To the uninitiated, it may seem like there is only one kind of yoga, a series of stretches and exercises rooted in Eastern spirituality and approaches to well-being. 

However, a little study will show there are several different forms of yoga, including Hasha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa. Indeed, there are actually no fewer than 13 different yoga styles. The term yoga itself translates as “the union of the soul with its higher self or ultimate source of consciousness,” but this can be pursued in different ways.

Anyone who wants to try Ashtanga Yoga in Marlow can call on our experts to teach them. It is a modern form founded in the 20th century by teacher T. Krishnamacharya for his energetic student Patthabi Jois. Based in Mysore, India, the school of Ashtanga has focused on the purification of body and mind through various posture flows.

Drawing on the principles of older Hatha traditions, its name comes from a compound of two words – Ashta and Anga – with the first meaning the number eight and the second meaning limb.

Don’t worry, though – this isn’t a type of yoga just for octopuses. The eight limbs in questions are the central principles of yoga, each of which are brought into the various poses, postures and stretches you will perform in this style.

Ashtanga is a vigorous style and one that has become increasingly popular in the west from the 1990s. Because it can be physically challenging, it is something that will take a bit of time to get the hang of. However, that also means it can go a long way towards getting you fit, helping you keep your joints in great shape and feeling good.

A number of other styles of yoga, including hot yoga, Vinyasa yoga and power yoga, are derivations from Ashtanga Yoga, so once you are familiar with Ashtanga you can give these a try too.