Styles
Vinyasa or Power:
These two forms are most heavily influenced by Ashtanga, above. In vinyasa yoga, postures "flow" or connect to one another in dance-like movements that promote balance, strength, grace, and cardiovascular health. Power Yoga, an American-born form of yoga, eliminates the traditional Hatha tendency to pause between postures. The result is an active and vigorous workout.
Hatha:
Hatha yoga refers to the physical practice of the yoga postures. Hatha yoga is differentiated from other forms of yoga, such as Karma yoga (an act of selfless giving). The Sanskrit word for a yoga posture is asana.
Ashtanga:
Ashtanga means 'eight limbs' and is described in the Yoga Sutras written 2,300 years ago by the great Indian sage Patanjali as the 8-step path to true yoga (union of body, mind & soul). The third step, ASANA (postures), is the foundation that purifies body and mind. By practicing correct Vinyasa (breathing movement system), the body produces an intense internal heat and purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind. Each Ashtanga class begins with an opening prayer followed by Sūrya namaskāra (sun salutations A & B) and closes with a prayer. The Primary Series of Ashtanga yoga is defined by a specific series of postures, uijayi breath and bandhas (energetic locks). It is the combination of the three that we create a lightness and float through our practice. At Transformational Yoga Studio we devote our Ashtanga classes to the learning and practice of the Primary Series. There are six progressively more challenging series in Astanga.
Kundalini & Meditation:
Kundalini yoga in the tradition of Yogi Bhajan, who brought the style to the West in 1969, focuses on the controlled release of Kundalini energy. The practice involves classic poses, breath, coordination of breath and movement, meditation.