Which Type of Yoga is for You?

Yoga, by definition, is one thing: union. But the methods used to acheive that union are many. By some counts, there are hundreds of styles. To help you understand what's on offer, here are a few definitions of popular styles.

Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga - I often incorporate this style in my regular classes.
What To Expect: This is a physically challenging, flowing practice that will get your heart pumping while also encouraging you to find your authentic personal power in life. Classes feature a 90 min vigorous sequence, performed in a heated room and designed to condition the whole body.
What It's About: The aim of Baptiste Yoga is to create freedom, peace of mind and the ability to live more powerfully and authentically right now. The physically challenging practice is training ground for facing emotional and philosophical challenges that arise in your life.
More Information: www.baronbaptiste.com

Jivamukti Yoga - This is the style of yoga that I learned in my yoga teacher training.
What To Expect: A physically vigorous and intellectually stimulating practice with a focus on spiritual development. Expect to encounter flowing asana sequences along with Sanskrit chanting references to scriptural texts, eclectic music (from the Beatles to Moby), yogic breathing practices, and meditation.
What It's About: One of the predominant principles of Jivamukti Yoga is ahimsa (nonharming), and classes often explore the link between yoga and animal rights, veganism, and activism.
More Information: www.jivamuktiyoga.com

Definitions:

Hatha Yoga
Hatha is a Sanskrit word that literally means "sun" ha and "moon" tha, broadly referring to the physical practices of yoga, including active and relaxing poses.

Hot Yoga
Classes are held in a heated room designed to warm the body from the outside in, just as the asanas warm the body from the inside out. Typically, hot yoga classes are strenuous, and the heat can make it easier to go deeper in some poses.

Restorative Yoga
Devoted to deep rest, these classes typically include 4 to 6 floor poses held passively with the help of bolsters, blankets, sandbags, straps, eye pillows, and blocks. Expect a long Savasana at the end, with about 20 minutes devoted to sinking into the earth to help the body and mind experience true rest.

Vinyasa or Flow Yoga
Poses flow from one into another, synchronized by the breath. Expect to encounter lots of Sun Salutations. If a teacher tells the class to "take a vinyasa", she's using the word as shorthand, probably referring to a miniversion that includes Plank, Chaturanga Dandasana, Upward Facing Dog, Downward Facing Dog.