From the article: Yoga Style Guide
You say vinyasa, I say Kripalu. Everyone has a favorite yoga style, the one that just resonates with your physical and spiritual needs. Share your favorite yoga style and why you love it here. Readers Respond
Anusara
- While I enjoy a simple hatha class physically, anusara is my favorite! The focus on the good in all things mentally prepares me to deal with things with more compassion and love, the meditation allows me to focus and let go, and the alignment focus makes me feel like I am getting the most from each pose and the high emphasis on breathing into each pose and feeling the energy go into each part of my body is just perfect for me! I keep these things in mind when I practice other styles and end up with yoga I do in any style being almost half anusara half whatever else. Anusara helps me be a kinder, gentler human.
- —Guest Stephanie
Depends on my mood...
- I started out doing Ashtanga yoga which is a little more rigorous than a few other styles... it not only calms me, but physically I feel like I can whoop some butt afterwards!! Makes you strong mentally and physically.... Vinyasa is awesome too when I need to chill out after a stressful day!!!
- —Guest Nicole
Anusara's Awesome
- Anusara is definitely my favorite type of yoga. It is physical without being too strenuous, which means that I can appreciate moving my body even though I am not very athletic. I enjoy learning about the Tantric principles and how friendly and heart-focused it is. I did some Vinyasa and Iyengar before finding Anusara, and after my first Anusara class, I was amazing how much we laughed. I rarely laugh that much outside of a yoga studio! I am excited to continue, but I want to learn about other types of yoga with a spiritual component like Kundalini.
- —Guest G
A Great Teacher
- As Lulu says, it's down to finding a great teacher. For me the ideal rhythm is energetic astanga/vinyasa/anusara in the mornings, gentle Hatha in the evenings, Iyengar anytime.
- —Guest Stephanie
Kundalini Jivamukta
- For me yoga is about experiencing my essence whilst tuning up my 'vehicle' in life, making it easier to drive. I love the depth and variety of kundalini, it works on all parts of me and jivamukti is a beautiful spiritual practice with dynamic flow postures. Both really activate the energy, uplift and inspire whilst giving a great workout. Perfect!
- —Guest Janey
Kundalini
- I did kundalini once with an instructor and found that I was just craving it. I practice daily and always feel centered and focused after and throughout the rest of the day.
- —Mussyfut
Bikram
- Bikram yoga for me has been my favorite thus far. I am still a big fan of Vinyasa, but I feel that Bikram is such a great workout inside and out. After I had knee surgery I thought that I would never be able to practice again, and after a few months of Bikram my knee improved drastically. The heat is also a great for allergies and you leave feeling completely detoxed. My flexibility has never been to this level!
- —Guest Allison
mix it up
- i like to attend different classes a couple of days a week to keep it challenging and interesting.
- —Guest kim
Ashtanga Is My Style
- Love the pace of Ashtanga yoga. I can always finish feeling worked out, but still open and relaxed. Not to say that there are not other styles that are enjoyable, this is just one that I prefer first. Iyengar is definately my second choice as I use it to supplement and explore deeper the poses in which reciprocates its benefits back to my first choice:)
- —Guest Cindy
Teacher Style
- It does not matter to me what style yoga I am practicing...the teacher sets the mood for me. A teacher that can set a setting of serenity.
- —Guest Tracy
Iyengar
- My favorite style to take in a class is Iyengar. I live in St. Louis, however, and there are only 2 Iyengar teachers available here! (As far as I was able to find.) Luckily one of them seems to fit my learning style. I practice at home daily & look forward to the instruction on proper alignment Iyengar provides.
- —Guest MK
Vinyasa Style
- I just love this Style! Easy...flowing and invigorating
- —Guest Vinyassa
Vinyasa Girl
- I'm a vinyasa girl all the way. I've tried a bunch of different styles, and sometimes it's nice to do an alignment heavy Anusara or fast Ashtanga practice, but mostly it comes down to finding a great teacher.
- —Guest Lulu
