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Definitions

Types of Yoga

Ashtanga –
A vigorous, fast moving, style of yoga which consists of a set series of poses. Starting with sun salutations, the same sequence of poses are practiced every class, allowing participants to see their progress.
There are six series, but most people never make it through the second. The first is called “Primary Series” but don’t let the name fool you: it is a difficult, challenging workout.

Gentle Beginners –
A slower class with more explanation, designed to introduce novices to yoga. Also contains explanations of how to modify the poses to your body type.

Partner Yoga –
Yoga poses that are done with a group or partner.

Power Yoga –
A fast vinyasa flow class. Often done in a heated room.

Restorative –
A slow moving style of yoga designed to relax and refresh. Excellent for when you are tired, injured or late in the day.

Vinyasa Flow –
A style of yoga where the poses transition smoothly one to another. Each class has different poses, and might have a different emphasis or focus. The flow can be fast or slower, depending on the results desired.



Yoga Terms

Asana -
The physical poses of yoga.

Chitta Vritti –
(Sanskrit) often translated as fluxion or movement of the mind. The constant thinking, or chatter, of the mind. Practicing yoga can help to quiet it down and allow you to focus.

Drishti –
"Gaze point". Each pose has a spot to focus on while doing the pose. Some styles emphasize drishti more than others.

Prana –
Energy or life force

Pranayama –
Exercises in breath control, or methods of breathing, that are part of the yoga system.

Props –
Tools to help one do yoga poses. Blocks, straps, towels, blankets and bolsters are some common props. Some styles, such as Iyengar and Restorative use props more frequently than others.

Samskara –
(Sanskrit) a pattern or habit of body or mind. Yoga helps you see these habitual patterns.

Sanskrit –
An ancient Indic language that is the classical literary language of India and of yoga. Sanskrit names for poses and terms are still used today.