If you are new to yoga, you're probably not familiar with all the funny names and terms. But don't worry ! This page should help to clarify !
So nowadays, yoga classes are mostly asana practice focused (physical practice in Sanskrit). They might include pranayama exercices (breath control exercices in Sanskrit), meditation sometimes (Dhyana in Sanskrit), and should all finish with Savasana (resting pose for few minutes of relaxation at the end). There are many different schools and styles of yoga.
I teach some of them so to help you out understanding them, here is a short glossary !
Vinyasa is a type of yoga that links movement and breath to attain balance in the mind and body. From the Sanskrit "to place in a special way," vinyasa aligns a deliberate sequence of poses with the breath to achieve a continuous flow. Inhalation is usually connected to upward, open movements, while exhalation is often tied to downward movements or twists.
Vinyasa flow classes include breathing techniques, warm-up, standing and balancing poses, backbends, twists and always finish with a delightful savasana (relaxation in stillness to close the practice). As opposed to Ashtanga Yoga, which is at the roots of Vinyasa Yoga and is made of repetitive set series of poses, the flow of poses will vary depending on themes and focus. It makes it a very playful and enjoyable non-repetitive yoga practice.
Gentle yoga is suitable to all levels but may be even more suitable to people dealing with injuries, older people, people suffering from chronic pains or complete beginners. This slow moving yoga class of low intensity is perfect to restore energy and internal balance.
The classes include breathing techniques, light twists, seated forward folds, gentle backbends and more accessible sun salutations variations.
Power yoga is an active and athletic, Western style of yoga, created simultaneously by American yoga teachers Beryl Bender Birch and Bryan Kest in the 1980s. Power yoga classes move quickly through the poses and each pose is held for only three to five breaths.
Power yoga has become popular in the Western world for its fitness-centric approach to yoga.
Yoga nidra, a Sanskrit term meaning "yogic sleep" is a deep relaxation technique and a form of meditation.
Yoga Nidra practice results in deep relaxation and expands the individual's self-awareness.
Becoming a mother is a very special journey. This time of great change and transformation is a time for women to reconnect to their innate life-giving powers and intuitive wisdom.
Pregnant women naturally experience daily shifts and changes both physically and emotionally and Yoga is a powerful and effective tool which can help to adapt to these changes.
Postnatal classes include baby(ies) who remain present throughout the practice at all times and can even be part of the movement and physical poses.