Which style of yoga is right for me? Here’s a primer, with a caveat

By Albert Stumm

To some people, the word “ yoga ” evokes ritualistic chanting, long breaths and slow movement. To others, it means contorting your body into ever more complicated positions until sweat drips onto the mat.

In reality, it can be both — with a lot of variation in between. It depends on the teacher, who could be trained in several of numerous yoga styles: hatha, vinyasa, Iyengar, ashtanga, yin and more.

Though all styles involve poses (asanas), they differ in significant ways. Even classes within the same style can range from calming to vigorous.

So, what is the best type of class for a beginner?

“The best is the one that works for you,” said Tim Senesi, who has been teaching yoga in Orange County, California, for 22 years. “There are many different paths leading toward the same aim.”

Here’s a primer on some of the most popular styles,