1. Ananda focuses on gentle postures designed to move energy up to the brain and prepare the body for meditation. Focus on proper body alignment and controlled breathing.

2. Anusara is a relatively new form of yoga which pairs strict principles of alignment with a playful spirit. Postures can be challenging but the real message of Anusara is to open your heart and strive to connect with the divine in yourself and others.

3. Ashtanga (or Astanga) is physically demanding and involves synchronising breathing with progressive and continuous series of postures-a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, flexibility, stamina, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Ashtanga is an athletic yoga practice (not for beginners).

4. Bikram is a comprehensive workout that includes all the components of fitness: muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular flexibility and weight loss. The founder (Bikram Choudhury) was a gold medal Olympic weight lifter in 1963 and is a disciple of Bishnu Ghosh, brother of Paramahansa Yogananda (Autobiography of a Yogi). One of the unusual but most beneficial aspects of Bikram's yoga practice is the 95-105 degree temperature which promotes more flexibility, detoxification, and prevention of injury. The only yoga style that specialises in using a heated environment.

5. Hatha is an easy-to-learn basic form of yoga that has become very popular in the United States. Hatha Yoga is the foundation of all Yoga styles and incorporates Asanas (postures), Pranayama (regulated breathing), meditation (Dharana and Dhyana) and kundalini (Laya Yoga) into a complete system that can be used to achieve enlightenment or self-realisation. Hartha is very popular as source of exercise and stress management.

6. Integral yoga is a traditional type of yoga combining postures, breathing exercises, selfless service, meditation, chanting, prayer, and self-inquiry.

7. Iyengar was developed by yoga master B.K.S. more than 60 years ago and promotes strength, flexibility, endurance and balance through coordinated breathing and poses that require precise body alignment. Equipment like cushions, blankets, straps, and blocks to help the less flexible distinguishes Iyengar from other types of yoga. Because of its slow pace, attention to detail, and use of props, Iyengar can be especially good for recovery from an injury. One of the most popular types of yoga taught today.

8. Jivamukti was developed in 1986 by Sharon Gannon and David Life. The Jivamukti Yoga method expresses the spiritual and ethical aspects of the practice of yoga that have been disregarded or devalued in contemporary times. A vigorous and challenging form with an emphasis on scriptural study, Sanskrit chanting, vegetarianism, non-violence, meditation, devotion to God and the role that music and listening play in the practice of yoga.

9. Kripalu is called the yoga of consciousness. This gentle, introspective practice urges practitioners to hold poses to explore and release emotional and spiritual blockages. Goal-oriented striving is discouraged and precise alignment is not as important as in some other traditions. There are three stages in Kripalu yoga. Stage one focuses on learning the postures and exploring your body's abilities. Stage Two involves holding the postures for an extended time, developing concentration and inner awareness. Stage Three is like a meditation in motion in which the movement from one posture to another arises unconsciously and spontaneously.

10. Kundalini yoga concentrates on awakening the energy at the base of the spine and drawing it upward. In addition to postures, a typical class will also include chanting, meditation, and breathing exercises.

11. Power yoga is yoga with brawn. It's the American interpretation of ashtanga yoga, a discipline that combines stretching, strength training, and meditative breathing. But power yoga takes ashtanga one step further. Many of the poses (also called postures or their Sanskrit name, asanas) resemble basic calisthenics —push-ups and handstands, toe touches and side bends — but the key to power yoga's sweat-producing, muscle-building power is the pace. Instead of pausing between poses as you would in traditional yoga, each move flows into the next, making it an intensely aerobic workout.

12. Sivananda is a traditional type of yoga combining posture, breathing, dietary restrictions, chanting, scriptural study, and meditation.

13. Svaroopa is a very approachable style (often beginning in chair poses that are comfortable). Promotes healing and transformation.

14. Viniyoga is commonly used as a therapeutic practice for people who have suffered injuries or are recovering from surgery. It is a gentle, healing practice that is tailored to each person's body type and needs as they grow and change.

15. Vinyasa yoga focuses on coordination of breath and movement and is a very physically active form of yoga.