As a yoga teacher, I get asked daily about which yoga is right, wrong, better or worse. Truthfully, you need to find a style that speaks to you, which can be hard to do when you don't know what the differences are!

yoga quick-guide

anusara: Playful. Expect to laugh and go upside down.
ashtanga: Athletic and vigorous.
bikram's: Consistent poses and very heated.
hatha: Foundation for many yoga styles. Great for beginners.
hot: Make sure to bring a towel - or two!
iyengar/restorative: With a focus on structure, usually uses blocks, straps for support.
kundalini: Focused on meditation and breathing.
power: An athletic and physically challenging style.
vinyasa/flow: A rhythmic class with lots of movement. Great for your 3rd or 4th class.
yin: A slow class that will take you deeper than you've ever gone.

Keep reading for the extended version of the above list to help you find a style that's right for you.

anusara

Expect a playful class with a strong focus on proper alignment and Tantric yoga philosophy (not what you're thinking). It (like most yoga) is derived from Hatha yoga.

ashtanga

This practice is very athletic and made up of six vigorous series of postures. It's one of the oldest forms of yoga and is considered to be the foundation of much of the yoga we see today in the west.

bikram

You're going to sweat in a Bikram's class, more than you ever thought was possible. Bikram yoga consists of 26 postures and breathing exercises repeated twice (that’s right 90 minutes) in a room heated to 105 degrees. Heads up - humidity is 40% and will knock you over the first time.

hatha

The foundation of every style of yoga mentioned here. Traditional Hatha yoga is a holistic path that includes disciplines, physical postures (asana), purification procedures, breathing (pranayama), and meditation. Hatha practiced in the West consists of mostly physical postures and is also recognized as a gentle introductory yoga for people new to yoga.

hot

By adding heat it is said that classes will help you lose weight, loosen your muscles (by adding increased range of motion) and improve your cardiovascular system. It differs from Bikram's in that the series of postures are not always (but can be) in any particular order and modifications are often offered.

iyengar/restorative

Expect a class emphasizing healing the body and mind through use of supported postures. One of the oldest forms of yoga, it’s for a person who loves technical intricacies and is also great for people who are new to yoga or have any issues with their health.

kundalini

Don't be surprised if your waving your hands like you just don't care or laughing uncontrollably (it's a type of meditation- I swear), this practice is intended to wake up the kundalini energy coiled at the base of your spine while activating chakras (energetic centers in the body), as well as detoxing the body and mind.

power

Many say Power yoga is the Western interpretation of Ashtanga. It is sometimes done in a heated room and focuses on the breath as fuel for the practice. This practice can be challenging for beginners, but is a nice balance to more gentle forms of yoga once you become comfortable with the different postures.

vinyasa/ flow

Derived from Ashtanga yoga, expect a class full of rhythmical flow (often combined with music) connecting each moment with unifying pranayama (breath). Classes can be more meditative or focused on the natural movement of the body, almost like dancing through postures. A great transition from Hatha when you’re looking for more of a challenge.

yin

Some believe that Yin yoga is the oldest form of Hatha yoga, since it is the ideal method of physical conditioning for prolonged meditation. Don't let the props and gentle movement fool you, this is not a form of restorative yoga. The long holds require that you focus and release all effort from the muscles.

Yin classes often use props like bolsters or blocks.

last but not least

Remember: your body is your best guide. You don’t have to stick to one kind of yoga, just do what your body needs!

There are many other styles not mentioned here that I encourage you to discover for yourself. Finally, if their is one piece of advice I can leave you with is: if it doesn't feel right, don't do it.

Want to try a complimentary yoga class? If you live near a lululemon location, find a complimentary yoga class near you.

you asked

I was in a car accident 2 years ago and have taken a couple of Pilates classes to try and help heal my body. I am wondering though if yoga would be a better choice for me and to help me overcome the whiplash I suffered? I also suffer from a stress related illness (IBS) and wonder if Yoga would help that too? I am interested in Bikram but afraid it might be too intense to begin with. Please let me know what the best route would be for me to take so I can get back to being a healthy me! - Brittany

a yogi answers

Dear Brittany,

I would definitely begin a yoga practice, and would certainly avoid Bikram, which can be a bit intense as you begin. I would probably recommend that you begin a practice outside of a hot room, particularly if you are looking to heal your body. So try to find a more neutral environment. If you haven’t practiced for very long, and are beginning to explore you may also benefit a lot from a more restorative practice. Pilates classes will also be great for your body, but the breath work in yoga will bring you the most benefit in handling stress or a stress-related illness – you will take great leaps!

- Grace, lululemon Queen St. ambassador

what is ask a yogi?

Ask a Yogi is a yoga advice column that is published on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays. If you have a yoga question for future yoga panels, please email askanexpert@lululemon.com.

Meet Jen, from Merchandise Planning!

what are you most passionate about?

Absolutely without a doubt I am most passionate about my husband. He is my favourite person! We have a blast playing and travelling together. We are also very real; we talk it out when we have to. I have so much passion in making our relationship the best that it can be. I am also very passionate about reminding the people in my life just how awesome they are.

