If you are looking for a Manhattan yoga studio you have to do more than pick one that fits your schedule, you have to know enough to make choosing the appropriate yoga style possible. Here is a quick overview of the most popular ones.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga emphasizes the coordination of movement and breath. It is considered a rigorous practice and the yoga sets practiced will be limited. The sets aren’t as confined as Bikhram but draw on the entire history of yoga for their creation. Every studio will follow a different set of poses.
Bikhram Yoga
Bikhram yoga takes place in a heated room and follows a strict set of 26 poses. The perfection of the poses are held to mirror perfection in life and soul. It is a controversial, although popular, form of yoga in the US. One thing that many people like about it is the narrow focus on a set of poses makes it easier to learn and to practice outside of class.
Iyengar Yoga
B K Iyengar developed a system of yoga that is tied to health and wellness. His classic book “Light on Yoga” functions almost as a diagnostic and treatment manual. Many studios that advertise restorative yoga are following his approach. The emphasis of the poses is on creating a proper alignment of the body and breath. It is slower moving with the poses being held for longer than most other types. It is not unusual for a trainer to “prescribe” a series of movements for individuals.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga isn’t so much a type of yoga as an approach. The emphasis is on physical postures. It can build remarkable muscle control and works the core area beautifully.
Anti-gravity Yoga
Anti-gravity yoga is a form of Hatha yoga that is done while suspended from the ceiling using aerialist ribbons or robes. It is thought that by hanging rather than standing the participant will get more benefit from the poses as there is less pressure on the spine.
Extreme Yoga
There are some Manhattan Yoga studios that are now offering classes in extreme and competition yoga. Most of the forms will follow Bikhram and Ashtanga methods as the sets are prescribed and can be rated. There has been a rise in extreme yoga competitions in the world with a new “Yoga Olympics” having been recently held in the UK. This can be a great way to keep your motivation high.
