An Easy Guide to 12 Types of Yoga Offered in Austin, Texas
The practice of yoga has evolved over thousands of years to encompass a wide range of styles and disciplines. These different forms of yoga, from Anusara to Ashtanga, each have a unique focus. Whether you are new to yoga, or new to taking yoga classes in Austin, TX, welcome! From Westlake Hills to Downtown Austin, dozens of studios abound.
Below is a beginner’s guide to twelve varieties of yoga found in the heart of central Texas. Find what type best fits your needs, and then click the link at the end to see a guide to Austin yoga studios in your area. Namaste!
Aerial Yoga
- This fascinating yoga style uses hanging silks to combine familiar yoga poses with aerial moves. Sessions are typically gentle and aim to increase flexibility and deepen relaxation.
Ananda Yoga
- This style of Hatha yoga was developed by Swami Kriyananda and uses poses and breath to achieve higher awareness, harmonizing the energies of the spiritual centers known as chakras. Unlike other styles, Ananda yoga utilizes silent affirmations during its poses. It is a relatively gentle, inward practice.
Anusara Yoga
- Anusara, or “heart-lifting” yoga seeks to use the physical practice of yoga to help students open their hearts. Established by American yogi John Friend in 1997, its philosophy is strongly rooted in positive thinking, and based on the tantric belief that we are each filled with intrinsic goodness. One of the fastest-growing forms of yoga, it has over 1,000 certified teachers and hundreds of thousands of devotees. Anusara also aspires to create a tightly-knit, fun-loving community. Students of all levels of ability and experience are welcome. It is known for honoring the unique differences, limitations and talents of its students. Classes are uplifting and rigorous for both the body and mind.
Ashtanga Yoga/Power Yoga/Baptiste Yoga
- Based on ancient Hatha yoga teachings, Ashtanga (which means “eight limbs”) movements are linked to breath. It was popularized here in the U.S. in the 70s by K. Pattabhi Jois. Poses are rigorous and flowing, increasing strength, flexibility and stamina, and are always performed in the same order. Advanced forms utilize the gaze (“dristi”) and the internal locks (known as “bandhas”). Power yoga is based on Ashtanga and similar in rigor, but does not strictly adhere to its sequence of poses. As for Baptiste Yoga, it was also inspired by Ashtanga. Introduced by Baron Baptiste to Californians in the 90s, it is taught like a gym class and uses a fast series of Hatha-based poses to build heat, strengthen the body, and alleviate tension.
Bikram Yoga/Hot Yoga/Sweaty Yoga
- The school of Bikram yoga, often termed “sweaty yoga”, was developed over 30 years ago by Bikram Choudhury. Classes are 90 minutes long, and held in artificially-heated 105-degree rooms. Bring a towel and water, expect to sweat profusely, and take it easy your first few classes! Like Ashtanga, its 26 specific poses always follow the same sequence. Each Bikram pose, however, is performed twice and held for an extended amount of time. Hot yoga or Sweaty yoga is similar to Bikram in that classes are held in heated rooms, but most do not adhere to the specific sequence of poses or pose-length strictly upheld in Bikram.
Hatha Yoga
- Introduced to 15th-century India by Yogi Swatmarama, Hatha poses are the foundation of most yoga classes practiced today. This means that nearly every type of yoga class in the West is a Hatha-based yoga class! Hatha (which means “sun and moon”) refers to any series of physical poses that balance the mind, body and breath. Classes specifically called “Hatha Yoga,” however, generally refer to a gentle introduction to basic yoga postures. The sequence and postures vary.
Iyengar Yoga
- Developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, this form of yoga emerged in India in 1975 and pays the utmost attention to proper alignment. Its teachers are very verbal with regard to correcting pose position, and each pose is held for an extended period of time and repeated several times. An array of blocks, blankets, straps, bolsters and other props are used to help students achieve proper alignment. Because the teachers must undergo a comprehensive 2- to 5-year training, consistently knowledgeable teachers are a benefit of taking Iyengar classes.
Kundalini Yoga
- Kundalini yoga was introduced to the West in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan. Be prepared for intense breath work! This practice of yoga involves classic poses, coordination of breath, movement and meditation in addition to chanting. Kundalini yoga focuses on the controlled release of energy found at the base of the spine, referred to as serpent power. It is a less-vigorous form of yoga focused more on breathing and chanting than movement, aiming for spiritual transformation and unity consciousness.
Vinyasa/Flow Yoga
- The Sanskrit word for “flow,” Vinyasa refers to classes known for fluid movement. The transition from pose to pose gives Vinyasa yoga an intensity similar to Ashtanga, but different in that no two classes are the same. Each class may use a unique sequence of poses.
Pre- and Post-natal Yoga
- This style of yoga caters specifically to women preparing for or recovering from childbirth.
Restorative Yoga
- Don’t come to these classes looking for a workout! These relaxing, rejuvenating classes, which originated in the U.S. in the 70s, use props like bolsters, blankets and blocks to prop students into long, passive poses that increase flexibility and range of motion without exertion. The goal is to combat the physical and mental effects of everyday stress with restful poses and deep breathing. It is also popular with students recovering from injury or dealing with chronic pain.
Yin Yoga
- This slower, more introspective form of yoga is rooted in China and recently was modernized by California yogi Paul Grilley. It focuses on deepening postures, increasing flexibility and stretching the connective tissues, especially in the hamstrings, hips and spine. Poses are held for extremely long periods - up to ten minutes.
