Because of its heritage, yoga has many novel names and descriptions. The word yoga actually means, "to join or yoke together." The goal of yoga is to bring one's body and mind together in harmony. For many western people, yoga is primarily a physical challenge. Across the Pacific, yoga is practiced primarily for overall health and spiritual enlightenment.

The classical techniques of yoga date back more than 5,000 years. Hatha yoga includes the physical postures ("asanas") and techniques used in yoga classes. Around the world, different yoga leaders or gurus have developed their own ways of presenting hatha yoga to students. Lynne Gardner of Tahoe City told me, "You could practice everyday of your life, approach it from all different angles, and in your life time barely touch what yoga is."

Most people find that taking a class is the best way to begin to discover yoga. Here are some of the most common types of yoga taught in the United States.

Ashtanga Yoga
This technique's most famous teacher was Sri Pattabhi Jois, who just turned 90 and lives in Mysore, India. Ashtanga emphasizes synchronizing one's breath with a progressive series of postures. The postures flow from one level to the next to build strength, flexibility, and stamina. Ashtanga literally means "eight-limbed" yoga, each limb bringing an individual closer to revealing his or her true, internal self. While advanced Ashtanga classes are very difficult, many yoga centers offer classes for beginners.

Vinyasa Yoga
Some people refer to Jois' system as Vinyasa or Power Yoga. Like Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga students follow a series of postures while using their breath to link the poses. However, the postures may differ from the more formal-set series of Asthanga postures. The yoga instructor typically creates Vinyasa sequences.

Bikram Yoga
Named after and originated by Bikram Choudhury, Bikram is now taught in over 100 locations in America. Bikram is unique because the yoga studio is heated to over 100 degrees with high humidity. Each class follows the same pattern of a twenty-six posture series, scientifically designed to enhance the mind and body by warming and stretching the muscles. Some students can't handle the heat, while others love the high temperatures as they allow one to get more limber and cleanse one's body by sweating heavily.

The Iyengar Method
This school was developed by BKS Iyengar, a teacher from India who is also now in his 80s. Precision and alignment are emphasized and students are encouraged to stay for long durations of time in each posture.

In order to help new students to get their bodies into proper alignment for the postures, props such as belts, ropes, and blocks are used extensively. The goal is to master each technique with props and then move on to doing it without the props. Iyengar preaches that through the practice of yoga, a person can become the best at what he or she can be by applying oneself. Iyengar's emphasis on fundamentals is useful for everyone from beginners to advanced students who want to learn to do the postures correctly. It is also an excellent method for people with physical ailments.

Kundalini Yoga
Also known as the yoga of awareness, this school was originally developed by yogi Bhajan. The emphasis is on breath, postures, mantra chanting, and meditation. Kundalini is an invigorating practice that stimulates the nervous system and improves strength and flexibility. It includes simple yoga techniques for beginning to advanced students.

Kripalu Yoga
Known as the yoga of consciousness, Kripalu was developed by Amrit Desai, founder of the Kripalu Center of Health and Healing in Lenox, Massachusetts. Kripalu is another form of Kundalini yoga focused on psychological happiness as well as the physical knowledge of postures. It stresses proper body alignment and applying the principals of yoga to life. Classes will vary depending upon the instructor.

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A person's yoga experience will depend heavily on his or her teacher. Julie Ness recommends that students "start with a yoga basics class, or a class for beginners, then experiment with each type of practice. Find a practice that both challenges and comforts you." Lynne Gardner feels, "There is something great in every form of yoga."