Jen and her husband in Egypt, touring the pyramids of Giza.

what is the scariest thing you've ever done? Are you glad you did it?

Jumping out of an airplane was the scariest thing I have ever done. I was absolutely terrified during our ascent in the plane. I couldn't speak. And I’m fairly certain that I screamed for the entire freefall. Oh yes, I am glad I did it. Oh no, I will never do it again.

what is your favorite way to sweat?

I am a big fan of sweating. The sweatiest I have ever been is during a hot sweaty Bikram yoga class. I L-O-V-E yoga. Currently I am drawn to the very deep and restorative types of yoga. But I go through phases where I am all about the muscle-y power yoga or the hot-hot-hot yoga. I also love the feeling of a run in the sunshine, and I absolutely dig surfing, scuba diving, backpacking & snowboarding.

Jen finishing the famous Oregon Hood to Coast, 180 mile (290k), 12 person team relay.

what is the best place you've travelled to (or the place you'd love to go to)?

It is so incredibly difficult to choose one place, but I have to say the island of Bonaire. My experience snorkeling and diving around that island was so dreamy, the memories are so vivid. And there is a sea turtle swimming those waters right now that still holds a very special place in my heart. Runners up are Thailand, Sydney, Australia, and my oh-so-dreamy honeymoon in Belize. Next on the list is somewhere in the Pacific Islands.

Jen snorkeling on the Island of Bonaire, 80km of the coast of Venezuela.

coolest thing about being a merchandise planner?

The coolest thing about merchandise planning is that we really dig into the biz. We know how the business did last year. We know what our targets are as a company for the future. And we know how we are tracking to those targets. We are always waist-deep in what is working and what is not. It’s cool to know all that stuff and apply our learnings to the future. Plus, partnering with the merchants we are always close to the product, which of course we are all wild and crazy about.

Attention all passionate, fun, energetic, constantly aspiring embodiments of greatness: you could be the next Jen. If you think you have some greatness to bring to the Merchandise Planning team, check out the lululemon careers page.

Like your first day of high school, your first kiss, your first day on a new job, or even a first date; there's a sense of excitement, nervousness and curiosity that makes you feel alive. My first yoga class was pretty much scripted to fall along these same 'first time' lines.

A friend of mine convinced me to attend a Bikram class. I come from a team sports background, and flexibility really was never my strong suit. So standing next to my friend - who used to be a dancer - and trying to do a simple forward bend to touch my toes was a bit embarrassing. The class was filled with yogis who easily balanced on one foot and could fold in half with little push (or physical pain).

I felt out of place... for the first 15 minutes.

Then something clicked. As I sat cross-legged - my blood pressure had dropped and I needed a bit of a break - and watched everyone else balance on their seemingly effortless yet completely graceful Dancer's pose, I realized that no one even paid me any mind. The fact that I was taking a break didn't bother them or their practice. Their energy was focused on something uniquely their own, and I was completely relieved and very intrigued.

Do one thing a day that scares you! It doesn't matter how difficult that one thing is, or how much energy it takes. Yoga has profoundly changed my life, and I'm certain it will yours too. Just give yourself that chance to become truly at ease with the energy and realize that you're just one person in this great, big, giant pool that is the universe, and that stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging your body, mind and soul is the only way you'll ever know the greatness you can achieve.

We're not meant for mediocrity, we're meant for greatness. Be great; even if all that means is stepping into your first yoga class and learning the beauty of your first savasana.

Namaste.

Let me start by saying that I'm quite partial to this topic. Hot yoga is my absolute favourite. I crave it, I (sometimes) dread it, but I always love it.

To say that hot yoga is good for you is an understatement. Though it may feel unbearable at times, hot yoga offers unique health benefits that get you absolutely hooked. Being in a hot room gets your muscles (and the connective tissue around those muscles) limber letting you go further into that stretch. The cardiovascular benefits along with the added toning and strengthening elements help make hot yoga one of the most well-balanced workouts I've ever come across. On its own, it can do wonders, but partnered with a running routine - it's the perfect compliment.

I used to get very confused as to what 'hot yoga' actually meant, and it wasn't until I took the time to go to different classes that I really learned what I was getting into. The two most prominent types of hot yoga are Bikram and Moksha. Though they have many similarities, they're very different in practice.

Both Moksha and Bikram are a series of Hatha poses held for 30-60 seconds. While Bikram repeats every posture twice, Moksha incorporates a handful of flows to get the heart rate up and helps deepen the breath. Bikram is also practiced in a room at a few degrees hotter than Moksha; this is always relative to how many people are in the class - the more people, the hotter it gets. I especially love Moksha because of the instructor's ability to take creative license with each class; this energy really resonates with me and I've learned that some of my most creative moments come after a class - after countless hip and heart openers. That's what has kept me all these years, and I'm certain it's what will keep me coming back for years to come.

So should you ever want to try hot yoga, whether it's Moksha or Bikram, grab your mat (studios have mats to rent as well), your water bottle, and a towel and get ready to sweat and feel zen all in the same breath. It's rather liberating to feel so completely calm during such an amazing workout! Give it a try, I promise you won't be disappointed!

