Ananda Yoga is focused is on "raising awareness" or "preparing for meditation" through asana (physical poses), pranayama (energy control), meditation and the classical teachings of yoga philosophy. In Ananda Yoga affirmations are associated with each posture, and specific "energization exercises" are used to increase the flow of life-force and strengthen the body.

Ananda Yoga is a relaxation-based practice, although it includes some physically strenuous techniques.

The founder of Ananda Yoga is Swami Kriyananda, student of Paramhansa Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi).

Anusara combines a strong emphasis on physical alignment with a positive philosophy derived from Tantra Yoga. The philosophy's premise is "belief in the intrinsic goodness of all beings". The poses are taught in a way that encourages the heart to open, both physically (the heart area) mentally and spiritually (heart shakra). Classes are light-hearted and accessible to students of differing abilities.

The interpretation/translation of the Sanskrit term "anusara" is "flowing with Grace, flowing with Nature, following your heart". Anusara Yoga was founded in 1997 by John Friend.

May also be referred to as: Heart Yoga, Open Heart Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is based on a specific series of asanas (physical poses), always done in the same order, and combined with specific breathing patterns. Ashtanga Yoga can be physically demanding as the practice focuses on constant movement from one pose to the next.

The Sanskrit term "ashtanga" means "eight limbs". This is in direct reference to the eight limbs of yoga, explained in the philosophy of Patanjali. Ashtanga Yoga was developed by Krishnamacharya and furthered by his student Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.

Corporate Yoga is a yoga program set up in the workplace, usually but not always at the workplace.

Corporate Yoga does not refer to a specific style of yoga; however the classes tend to focus on postures that can be done at the office or a desk. Corporate Yoga programs may also be designed around specific goals such as stress reduction, or fostering teamwork. The style of yoga and program will vary depend on the teacher.

May also be referred to as: Workplace Yoga, Desk Yoga

Gentle Yoga is a general term used for yoga classes that are less strenuous. Gentle Yoga classes may use Restorative Yoga techniques, Yoga Nidra and Yin Yoga depending on the teacher’s experience and training.

The name Hatha Yoga has been adopted by many teachers in Montreal. Typically it denotes a yoga practice that includes postures, yogic breathing, and some degree of meditation.

Hot Yoga is a general term used for the practice of yoga in a heated room. The heat is intended to loosen the muscles and induce profuse sweating for cleansing.

Bikram Yoga and Moksha Yoga are both specific types of hot yoga. "The Bikram Method" is a set series of 26 poses developed by Bikram Choudhury. Moksha Hot Yoga is also series of postures focused on stretching, strengthening and toning muscles while detoxifying the body and calming the mind.

May also be referred to as: Bikram Yoga, Moksha Yoga, Toasty Yoga

Integral Yoga is a gentle style of yoga. Along with asana (physical poses) classes often also include breathing exercises, chanting, kriyas, and meditation.

Iyengar Yoga is focused on precision, bodily alignment, strength and flexibility. Iyengar Yoga encourages control over mind and body helping students learn to control stress and anxiety.

Props (yoga blankets, blocks and straps) can be used in these classes to help bring the body into alignment.

Iyengar Yoga was developed over a period of 70 years by B.K.S. Iyengar. Today it has an extensive presence around the world and has been a deep influence on numerous other systems.

Jivamukti Yoga can be a physically vigorous style of yoga; however along with asana (physical poses) emphasis is also placed on the educational aspect of the practice through the study of yogic philosophies.
Jivamukti means "liberation while living" derived from the Sanskrit term "Jivanmuktih" which means "state of enlightenment or God realization". Jivamukti was created by David Life and and Sharon Gannon.

Kids Yoga is a playful, approach to hatha yoga. Each teacher provides their own creativity and imagination to create a yoga class in a way that kids can understand and relate to the essence of yoga. Kids yoga focuses on improving concentration, supporting body and brain development, promoting imagination, and reaching optimal health for children of all ages and abilities.

This style of yoga will vary depending on the teacher's experience and training.

Kripalu yoga is a gentle introspective practice that focuses on the intertwining of breath and movement. During classes Poses can be held for a longer period (relative to some other styles) so one can explore both the physical and emotional sensations of the posture. Kripalu Yoga is a gentle yet dynamic practice spontaneous, flowing, and meditation-orientated.

Kripalu Yoga is a contemporary approach to spiritual practice inspired by Swami Swami Sri Kripalvanandji.

May also be referred to as: Meditative Yoga, meditation in motion, Yoga of consciousness.

