HATHA

Hatha is a very general term that can encompass many of the physical types of yoga. The word "hatha" means sun and moon, yoga means "union" so hatha yoga loosely can be defined as a union between everything under the sun and moon.  If a class is described as Hatha style, it is probably going to be slow-paced and gentle, and can provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses.

VINYASA

Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that is used to describe many different types of classes. Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized movement, tends to be a more vigorous style based on the performance of a series of poses called Sun Salutations in which movement is matched to the breath. A Vinyasa class will typically start with a number of Sun Salutations to warm up the body for more intense stretching which is done at the end of class.

ASHTANGA & POWER YOGA

Ashtanga, which means eight limbs in Sanskrit, is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga. A set series of poses is performed, always in the same order. Ashtanga practice is very physically demanding, because of the constant movement from one pose to the next. In yoga terminology, this movement is called flow. Ashtanga is also the inspiration for what is often called Power Yoga. If a class is described as Power Yoga, it will be based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not necessarily keep strictly to the set Ashtanga series of poses.

IYENGAR

Based on the teachings of the yogi B.K.S Iyengar, this style of practice is most concerned with bodily alignment. In yoga, the word alignment is used to describe the precise way in which your body should be positioned in each pose in order to obtain the maximum benefits of the pose and avoid injury. Iyengar practice usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods versus moving quickly from one pose to the next (flow). Also, Iyengar practice encourages the use of props, such as yoga blankets, blocks and straps in order to bring the body into alignment.

KUNDALINI

The emphasis in Kundalini is on the breath in conjunction with physical movement, with the purpose of freeing energy in the lower body and allowing it to move upwards. All asana practices make use of controlling the breath, but in Kundalini, the exploration of the effects of the breath (also called prana, meaning energy) on the postures is essential. Kundalini uses rapid, repetitive movements rather than holding poses for a long time, and the teacher will often lead the class in call and response chanting.

All other forms of yoga are based on yoga teacher's coming up with their own style of yoga--sort of like Iyengar developing a new way of doing the asanas (poses) with props and emphasizing alignment over breath.  You will hear of Bikram, Anusaura, Integral, Kripalu, Forrest and of course, Yolinna Yoga. 

YOLINNA YOGA borrows from many of these traditions and also adds Tai Chi, Chi Gong, BioSpiritual Focusing & Energy work with chakras and Reiki.  Since I have been trained in all of these styles & philosophies  I find myself able to switch styles as necessary for what I "feel" my class needs that day.  The Masters that I have been privileged to work with have all been very creative and have encouraged me to find my own path and that is how Yolinna Yoga has come to be.  It is a blending of yoga, meditation, breath & energy work, with the emphasis on learning to accept yourself as you are today and allowing yourself room to grow.

However, the easy answer is Yolinna Yoga is Hatha/Ashtanga/Iyengar/Vinyasa Yoga.  With a bit of Kundalini & Oriental Martial Arts added for good measure. And of course, an occasional Restorative or Acu-Yoga and Thai Massage Day.... Namaste'