Pick Your Yoga Practice: Exploring and Understanding Different Styles of Yoga

by Meagan McCrary

Overview

On the surface it may appear that yoga is yoga is yoga, but take a closer look and you’ll discover myriad different yoga systems and lineages. There are dozens of yoga styles to choose from, and while yoga is for everyone, not every style is the perfect fit for every person. But how do you choose between mysterious-sounding names such as Ashtanga, Kundalini, Bikram, and Kripalu? As Meagan McCrary discovered when she began exploring different classes, finding the right style is essential for establishing a steady yoga practice. Pick Your Yoga Practice is the first book to describe the most prominent yoga styles in depth, including teaching methodology, elements of practice, philosophical and spiritual underpinnings, class structure, physical exertion, and personal attention. Those new to yoga will discover they have options and can confidently attend a class of their choosing, while experienced practitioners will expand their understanding of the vast world of modern yoga, and perhaps find themselves venturing into new territory.

Styles included:

Ashtanga * Iyengar * Kundalini * Integral * Kripalu
Bikram * Jivamukti * Sivananda * Ananda
Viniyoga * Svaroopa * Power * Forrest * ISHTA
Anusara * Moksha * AcroYoga

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781608681808
Publisher:	New World Library
Publication date:	12/10/2013
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Meagan McCrary is a certified yoga instructor and journalist. Her yoga, wellness, and lifestyle writings are widely featured online and in print. She lives in Los Angeles, California, where she teaches at various Equinox Sports Clubs, and leads yoga retreats nationally and internationally.

Table of Contents

Introduction xi

Yoga Styles at a Glance xiv

Chapter 1 Yoga Explained 1

Chapter 2 America's Yoga History 17

Chapter 3 Philosophical Foundations 41

Chapter 4 Ashtanga-vinyasa Yoga 49

Chapter 5 Iyengar Yoga 65

Chapter 6 Kundalini Yoga 81

Chapter 7 Integral Yoga 105

Chapter 8 Kripalu Yoga 121

Chapter 9 Bikram Yoga 139

Chapter 10 Jivamukti Yoga 153

Chapter 11 Best of the Rest 167

Sivananda Yoga 168

Ananda Yoga 170

Viniyoga 172

Svaroopa Yoga 174

Power Yoga 176

Forrest Yoga 179

ISHTA Yoga 181

Anusara Yoga 184

Moksha Yoga 187

Aero Yoga 190

Conclusion 193

Acknowledgments 195

Endnotes 197

Resources 203

Index 207

About the Author 221

Editorial Reviews

11/04/2013
With an estimated 15.8 million yoga practitioners in the U.S., the number of new training centers has exploded. In her first book, Los Angeles–based yoga teacher McCrary provides an encyclopedia of yoga styles that helps readers define a term when reviewing a class schedule or decipher the nature of a certification claimed by a particular instructor, though most teachers will end up using methods from a variety of practices. McCrary provides an overview of the basic tenets of yoga, such as the important of breath, the significance of the bandhas, and why spirituality and philosophy sometimes play a role in the practice. In addition, the author defines Hindu yoga terms—like yoga nidra, which are often integrated in the class parlance—and translates key chants, such as the ones common in Ashtanga classes. With thorough introductions to familiar styles of yoga, this is a solid, if not scintillating, introduction, but may not provide as much guidance as the title suggests. Such a noble goal may be unreachable, as the author admits: “American yoga masters have emerged to found their own styles of yoga… to meet our evolving cultural needs and develop all-inclusive approaches.” Agent: Elizabeth Evans, Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency. (Dec.)

Publishers Weekly

“A wonderful and very helpful book to guide you through the various choices of yoga practice.”
— Doug Swenson, author of Mastering the Secrets of Yoga Flow and founder of Sadhana Yoga Chi

“Meagan McCrary captures the essence of multiple styles of yoga in this easy-to-read text. With the global explosion of yoga that has taken place over the past decade, this much-needed guide will help anyone to navigate the wide variety of choices now available. This book is an important complement to everyone’s yoga practice, providing deeper insights into the nuances of each style.”
— Kia Miller, creator of the Radiant Body Yoga DVD series

“Until Meagan McCrary’s book, choosing the right style of yoga was like blind dating. You’d have to try various styles before finding the one for you. Now, finally, there’s a guidebook. Let this book be your yoga matchmaker.”
— Brian Leaf, author of Misadventures of a Garden State Yogi

“Meagan McCrary’s book is perfect not only for those who are wondering how to choose a yoga class or style but also for those who are interested in an intelligent and thorough historical account of these yoga styles and their evolution in the West. This is a much-needed asset for anyone who’s ever been overwhelmed by the diversity of yoga methods out there!”
— Amy Ippoliti, yoga teacher and cofounder of 90 Monkeys

From the Publisher