Tamarack Programs & Activitites > Yoga > Yoga Styles & Definitions

Yoga Styles & Definitions

All the styles of yoga have common, ancient roots, though most have developed within the last century. No style is better than the other, but each has a different emphasis. And truthfully, most instructors have been influenced by more than one style. Their teaching is a reflection of their training, the teachers they have studied with, and their own practice, all filtered through their own personalities and their own experience working with students. The following are descriptions of the styles of yoga that are represented here at Four Winds.

Ananda Yoga
Ananda Yoga¨ is a classical style of Hatha Yoga that uses asana and pranayama to awaken, experience, and begin to control the subtle energies within oneself, especially the energies of the Chakras. Its objective is to use those energies to harmonize body, mind, and emotions, and above all, to attune oneself with higher levels of awareness. One unique feature of this system is the use of silent affirmations while in the asanas as a means of working more directly and consciously with the subtle energies. Ananda Yoga is a relatively gentle, inward experience, not an athletic or aerobic practice. It was developed by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi.

Anusara Yoga
Founded by John Friend in 1997, Anusara Yoga¨ is a powerful Hatha yoga system that unifies the Tantric philosophy of intrinsic Goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment. Anusara embodies an uplifting philosophy, epitomized by a "celebration of the heart," that looks for the good in all people and all things. Consequently, students of all levels of ability and yoga experience are honored for their unique differences, limitations, and talents. Not only is Anusara an elegant system of alignment principles and non-dual philosophy, but it is also a community of highly trained teachers and fun-loving students.

Ashtanga
Developed by K. Pattabhi Jois, Ashtanga is physically demanding. It's not for beginners or anyone who's been taking a leisurely approach to fitness. It is a rigorous system of yoga, which links postures with the Sun Salutation Series and involves constant movement as well as stamina. It’s generally practiced in a heated room in order to raise “the internal fire.” The progressive sequences of Ashtanga yoga bring forth vital energy, physical stamina and peace of mind.

Chopra Yoga
Deepak Chopra’s yoga program focuses on basic Hatha yoga principles and adds in its sister science, Ayurveda, an ancient healing wisdom tradition. More than an exercise routine, this is a complete science of balanced living and a path to higher knowledge and abundance. When adhered to and practiced mindfully, the yoga principles and techniques of Chopra yoga can be the key to unlocking your full creative potential, your capacity for love and compassion, and your ability to find success in all areas of life.

Kripalu
Kripalu puts great emphasis on coordination of breath and movement, and "honoring the wisdom of the body" — you work according to the limits of your individual flexibility and strength. Students learn to focus on the physical and psychological reactions that arise in various postures, tuning in to awareness of mind, body, emotion and spirit. The stages of development of a Kripalu practice involve learning the postures, the breathing, exploring your body, and developing concentration and awareness. Then, moving from one posture to another while in that place of awareness, the practice becomes a meditation in motion.

Sivananda
Sivananda Yoga was developed by Vishnu-Devananda, who wrote one of the contemporary Yoga classics, "The Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga," first published in 1960, and still one of the best introductions to yoga available. He named Sivananda Yoga after his own teacher, Swami Sivananda. This style of yoga focuses on pranayama, classic asanas, and relaxation, and includes diet, positive thinking and meditation. Sivananda Yoga practice consists of twelve basic poses that seek to increase strength, flexibility, proper breathing, and ease in meditation. Sivananda now has over eighty centers worldwide and is considered one of the largest yoga schools in the world.

Viniyoga
Viniyoga arose from the practice of Sri. T. Krishnamacharya, who developed practices for individual conditions and purposes. Sri. T. Krishnamacharya is the teacher of well-known contemporary masters B.K.S. Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois and Indra Devi. His own son, T.K.V. Desikachar, continued with his principles and developed Viniyoga. Viniyoga makes use of modified yoga poses that can be designed to meet the specific needs of an individual and to enhance healing, flexibility and strength of joints. Practices may include pranayama, meditation, reflection, study and other classic elements, but the emphasis of Viniyoga is on coordinating breath and movement.

DEFINITIONS

Drop-in
Classes anyone can drop into

Series
A set of sequential classes that requires preregistration

Senior Stretch
Easy stretches

Gentle Level 1
Beginning yoga at a level that stays slow and gentle

Level 1
Presents yoga for those who are new to yoga or wish to work on the basics

Level 1+
For “Active” Beginners

Level 2
Continuing Level, deepening the experience

Level 1-2
Mixed Beginning/Continuing

Level 3
Intermediate yoga, requires strength, stamina, flexibility, practice

Level 4
Advanced practice