Iyengar

Iyengar concentrates on carefully aligning the body, using straps, blocks and pillows to help students who lack flexibility. Useful for physical therapy because it focuses on the movement of the joints.

Kripalu

Students learn to focus on their physical and psychological reaction to various postures. There are three stages: learning the poses, holding the poses and combining them into a kind of meditation in motion.

Kundalini

Kundalini Yoga is called the "Yoga of Awareness" combining breathing, rhythmic movement, chanting, meditation, stretching, and relaxation, to work on every aspect of your body, mind, and being. It is an efficient method of practicing Yoga. According to the Yoga Scriptures one year of perfect practice of Kundalini Yoga is equivalent to 12 years of Hatha Yoga plus 3 years of Mantra Yoga plus1 year Laya Yoga.

Viniyoga

This is a highly customized form of yoga. Viniyoga teachers cater the stretching postures to individual student needs and abilities. Function is stressed over form, with an emphasis on integrating the flow of the breath with the movement of the spine.

Sivananda

Sivananda calls for the rigorous application of yoga postures, breathing exercises, relaxation, vegetarian diet, and study of scriptures.

Ashtanga (Power Yoga)

For those looking for a serious workout. Students jump from one pose to another to build strength, stamina and flexibility - all the while practicing breath control. Best for athletes and dancers.

Jivamukti

A variation on Ashtanga with an emphasis on spiritual training, including chanting, meditation and readings. Currently popular with celebrity devotees, including Madonna and Christy Turlington.

Bikram or Choudhury (Hot Yoga)

Hot and sweaty. With the thermostat set to 100°F or more, students are led through 26 postures designed to stretch muscles and tendons in a certain order. One of the newest variations, this one is not for the faint of heart.