Pick Your Yoga Practice: Exploring and Understanding Different Styles of Yoga

by Meagan McCrary

On the surface it may appear that yoga is yoga is yoga, but take a closer look and you’ll discover myriad different yoga systems and lineages. There are dozens of yoga styles to choose from, and while yoga is for everyone, not every style is the perfect fit for every person. But how do you choose between mysterious-sounding names such as Ashtanga, Kundalini, Bikram, and Kripalu? As Meagan McCrary discovered when she began exploring different classes, finding the right style is essential for establishing a steady yoga practice. Pick Your Yoga Practice is the first book to describe the most prominent yoga styles in depth, including teaching methodology, elements of practice, philosophical and spiritual underpinnings, class structure, physical exertion, and personal attention. Those new to yoga will discover they have options and can confidently attend a class of their choosing, while experienced practitioners will expand their understanding of the vast world of modern yoga, and perhaps find themselves venturing into new territory.

Styles

Ashtanga * Iyengar * Kundalini * Integral * Kripalu
Bikram * Jivamukti * Sivananda * Ananda
Viniyoga * Svaroopa * Power * Forrest * ISHTA
Anusara * Moksha * AcroYoga

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Fitness, Self Help, Spirituality

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 2013

Reviews

[Jokoloyo · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a lot of yoga books that explain the beauty/strength of a particular school/style, but this book is my first finding (and I hope there are more similar books) that explore 15+ styles. Some styles are explored in details, 1 chapter dedicated to 1 style. Others are explored briefly on 2-3 pages length.

I like the history part, not many people know the history of yoga up to that details even for some yoga instructors. But I like the best how the author emphasize the philospohy and spirituality of (almost) all styles that discussed in this book.

I regret that I am not the targeted market segment of this book. When the author explains a yoga school, usually the author mentions the location of the yoga center of the school at USA/Canada. I don't live in North America, and many of the discussed yoga styles are not available at my country. So this book gives me hype to try many wonderful styles described in the book, but then my real-life limited access slaps me back to reality (hence the 3 star, not 4).

I recommend this book for yoga enthusiasts, who have insatiably passion to suck any yoga related information. This book could opens your yoga knowledge wider, and maybe... makes your understanding about yoga as philosophy deeper.

[Kassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has only attended one or two formal yoga classes in college and practices yoga intermittently at home, this book was way over my head. On the other hand, I have been intensely curious about the heritage of yoga and how the practice goes beyond the consumerism of American yoga culture. This book provides and in-depth look at the history of yoga, explains how different types of yoga have embraced or moved away from ancient yoga, and answers all of the questions that I felt other yoga books have merely skimmed over. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to look at the root of yoga practice and think about how their practice is affected by the long, winding path that has led us to modern yoga.

[Ryan Coons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly explains the stylistic differences and political dramas of each yoga style. The introduction summarizes each style everything in a helpful matrix; this alone is worth the price of the book.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun exploration of the history, techniques and people of some of the many different styles of yoga. I particularly enjoyed reading about some big name ones that I'd heard of many times but knew very little about (Ashtanga, Iyengar, Bikram). McCrary does a nice job delving into each style, getting insider perspectives on many. The writing keeps a positive spin on things, and in the end, I'm left wanting to try all of these styles of yoga.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and well-written synopsis of the many major styles of yoga in the West. The author differentiates between the different philosophical backgrounds and the key figures in that style of yoga. A great reference piece.

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided one day, maybe more out of boredom than anything more well intentioned, that it sure would be nice to start yoga. I wasn't seeking any of the spiritual woo-woo side of the practice -- I just wanted to feel a little strength and to embrace the shallowness that wants me to look more toned and smooth. So, yeah, why not yoga -right?

Of course I'm clueless about anything yoga beyond my old school Crunch Candlelit Yoga VHS from my middle school years, so I hit up the library for a book that might help me learn more about yoga, how to do it, and what type of class (or streaming video) might be best for my needs.