Kundalini Yoga is a system of meditative techniques and movements focused on the breath and body. Kundalini Yoga is designed to free energy in the lower body, allowing it to move upwards through the use of meditation, mantra, physical exercises and breathing techniques.

Kundalini Yoga uses rapid, repetitive movements rather than holding poses for a long time. The teacher will often lead the class in call and response chanting.

The interpretation/translation of the Sanskrit term "kundalini" means "that which is coiled" in reference to energy coiled at the bottom of the spine which can be released through Kundalini practice.

Moksha Yoga Description

Partner Yoga is practiced with a partner, and focuses on integrating your practice through physical contact. Partner Yoga can help develop your communication skills, your ability to be honest, and your capacity to observe and understand body language.

This style of yoga will vary depending on the teacher's experience and training.

Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy is based on the principle that each person is unique, with a unique history, and a "unique manifestation of energy in body, mind, and spirit". The practice is focused on breath work, energy balancing, visualization and a variation of hatha yoga.

Phoenix Rising was developed and founded by Michael Lee, resident and faculty member at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts.

Post Natal Yoga is focused on the specific physical, emotional and mental circumstances that arise for moms after birth. While the practice is primarily developed around the mom, baby is also integrated into the class in a safe manner; allowing mom and baby to share the experience. Post natal yoga helps moms' find balance, while also offering an opportunity to connect with other mothers.

This style of yoga will vary depending on the teacher's experience and training.

May also be referred to as: Mom & Baby Yoga.

Power yoga is a general term used to describe styles of yoga that can be physically intense relative to yoga styles that can be for example more gentle, or that can be focused on the breath, or those focused on meditation. Power yoga classes tend to include asana that strengthen the body physically.

This style of yoga will vary depending on the teacher's experience and training.

Prenatal Yoga is specifically for expectant mothers. Prenatal Yoga can help mothers prepare for the birthing process by teaching techniques to help keep stress levels down, postures to help relieve physical pains associated with pregnancy, and how to become more aware of your baby and all the changes that happen to you when you are pregnant.

This style of yoga will vary depending on the teacher's experience and training.

Restorative Yoga is a gentle therapeutic style of yoga that uses props to support the body in restful still positions. The focus of the practice is to restore the central nervous system and the internal systems of the body. Restorative Yoga is a soothing and nurturing practice that promotes the effects of conscious relaxation.

May also be referred to as: Gentle Yoga

Sivananda yoga is based upon five principles, proper exercise (12 poses in particular), proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet, and positive thinking and meditation. The focus of Sivananda Yoga is preserving health and wellness, and relative to other styles of yoga has an emphasis on frequent relaxation and breathing.

The first Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center was founded in 1957 by Swami Vishnu-Devananda, a disciple of Swami Sivananda. There are now close to 80 locations worldwide, including several ashrams (in the Montreal region, at Val-Morin)

Svaroopa Yoga focuses on releasing the body's tensions specifically in the muscles wrapped around and connected to the spine.

The interpretation/translation of the Sanskrit term "svaroopa" is "the bliss of your own being".

Svaroopa Yoga was developed by Rama Berch founder of Master Yoga Foundation and founding president of the Yoga Alliance.

Therapeutic Yoga stems from the Ayurvedic system of health. Yoga techniques and practices are used to help individuals facing health challenges manage their condition, reduce symptoms, restore balance, increase vitality and improve attitude.

Viniyoga refers to a personalized approach to yoga. The practice is adapted to the unique condition, needs, and interests of the individual.

The interpretation/translation of the Sanskrit term "viniyoga" is "differentiation, adaptation, and appropriate application". The Viniyoga approach evolved from of the teachings of T. Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar.

Vinyasa is a general term that is used to describe many different types of classes. Vinyasa tends to be a more vigorous style of yoga, with focus on "breath synchronized movement"; moving from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale.

This technique is sometimes called Vinyasa Flow or just Flow, because of the smooth way that the poses connect together in a continuous fashion.

May also be referred to as: Vinyasa Flow, Flow Yoga.

Yin Yoga is a gentle, therapeutic style of yoga that is focused on the connective tissue of the hips, pelvis and lower spine. Since the connective tissue respond best to gentle stress over a long period of time, Yin postures are held for longer periods.

Yin Yoga was developed by Master Paulie Zink and furthered by his student Paul Grilley.

Yoga Nidra is an ancient form of meditation that is focused on reaching the deepest levels of relaxation while still remaining fully aware.

The interpretation/translation of the Sanskrit term "nidra" is "sleep". The literal translation of Yoga Nidra is thus Yogic Sleep

May also be referred to as: Meditative Yoga