In honor of National Yoga Month, I thought I'd give you a rundown of different types of yoga so you can choose what might work best for you. The picture above is from my teacher training in Thailand (can you spot me? i'm in the white on the purple mat). To my knowledge, there isn't a class that is always blindfolded but I'd be down to start one- this was one of the best classes I've ever taken!! Ok, so let's get started. My list is just based on what I'm familiar with. There are many other types of yoga not listed here.
AcroYoga
Expect: A partner-based, playful class that combines yoga, acrobatics and Thai massage. Super fun and uplifting (literally), and it challenges you to trust your partner, and be sensitive to his/her/your own needs.
Ashtanga
Expect: An athletic and physically demanding practice based around sun salutations. It is vinyasa style- or a flowing movement. You go from pose to pose, almost like a dance. Traditionally, as taught by creator Patthabi Jois, Ashtanga is done Mysore-style, which is individually and silently, with the teacher walking around adjusting. Typically in the states, though, you will most likely have an instructor who leads you through the practice.
Baptiste Power Yoga
Expect: A heated room and a flowing 90 minute sequence. This is a physically demanding practice. Each teacher's sequence will be different, but the overall class is designed to strengthen and tone the entire body.
Bikram
Expect: A heated room at 105 degrees. You'll do a series of the same 26 postures in each class, no matter what studio or who the teacher is. You repeat most of the postures twice. Expect to sweat A LOT.
Iyengar
Expect: This type of yoga focuses on alignment of the body. Especially great for people with posture problems, back issues, etc. You may only do a few poses per class with the focus on the subtle body and the importance of alignment in postures.
Jivamukti
Expect: An emphasis on spiritual development along with a physical practice. Sanskrit chanting and spiritual readings are common during class. There's a focus on linking yogic lifestyle both on and off the mat.
Kripalu
Expect: The focus in Kripalu yoga is prana (breath), and you'll do meditation, breathing exercises and relaxation practice to awaken the observation of breath. Classes can be either gentle or more physically demanding depending on the teacher and the class needs.