Honestly, everything I needed was really on the first two pages of this book, which showed a chart that broke down the degree of spirituality, strength, and athleticism involved in each various practice of yoga. I was able to eliminate the more spiritual, hippy-tastic, touchy-feely woo-woo type classes and narrow down to the ones that give the poses that made me feel strong and look sexy (in theory, at least).

That being said, I may not necessarily be the intended audience of this book. While I enjoyed the history of yoga in the United States leading up to the celebrity crazed body obsessed genre that yoga has become in 2018, I felt that some of the chapters on the individual schools of yoga were far too heavy and even repetitive. I didn't love that a couple of branches of yoga tied up huge chunks of the book while others were just a page or two, especially since it seemed to be the more spiritually oriented ones that comprised the bulk of the work - which are expressly the ones that don't particularly interest me at this time.

So, if your intentions are different than mine or if you attention span is greater than mine will probably ever be, you might get more than 3 stars of excellence out of this book. For me, I may end up purchasing the book at some point in the future, but it will be more for the initial chart of the different schools of yoga than for the book itself, which I doubt I'd ever reread beyond the first chapter or two, at least.

[Rachael C Marek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started practicing yoga during the Covid lockdown as a way to deal with the related stress and anxiety, and discovered something that I truly enjoyed. For some time since, I've wanted to learn more about the philosophical aspects of yoga, the reasoning behind certain poses and the breath work. I think this book is a great overview of the various yoga schools available, the history, and the possible avenues of self exploration.

Because of the lockdown, I have only been able to practice at home, without the added benefit of a teacher's personalized attention to ensure my correct alignment and advancement. This book has encouraged me to find and explore a variety of different yoga practices that aren't currently available to me to gain a better understanding of the practice and myself.

I think this book is a good introduction to yoga and why so many people for thousands of years have found it so stimulating, satisfying, and enlightening.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad to have found this book. There are so many books on yoga and most are aligned with a particular practice tradition. Pick Your Yoga Practice traces the development, emphasis and specific practices of each school of yoga. Based on her description of the school I trained in, I can say the evaluation is objective and attentive to detail. She also describes what the class experience is like for each tradition, how welcoming it is, and the types of adaptations made for students who are not yet proficient. Whether you are looking for a distinctly spiritual practice, or one more focused on body-mind development, you'll find it here. If you are new to yoga and trying to make sense of all the different "schools", this book is for you.

[Marya · Rating 3 out of 5]

As its name implies, this is more of a directory of yoga styles than anything else. She covers quite a bit, but it is not possible to be all inclusive. I enjoyed reading her summaries of ten major styles just to get an overview of the themes frequently practiced in yoga classes as well as the language used. Her short intro chapters on the history of yoga in the West and yoga philosophy are perfectly succinct; everything covered in them eventually shows up in the individual styles, but never more than that. More focused than an encyclopedia article, more detailed than a listing, more fun to read than either!

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for someone new to yoga or someone exploring different styles of yoga. The chart the author includes at the beginning is great.

After practicing yoga for decades, I take what I need and leave behind what I don't. When I teach, I draw from my training, classes I've taken, and things I've read. I teach "gym" yoga, and I'm a-ok with that. Yoga is like food - there's something to please everyone.

[Holli Keel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m trying to figure out where to start with yoga. This book explains about the history and details about so many of the different styles and schools of yoga thought. There was so much information that I got a bit overwhelmed and confused. I do have some ideas of where to go next, so I guess this book did its job.

[Dakota D · Rating 4 out of 5]

the quick history & philosophical intro was excellent and really set the stage for understanding a few of the main types of yogic practice covered. some of the writing was pretty phoned in towards the end and reprinted many fantastical “claims” without much evidence that certain yogic philosophies promise.

[Pixie Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good general introduction/overview of some different styles of yoga (covers Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kindalini, Integral, Kripalu, Bikram, Jivamukti, and a few more in less detail) as well as explaining some of the basic concepts and philosophical foundations.

[Shaunna M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative, though I’m not sure I’ll remember each style it went through there are few styles I haven’t actually tried (at least of those covered in this book) and I hadn’t known that before.

