting out learning about and taking yoga classes, you may hear the name of the practice they are teaching but it's hard to put that in context among the very challenge of remaining in the pose and breathing, which you are reminded to do deeply and regularly.
Many, many methods of yoga exist in the U.S. and abroad, but only a few may be offered in your respective city or town. Most of the popular methods in the U.S. come from the Hatha branch of yoga...or the path of physical postures (asanas).
Below are listed the various Hatha yoga methods taught in the United Sates. Think about which one may sound good to you and try it. If it's not right, then try another.
Yoga is a profoundly liberating and spiritual practice that tones the body as well as the mind. Not one practice is right for all.
anusara
www.anusara.com
anusara is a tantric-based system that combines attention to alignment with awareness of energy flow in teh body in order for you to realize your divine nature.
ashtanga
www.ashtanga.com
ashtanga is a method in which a set series of poses is linked by vinyasa (flowing movement) and synchronized with the breath, which produces intense internal heat and purifying sweat.
bikram
www.bikramyoga.com
bikram is a series of 26 poses and breathing exercises repeated twice in a room heated to 105 degrees. the purpose is to warm up the muscles quickly and promote detoxification via sweat.
integral
www.iyiny.org
integral yoga is a gentle practice that integrates hatha yoga with other yoga branches, such as karma yoga (selfless service) and bhakti yoga (devotion), and emphasizes union with god.
iyengar
www.bksiyengar.com
iyengar is a method that teaches awareness through attention to anatomical precision and alignment in poses. iyengar yoga emphasizes healing physical ailments.
jivamukti
www.jivamuktiyoga.com
jivamukti is based on the principles of bhakti yoga (devotion)and ahimsa (nonviolence). jivamukti combines vigorous flow practice with classic spiritual yoga philosophy.
kripalu
www.kripalu.org
kripalu is a free-flowing form of yoga that is as much as a meditation in motion as it is a series of asanas. kripalu supports relaxation and healing.
kundalini
www.3ho.org
kundalini is an energetic style of yoga composed of repetitive movements (like waving the arms) that differ from those in other styles and promote the release of kundalini ("serpent power" believed to reside in the base of the spine) energy.
power
www.poweryoga.com
power is an American adaptation of ashtanga yoga. power yoga is one of the most physically challenging forms of yoga. it is a rigorous, dynamic practice that can introduce quite advanced poses into the practice and require one to hold them for long durations.
sivananda
www.sivananda.org
sivananda is a spiritually focused practice that emphasizes vedanta philosophy and the recitation of mantras. sivananda incorporates techniques from all yoga paths - karma, bhakti, raja (meditation; contemplation), and jnana (intellect) yoga.
viniyoga
www.viniyoga.com
viniyoga is a method that emphasizes the unique needs of each individual; giving practitioners the tools to individualize and actualize the process of self-discovery and transformation. viniyoga is a gentle, therapeutic, healing practice that places less emphasis on vigorous movement; well-suited for individuals with health problems.
vinyasa
www.whitelotus.org
vinyasa is an American innovation that derives from ashtanga yoga and is more free form in nature. vinyasa incorporates a flowing sequence of asanas coordinated with the breath and set to music.
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