Yoga has been around for more than 5,000 years. It was originally developed in India to unite the mind, spirit and body. Sometimes people think of yoga as strictly a physical exercise but in reality, the mind plays a big role in yoga exercises as keeping the mind still and unifying consciousness are very important.

Hatha is a Sanskrit word meaning "willful" and yoga is translated as "union" or "communion". This is understood as mediation in action. While the term Hatha yoga is familiar to many who practice yoga; it is not a particular style of yoga.

There are many different style of yoga. Some of the most popular include:

Ananda Yoga - This slower-paced style form is great for beginners who wish to cultivate spirituality and learn how to meditate.

Ashtanga Yoga - This form is not for the beginner and becomes more strenuous with progression. The postures are linked together in a continuous flow while ujjayi breathing is practiced. While it is challenging, it does build strength, stamina and flexibility.

Bikram Yoga - This form is not for the beginner. Consisting of a sequential series of twenty-six postures done in continuous flow, this form requires a great deal of work. During this practice, the room is heated to 100 degrees or more to promote sweating that helps release toxins from the body.

Kundalini and tantra yoga - With both of these styles, activating the energy centers in the body called chakras is the main focus and the core body is explored rather than the limbs as a method to move to the center seeing the body as rivers of energy.

Raja Yoga - This form is good for the beginner and focuses more on meditation with less emphasis on strength.

Sevananda Yoga - this form is a holistic approach that focuses on uniting the body, heart, spirit and mind through 5 basic principles including a vegetarian diet, meditation, Vedic sculptures, proper relaxation and proper breathing.

Tivamukti Yoga - With this form, postures, spiritual teachings, readings, music meditation, and charting arte all incorporated into the class.

Many other forms of yoga including integral, phoenix rising and kripalu yoga exist but the goals however in all remain the same: To free one's self from negative thoughts that may be draining the body; to teach a grater awareness and understanding of one's body and to have the mental and spiritual balance strengthened.

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