[Cyndy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Detailed

This book is perfect for anyone considering a yoga practice to know they have many options. Read this book, try them out and pick what's best for you!
Thank you

[Ebony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pick Your Yoga Practice is an excellent introduction to the popular styles of yoga. Coming from a studio that pretty much practices whatever its students need, I learned a lot about the origins and the philosophies of yoga that I’d merely read short articles on in LA Yoga or Yoga Journal. The book certainly solidified my plans for teaching training and my desire to participate in a style of yoga that has a long and storied lineage. The book is written like instructions in a good yoga class—take what you need, leave the rest, and perhaps come back for it later. For example, reading about Ashtanga and Iyengar totally called to me. I’ll be in classes by the end of the summer. Bikram sounds like my worst nightmare. And the rest, (other than Kundalini which already has my heart) were meh. Maybe in another time and place they’ll become more pertinent.
The author is without a doubt a yoga enthusiast. She certainly knows her history but all forms of yoga are paths to spiritual enlighten in her eyes. Even those most resistant, will find themselves becoming better people by practicing yoga. I must admit all of her praise for every single style despite the occasional (sexual) scandal made yoga sound more like magic than union. I can see a newbie reading the book and thinking, my hips did not release any anger—yoga must not work. There’s never any mention of how long it takes to reach one’s bliss just that one should push to the edge and keep practicing without injuring him or herself. I don’t fault her for her enthusiasm at all, but if you’re looking for a critical book that carefully assesses the pros and cons of yoga styles this isn’t it. It’s more history and how tos and then you decide which styles to choose.

[joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a thorough overview of several different styles of yoga. It helps the reader decide what style is right for them as well as exploring the history and evolution of yoga. I found it particularly helpful that the author repeated common yogic terms (drishtis, samadhi, kriyas, bandhas), as repetition helps me retain the information. I've highlighted and dog-eared this book to pieces - it's not the kind of book you read once and put on the shelf, but rather you refer to it over and over. "Yoga makes the bold claim that anyone can experience a profound sense of joy and ease because it is our natural way of being. Your innate self is a joyous self." I couldn't agree more!

[Kelly Ehrnman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do not want to be a Yogi. But as an aging woman, I have benefitted from practicing some yoga on my own in my home. As a physical therapist, I have incorporated some of what I have learned into my patient's exercise programs.
I never understood the "types" of Yoga. After skimming this book, I'm convinced that the answer of which type yoga to practice is similar to which type of physical therapist you should hire. Yoga is good. Which one you like and that you ultimately get the best results from is the one you consistently practice.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really handy guide to the history of Yoga and various types of Yoga. I really liked how it not only gave the history of the Yoga styles but it also gave an idea of what a typical class was like. That being said, I almost feel like I need to try out many of the different styles of classes because they all sound pretty good.

[Andre · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative read. I confirmed a few styles I definitely want to try (Ashtanga), discovered one I want to try (Iyengar) and a whole bunch that I'm not interested in. I don't need a life system, just a physical practice thank you very much.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction and straightforward explanation of what to expect with the different styles of yoga in the United States. The history was also very appreciated, if a bit lacking in my decision to choose a practice.

[kate]

good intro to yoga's history, its introduction to the west, most influential thinkers/schools and basics of practice.

a serious beginner will benefit from knowledge abt classes before trying and perhaps seek out specific schools in his/her city as opposed to taking class at the gym.

[createitlibrarian (Amanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it’s still hard for me to know which is my practice being very secularly minded. Some mix of restorative, toning, calming, meditative, and flowing. Nothing absolutely resonated with me. Only slightly. And boy, what’s up with the guru scandals?

[Thomas Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book! Great reference for different styles of yoga that are popular in the US, along with their history and focus.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

great resource

[Katthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

A must have for anyone in search of a yoga class that meets their individual needs. It goes over each class of yoga in detail, going over ideology, difficulty, etc.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this helped me decide I was doing the 'right' yoga for me
good reference book