In its basic definition, the word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit Yogum or Yuga and to Yoke is to unite, join, or union. At the simple level, it is the union of body, mind and spirit and the practices to achieve this union.  3000-5000 years old, encapsulated by the Sage Patajanli (-300BC) into a system of Yoga with 8 steps: personal and universal commandments, posture work, breathing work as the initial outer steps, leading to the inner steps: detachment, concentration, meditation and enlightment.

Most systems and schools of Yoga in the world (and western world) do emphasise today 3-5 fundamental points: proper exercise, breathing, relaxation/meditation - proper diet/nutrition

Which Yoga is for you / Different Styles

Ashtanga Yoga: Inspiration for many Vinyasa Dynamic Yoga Style. Traditionally Mysore India Style, sequences.  Practice is smooth and uninterrupted moving with the breath using the Ujjayi victorious breath. The student learns to observe whatever arises from the mind/body without holding on to it or rejecting it. With continued practice, this skill of attentive non-attachment takes over outside the mat into all aspects of life. Founder K Pattabhi Joi’s.

Lyengar yoga: using props and variations in a few poses to understand basic structure of the poses and master the proper alignment. Props make the practice accessible to all. Obj for beginners is physical awareness, strength and flexibility. Founded by BKS Lyengar.

Both BKS Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois were trained by Krishnamacharya, whose lineage includes many more Yoga Schools such a Viniyoga style from Desikachar his son.

Hatha Yoga: recoups all of the styles above and many more, broadly referring to the physical practice of yoga, with more emphasis on the breathing than alignment and a non sequential order of postures. Here we hold postures for a number of breaths.