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.

Almost two years ago, I introduced my dad, Terry, to yoga. My dad's a cotton t-shirt and cargo shorts kind of man, with shin high socks tucked into construction boots. He naturally gravitated to baggy cotton tees when he began practicing yoga. Although a man rather set in his ways, he listened when I told him the right clothing can change his practice. I introduced him to moisture wicking tops and shorts, and Silverescent™ fibres, today he wouldn’t be caught dead without it. Since starting hot yoga and cycling, here are a few reasons why despite a lot of sweat, my dad doesn't stink.

the magic of silverescent™

In all of our technical men's fabrics you will find moisture wicking properties, great stretch, mobility and comfort that men literally fall for. In some of our pieces, you will find the magic that is Silverescent™. This fabric uses X-Static® silver yarn which makes our tech tops anti-bacterial, or as we like to say, anti-stink! Synthetics tend to hold onto odour-causing bacteria even after washing. The silver in some of our tops virtually eliminates bacteria so it remains stink-free after you wash it. It's also moisture wicking and pre-shrunk.

My dad's favourite stink fighting hot yoga outfit: Flash Tech SS & Run:Response Shorts

Flash Tech SS in Coal/Tequila Sunrise: My dad loves this top because it feels like he's not wearing any layers, which is key to not over heating in hot yoga. It also wicks his sweat extremely quickly. It is also very comfortable, and thanks to Silverescent™ fibres woven throughout, he doesn't stink and can take me to dinner after our Monday night hot yoga class.
Details from left to right: Slim fitting w/ with smooth luxtreme fabric for comfortable shoulder movement, luxtreme neckband, flat-seamed, and a pocket for cards or keys.

Why We Made This:

• A light-as-mesh performance top made for moderate to intense workouts.
• Lightweight, breathable, wicking Silverescent™ with antistink and antistatic properties.
• Has a great slim fit with a pocket for cards or keys.
• Soft luxtreme neckband and inserts for increased stretchability and comfort.
• Flat-seamed for chafe resistance and comfort.

Run:Response Shorts in Tequila Sunrise/Vancouver: My dad loves these shorts because they are super comfortable, "stretchy", and long enough to make him feel comfortable in yoga. They wick moisture really quickly, and dry fast, so he loves them for hot yoga and his cycling adventures.

Details from left to right: Elastic waistband with a drawstring that won't come out, built in seamless boxer brief, mesh paneling for extra ventilation, and secure zip pocket.

Why We Made This:

• All-sport short built to fit hockey butt.
• Don't worry about wearing underwear -- we built it in for you!
• Non-chafing flat-seamed liner.
• Secure zip pocket for your valuables.
• Elastic waistband with drawstring that won't pull out.
• Mesh paneling for added ventilation.
• Moisture wicking.

My dad may be hot, but he doesn’t stink. Love you Dad, proud of you and your journey with yoga! Namaste.

Yes this is me under his armpits after his hot yoga session, he really doesn't stink!

Looking for a gift to help your dad not stink up the room after a workout? Check out some of our no stink ideas for dad.

Remember when we asked you for your yoga questions for our inaugural Ask a Yogi series? Well, we're back, with answers! Read on for part 1 of Danielle's responses: How to Begin.

you asked...

Do you have any recommendations for people who are interested in getting into yoga? - Caroline

I want to start taking yoga but do not know where to begin. Is there a type of yoga that is recommended for beginners? - lara

I have taken yoga- very easy poses. I don’t know a lot about the different types. I am looking for a type of yoga that burns calories and builds strength and flexibility. - Tasha

I am very interested in yoga but don’t know where to begin. How should I start? - Emma

a yogi answers

Hi Caroline, Lara, Tasha & Emma,

I recommend that you jump in, give it a go and keep a regular schedule of yoga classes (e.g., two to four per week) for at least three or four months, which I believe is enough time for you to begin to appreciate all the wonderful physical and mental benefits of yoga.

I think it is easiest to stay motivated and have fun in a class setting, as opposed to learning from a DVD or video. Once you locate a convenient studio, gym or community centre where yoga classes are offered, start asking questions regarding what types of classes are offered and which ones are best for beginners. [Editor's note - complimentary yoga classes are offered at all lululemon locations and are a good way to sample different styles of yoga and instructors.]

Regarding the types of yoga: Iyengar yoga will provide you with a solid foundation since certified Iyengar teachers will emphasize precise and strict form in the poses but with many variations depending on the yogi’s level of flexibility and strength and will utilize straps and blocks to assist the yogis in getting into the postures. Ashtanga, power and other vinyasa flow classes are also very popular but can be overwhelming for some newer yogis since there is constant and challenging movement from one posture to the next. If you are looking for more of a sweat and detox practice then you could try hot yoga, which incorporates a slower-paced sequence with minimal variations from class to class.

In summary, find a studio or place to do it, find a style or styles you feel comfortable with, set a regular schedule, stick to it for at least three months and perhaps most importantly just have fun as you enjoy the benefits of a healthy body and a balanced, peaceful mind.

Best wishes!

Danielle
http://daniellemikanagel.com/

Do you have any thoughts on how to get started with yoga? We'd love to hear your comments and tips on being a beginner. Also check out My First Time, a blog post about your very first class.

Stay tuned for more Ask a Yogi answers, coming soon!

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: The Team Lemon crew is decked out in Mac and Cheese yellow!

Bay to Breakers annual 12km race in San Francisco is more than just running, it is pure San Francisco fun loving time with ten thousand-plus participants. This year the lululemon athletica northern California region, Team Lemon, participated in this ninety-eight year old race that starts at the bay and ends at the ocean. Our Mac and Cheese bright yellow outfits blended in with the other outrageous costumes such as little red riding hood, fairies, cops and naked people.

We enjoyed an 83-degree day [ed. note to Canadians: that's about 28 degrees!] with bands every quarter mile cheering us on. Running Bay to Breakers is almost like being in a parade because there are as many people watching from the sidewalk and apartments to see the floats and costumes as there are runners. The course is not exactly easy. By the 6 mile I was so focused on finishing that the sight of another naked runner hardly had me dying from nervous laughter as it did during the start.

Most rewarding was finishing together as a team and celebrating with a nice cold drink of beer followed by a medium rare burger. A month ago I wrote a goal to finish a 15k race by 2015. As long as there is food at the end of the finish line, achieving my 15k is going to be much easier than I thought.

Want to keep up to date on all the other Team Lemon fun? Check out their page on Facebook!

Take a peak at some pics from the event below:

Above:  A little mid run photo posing!

Above: Look at the crowds!

Above: Definitely time to beat the heat with a cool drink!

Above: You'll know how to find us! Look for bright Mac and Cheese yellow!