The Austin REALTORS® at Regent Property Group appreciate the health benefits of yoga and are proud to share in the wide variety of yoga classes found in and around Austin. Our agents also help homebuyers stay on top of the Austin real estate market. On the lookout for an Austin Luxury Home? Check out Austin Home Search!
CLICK HERE to see a GUIDE to Austin YOGA STUDIOS in your area…
Aerial Yoga
- This fascinating yoga style uses hanging silks to combine familiar yoga poses with aerial moves. Sessions are typically gentle and aim to increase flexibility and deepen relaxation.
Ananda Yoga
- This style of Hatha yoga was developed by Swami Kriyananda and uses poses and breath to achieve higher awareness, harmonizing the energies of the spiritual centers known as chakras. Unlike other styles, Ananda yoga utilizes silent affirmations during its poses. It is a relatively gentle, inward practice.
Anusara Yoga
- Anusara, or “heart-lifting” yoga seeks to use the physical practice of yoga to help students open their hearts. Established by American yogi John Friend in 1997, its philosophy is strongly rooted in positive thinking, and based on the tantric belief that we are each filled with intrinsic goodness. One of the fastest-growing forms of yoga, it has over 1,000 certified teachers and hundreds of thousands of devotees. Anusara also aspires to create a tightly-knit, fun-loving community. Students of all levels of ability and experience are welcome. It is known for honoring the unique differences, limitations and talents of its students. Classes are uplifting and rigorous for both the body and mind.
Ashtanga Yoga/Power Yoga/Baptiste Yoga
- Based on ancient Hatha yoga teachings, Ashtanga (which means “eight limbs”) movements are linked to breath. It was popularized here in the U.S. in the 70s by K. Pattabhi Jois. Poses are rigorous and flowing, increasing strength, flexibility and stamina, and are always performed in the same order. Advanced forms utilize the gaze (“dristi”) and the internal locks (known as “bandhas”). Power yoga is based on Ashtanga and similar in rigor, but does not strictly adhere to its sequence of poses. As for Baptiste Yoga, it was also inspired by Ashtanga. Introduced by Baron Baptiste to Californians in the 90s, it is taught like a gym class and uses a fast series of Hatha-based poses to build heat, strengthen the body, and alleviate tension.
Bikram Yoga/Hot Yoga/Sweaty Yoga
- The school of Bikram yoga, often termed “sweaty yoga”, was developed over 30 years ago by Bikram Choudhury. Classes are 90 minutes long, and held in artificially-heated 105-degree rooms. Bring a towel and water, expect to sweat profusely, and take it easy your first few classes! Like Ashtanga, its 26 specific poses always follow the same sequence. Each Bikram pose, however, is performed twice and held for an extended amount of time. Hot yoga or Sweaty yoga is similar to Bikram in that classes are held in heated rooms, but most do not adhere to the specific sequence of poses or pose-length strictly upheld in Bikram.
Hatha Yoga
- Introduced to 15th-century India by Yogi Swatmarama, Hatha poses are the foundation of most yoga classes practiced today. This means that nearly every type of yoga class in the West is a Hatha-based yoga class! Hatha (which means “sun and moon”) refers to any series of physical poses that balance the mind, body and breath. Classes specifically called “Hatha Yoga,” however, generally refer to a gentle introduction to basic yoga postures. The sequence and postures vary.
Iyengar Yoga
- Developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, this form of yoga emerged in India in 1975 and pays the utmost attention to proper alignment. Its teachers are very verbal with regard to correcting pose position, and each pose is held for an extended period of time and repeated several times. An array of blocks, blankets, straps, bolsters and other props are used to help students achieve proper alignment. Because the teachers must undergo a comprehensive 2- to 5-year training, consistently knowledgeable teachers are a benefit of taking Iyengar classes.
Kundalini Yoga
- Kundalini yoga was introduced to the West in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan. Be prepared for intense breath work! This practice of yoga involves classic poses, coordination of breath, movement and meditation in addition to chanting. Kundalini yoga focuses on the controlled release of energy found at the base of the spine, referred to as serpent power. It is a less-vigorous form of yoga focused more on breathing and chanting than movement, aiming for spiritual transformation and unity consciousness.
Vinyasa/Flow Yoga
- The Sanskrit word for “flow,” Vinyasa refers to classes known for fluid movement. The transition from pose to pose gives Vinyasa yoga an intensity similar to Ashtanga, but different in that no two classes are the same. Each class may use a unique sequence of poses.
Pre- and Post-natal Yoga
- This style of yoga caters specifically to women preparing for or recovering from childbirth.
Restorative Yoga
- Don’t come to these classes looking for a workout! These relaxing, rejuvenating classes, which originated in the U.S. in the 70s, use props like bolsters, blankets and blocks to prop students into long, passive poses that increase flexibility and range of motion without exertion. The goal is to combat the physical and mental effects of everyday stress with restful poses and deep breathing. It is also popular with students recovering from injury or dealing with chronic pain.
Yin Yoga
- This slower, more introspective form of yoga is rooted in China and recently was modernized by California yogi Paul Grilley. It focuses on deepening postures, increasing flexibility and stretching the connective tissues, especially in the hamstrings, hips and spine. Poses are held for extremely long periods - up to ten minutes.
The Austin REALTORS® at Regent Property Group appreciate the health benefits of yoga and are proud to share in the wide variety of yoga classes found in and around Austin. Our agents also help homebuyers stay on top of the Austin real estate market. On the lookout for an Austin Luxury Home? Check out Austin Home Search!
CLICK HERE to see a GUIDE to Austin YOGA STUDIOS in your area…