yoga info 101

Wondering what yoga is all about? This page introduces you to yoga, provides an overview on the different types of yoga, and gives some info on what to wear to yoga, and what type of yoga mat to choose.

warrior pose

What is yoga?

The word "yoga" comes from the Sanskrit root "yuj", which means "to yoke" the spirit and physical body together. Yoga has evolved over thousands of years to embrace a wide range of styles and disciplines. See Types of Yoga below for a list of some common yoga styles.

Yoga is a popular activity for athletes, children, and seniors. Yoga can be modified to suit all levels of fitness. Yoga has been proven to lower blood pressure and increases strength and flexibility. Yoga energizes our bodies and calms our minds.

Interested in trying yoga? Visit your local lululemon section of this website for complimentary in-store classes or lists of local studios in your neighbourhood.

Types of yoga

There are many varieties of yoga. If you're new to yoga, you may have to try a few classes first to find a style and instructor that suits you.

Popular types of yoga include:

  • Ashtanga: Try Ashtanga yoga for a challenging physical practice
  • Anusara: This style of hatha yoga integrates heart-opening poses with principles of bodily alignment
  • Bikrams: Named after its founder, Bikram Choudury, and practiced in a heated studio
  • Hot: A series of poses practiced in a heated studio. Be prepared to sweat!
  • Hatha: A physical yoga that pays close attention to the breath and moves more slower between poses than Ashtanga or Power yoga.
  • Iyengar: A style of Hatha yoga that emphasizes precise alignment of poses, sometimes using yoga props like straps or blocks
  • Kundalini: Kundalini yoga can include chanting, hand positions, breathing techniques, combined with a sometimes vigorous aerobic type workout
  • Power/Flow/Vinyasa: These forms are derived from Ashtanga yoga, and are flowing, dynamic and physically challenging styles of yoga
  • Pre- and Post-Natal: Gentle Hatha yoga is ideal for pregnant women to help lower stress, and reduces swelling and back and leg pain
  • Yin: Streeeeeeeeeeetch it out in pigeon pose in this slower style of yoga that targets the connective tissue of the hips, pelvis and lower spine

lululemon ambassador lotus pose

What to wear to yoga?

Proper alignment of yoga postures is important for many types of yoga. For this reason, choose clothes that are not too baggy and that help you and your yoga instructor make sure you're not doing anything harmful to your body. In more physical types of yoga and especially in hot classes, expect to sweat. Wear clothes that dry quickly, wick moisture away, and will keep you as comfortable as possible to get the most out of your yoga class. Fabrics with stretch will help you feel most comfortable as you move from pose to pose. Whatever you choose to wear to class, you should be able to move freely and feel good.

What are yoga props?

Yoga blocks and straps are great tools for beginner to seasoned yogis. Some styles of yoga, such as Iyengar, require more use of yoga props (such as straps) than others to help you better align yourself in a pose or get into "hard to reach" postures. Try sitting on a yoga block with your legs crossed to help open your hips up.

How to choose a yoga mat

You're going to be spending a lot of time with your mat, so choose wisely. Yoga mats come in a variety of colours, sizes and thicknesses. For example, if you want to give your joints a little love, look for mats that are 6mm thick for extra cushioning. Are you a traveling yogi? We have mats that fold up into your suitcase for those hotel room downward dogs. Learn more about lululemon yoga mat materials and features and choose a mat that fits your lifestyle.