Hatha: Hatha yoga refers to the physical practice of the yoga postures. Hatha yoga is differentiated from other forms of yoga, such as Bakti (devotion) or Karma yoga (selfless giving). The Sanskrit word for a yoga posture is asana.
Ashtanga: Ashtanga yoga is a flowing series of postures promoting strength and cardiovascular health as well as improved concentration. The Astanga Primry Series as taught by Sri K. Patthabi Jois is a challenging set combination of Surya Namasakar, or Sun Salutations, standing poses, twists, balancing, and inversions linked with the breath. In our practice of Ashanga, beginners are encouraged to try modifications, or easier versions, of the series' 72 postures.
Bikram: This controversial form, invented by Mr. Bikram Choudhury, is the "wild child" of yoga styles; 26 postures and two breathing exercises are performed in a room heated to at least 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Emphasis is on a total body stretch that cleanses toxins from the organs.
Iyengar: The Iyengar style involves precise bodily alignment, attention to detail, and uses props to modify and provide support in postures. An extended length of time is spent in each pose as compared to the other styles. B.K.S. Iyengar is the man widely credited with bringing yoga to the west. His 1966 book "Light on Yoga" is still considered the definitive text.
Kundalini: Emerging in 1969, Kundalini uses breath work, repetitive motion and chanting to align the body's chakras, or energy channels, located around the spine.
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.
Yin: Postures are held for a longer time to promote stamina and provide personal breakthroughs in power and flexibility.
Namaste: (pronounced “na-ma-STAY”; means, “I honor the higher power in you”)
Kim Latford has two certifications in Hatha and Astanga styles of yoga. She teaches vinyasa or power yoga and has enjoyed inspiration by practicing yoga under teachers as diverse as Sri K. Pahtabbhi Jois, Laxmikant Sukhantankar, Ph.D., Jane Shaw, John Friend, Doug Swenson, David Swenson, Rusty Wells, and Bikram Choudhury.