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If you are just getting into yoga, you may turn to your gym for help as one of your first steps. However, it is easy to become baffled when looking at the wide variety of different yoga styles which are mentioned in the sign up sheets. These different yoga types are all actually made up of the same poses or postures, but they are used in completely way to achieve individual goals set forth by each yoga style. There are dozens of different, unique yoga styles but only the most popular are detailed below. These are the yoga styles which you will most likely find at your local gym, and also the styles which will be easiest to learn through DVD and book teachings.

There are two very general styles which are used to describe a variety of other more specific yoga styles. Hatha yoga types are great for the beginning yoga practitioner, or for just learning all of the basic poses. Hatha yoga types are slow-paced, gentle, and usually incorporate slow, soothing music. Vinyasa yoga types involve physical movements when synchronized or combined with breathing techniques. These styles typically begin with Sun Salutations which are vigorous warm ups. Toward the end of these practices, more strenuous movements are typically incorporated.

Kundalini Yoga is Vinyasa yoga which utilizes quick and repetitive movements instead of long position holds. Kundalini also involves breath control holds as an essential part of the practice.

Bikram - Bikram or Hot Yoga involves a series of 26 asanas, but not all are necessarily used in all classes. Bikram yoga is practiced in a hot room ranging in temperature from 96 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ashtanga yoga - This form of power yoga is quick-flow and intense, and can be extremely physically demanding at times. The same movements are always performed in the exact same yoga.

Inyengar Yoga - This type of yoga pays particular attention to maintaining proper body alignment at all times. The flow of Inyengar yoga is slow, and meant to emphasize long holds. Prop usage is very popular with this form of yoga, as they allow for proper alignment.

Anusara Yoga - This type of yoga is meant to provide for a much more light-hearted class which can be beneficial for yoga students from every single level of experience. Anusara yoga combines the philosophy associated with Tantric practice with the physical alignment affinity held by Inyengar yoga.