What Is the Difference Between Bikram, Anusara, and Iyenger Yoga?

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Claire_Austen/1287637]Claire Austen

There are several different forms of yoga to choose from. This article covers the differences between three popular forms: Bikram, Anusara, and Iyenger.

Bikram

Bikram Yoga, the most popular form of Hot Yoga, is also the most structured of all yoga forms. No matter what class you attend or teacher you have, you'll always have the exact same routine.

It is practiced in a room set at 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity. The sequence always consists of the same 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises. The entire session runs exactly 90 minutes.

Bikram Yoga is named after it's inventor, Bikram Choudhury in 1974. It's been said Choudhury used this technique to heal his seriously injured knee in just six months.

Anusara

Anusara means "flowing with Nature" and "Following Your Heart." This is one of the newer forms of yoga, but the following is growing quickly.

According to the official website, "Anusara yoga is a school of Hatha yoga, which unifies a life-affirming Shiva-Shakti Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness with Universal Principles of Alignment."

Anusara yoga is essentially Hatha yoga with an emphasis on the Shiva-Shakti Tantric philosophy. It's an easy-going form of yoga, making it popular with those looking for something less strenuous.

This form was developed by John Friend in 1997. It has grown exponentially in popularity, with over 1000 certified teachers.

Iyenger

Iyenger yoga was named after its founder, B.K.S. Iyenger, one of the most well-known and well respected yogis of modern time. His practice is a testament to the its health benefits - even today at 91 he continues to practice yoga every day. Iyenger currently heads his own yoga institute in India.

Iyenger yoga was created while keeping the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in mind. This 196 sutra collection written by Sage Patanjali is a monumental tribute to yoga. Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja (BKS) Iyengar was born in 1918. He studied under Sri T. Krishnamacharya, widely agreed to be the father of modern yoga.

This type makes heavy use of props such as blocks, straps and harnesses to help you get into the perfect pose. The poses are held for several moments while concentrating on the breath. Iyenger's techniques and practices can be discovered in his ground-breaking book titled "Light on Yoga." This book has more than 600 photos illustrating both poses and breathing exercises.

In addition to Light on Yoga, Iyenger wrote a book on breathing meditation techniques titled "Light on Pranayama."

To learn more about [http://www.eyogaforbeginners.com]beginning yoga, visit [http://www.eyogaforbeginners.com]www.eyogaforbeginners.com

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-the-Difference-Between-Bikram,-Anusara,-and-Iyenger-Yoga?&id=6882183] What Is the Difference Between Bikram, Anusara, and Iyenger Yoga?