Namaste.

Above: Lindsay keeps cool in a pair of Boogie On Shorts and a Power Y Tank.

Adding heat to certain things introduces an element of fun: popcorn kernels, a relationship, even the yoga room! My first hot yoga class was not what I expected and I felt muscles the next day I didn’t know I had. I avoided hot yoga for a few weeks, but then decided to try another class with a different style. I felt more in tune with my body and its needs, and I now have a newfound love for the heated room.

For those who haven’t tried hot yoga, here are some tips for first timers that want to give it a try.

Do your research

What are some popular hot yoga studios in your community? Ask friends that have been to a hot yoga class and see how they liked it. If you like structure and routine, Bikram may be for you. If you prefer a little more variety each class in poses and intensity, try Moksha. Many studios have a one week unlimited class pass for beginners, so don’t be afraid to ask.

What to bring

A yoga mat, water, towel, and an open mind. If you’re a quick sweat-er, join the club! Start with a regular beach or shower towel beside you, but you might find it beneficial to lay it across your whole mat. Some prefer a yogi-toes towel because they add extra grip to your hands, feet and mat.

What to wear

Comfort is key. I personally love my Cool Racerback Tank as a staple top. For bottoms, I alternate between Boogie On Shorts for a closer fit, and my Rock Out Crops for more coverage on my legs. Both items are moisture wicking and four-way stretch, perfect for a heated class. If you prefer natural fabrics, try lighter weight cottons like pima cotton.

Before class

Avoid heavy meals 2 hours before your class and try not to snack anything too big right before your class. Arrive 15-20 minutes before your first class. If you happen to catch your instructor before the class begins, let him/her know it’s your first time! Find a space either in the middle or the back of the room so you can follow along easily and have a good view of the instructor. Relax ☺

What to expect

You’ll get sweaty and hot quickly so sip water when you need to. More importantly, breathe deeply. The heat will alter your breaths so make sure this is top of mind. And never do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing. Child’s pose and savasana/corpse pose are encouraged when you need a rest.

After class

The heat from hot yoga is meant to detoxify you. Make sure to drink plenty of water after your class. Notice how you feel that evening and the following day before you attend another class.

The greatest thing about hot yoga is that anyone can try it, and anyone can do it. You don’t have to be experienced or flexible, just open to a new experience that could add a little hot fun in your life!

When I was 15, I learned what it meant to be dehydrated. We were at a school event - an overnight sports marathon affectionately termed the 'Marafun' - and my hands ballooned to the size of ski-gloves. Now, if you saw my hands to begin with, you'd know they're rather small, perhaps even freakishly small. So I was absolutely terrified. Embarrassed as I was, I got up the nerve to ask our supervising teacher what was wrong. She asked if I had been drinking any liquids - I shook my head as I was having far too much fun to take a water break. She took me over to the teacher's staff room and handed me a large glass of water.

"Drink it." She said.

I obliged. After polishing off the glass, she refilled it and again ordered me to drink it. A bit confused, I did as I was told.

After I was filled to the brim, she explained that it being 3am, and me being immersed in activity and not replenishing my fluids, I was simply dehydrated. At 15 I didn't really get it. I didn't understand why I needed to drink water when I wasn't even thirsty. It wasn't until I started doing Moksha yoga that I fully understood the amazingness that is water.

On my first Moksha experience, having only tried Bikram a few times prior, I was quite naive to the process. I showed up to the class with my water bottle and my mat. Within the first 5 minutes I became extremely light headed and had to sit out for a better part of the rest of the class. Realizing it was my blood pressure I made it my personal mission to drink a large quantity of water during the days I'd be doing Moksha. And it helped. I was able to curtail my light-headed spells, and I was actually sweating. Never before in my athletic life had I sweat as much as I did in a one hour Moksha class. Some will argue that it's the crazy heat, but I've gotten to know my body fairly well over the years. The days that I'm fully hydrated and the days that I've slacked on my water intake; there's a HUGE and very noticeable difference. I was so excited about this observation, that I went out and bought a skidless yoga towel to soak up my sweat!

Side note: Isn't it weird that a blue towel with orange trim can make walk with a bit more bounce in your step as you walk through the studio doors. Dorky as it is...

I challenge anyone who reads this to drink the recommended amount of water a day (click here for an easy conversion calculator based on your activity level and weight) for a week straight and see the difference in your body. Your skin is a little less dry and a little more clear, your hair a bit shinier, your sweat a little less salty. You'll feel a bit more energized, and your recovery time after a work-out will seriously lessen! If these aren't reasons to up your water intake... I'm not quite sure what is!

So find a vehicle (my Om Water Bottle has been my best friend for the past few months), decide if you like your beverage plain and cold, room temp with a kick, or whatever other combination. My personal favourite is plain ol' filtered tap water, slightly chilled, sometimes with sliced cucumbers and sometimes with sliced strawberries. Love.

And next time you're feeling a bit drained raise your glass of aqua and remember that we are what we drink!

Namaste.