Vinyasa

Vinyasa may be used to describe many types of classes. Vinyasa means breath-synchronised movement and tends to be at a vigorous pace. Starting with a number of 'sun salutations' to warm up, a class will move on to more intense stretching with each pose balanced with a counter pose. If you do not know the basic poses, it may be difficult to keep up at first.

Ashtanga

Ashtanga means eight limbs in Sanskrit and is a fast moving, intense style. Based on a progressive series of poses, usually performed in the same order, Ashtanga is physically very demanding as it flows constantly from one series of movements to another. Often the choice of athletes, Ashtanga is less about meditation and more about building strength and stamina.

Power Yoga

A western interpretation of yoga, Power yoga is based on the Ashtanga 'flow' of movement and breathing, and is likely to differ only in that the poses may not be practised in a set sequence.

Bikram

Known as 'hot yoga' because it is practised in a room heated to 95-105 degrees and 40% humidity (to mirror the conditions in India), Bikram allows muscles to loosen in the heat and cleansing to occur through the release of toxins from sweating. Typically the Bikram method will follow a set of 26 intense poses and is generally recommended for yoga veterans and very fit individuals.

See also Slow-paced and Gentle Yoga

• Share online