Some inspiration for how to answer the not-so-simple question “What kind of yoga do you do?”
The question “What kind of yoga do you do?” is one that seems simple on the surface, but in reality is very hard to answer. I feel like yoga is just as much something that “happens to me” as something that I “do”, and it is definitely a much bigger practice than what happens on my yoga mat - although that mat is like a magic carpet in so many ways, especially when I’m practicing in community with others on the same path.
If I had to put my yoga practice into a few sentences, I would say: I am as much a student of yoga as a teacher; I study and espouse the 8-fold path described in the Yoga Sutras and honor the historical roots of what we know as yoga today while embracing modern additions and adaptations.
My yoga practice has evolved over more than two decades into its current state, and I know that it will continue to evolve in both depth and breadth. I hope that this blog post helps you define your own practice, so that you can answer “What kind of yoga do you do?”, but be sure to write it in pencil so that it can evolve!
There are at least four main paths of yoga; they are overlapping and not mutually exclusive, and in my own yoga practice I move in and out of all of them:
Karma Yoga - the path of selfless action, without attachment to outcomes
Jnana Yoga - the path of knowledge, including self-study and an effort to understand the nature of reality
Bhakti Yoga - the path of devotion to a higher power
Raja Yoga - the path of discipline, with the 8 limbs of yoga leading to self-realization
At my yoga studio, our primary focus in the context of a yoga class is Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga (“royal yoga”) - also known as Ashtanga yoga (“8 limbs”) is a philosophy that was outlined in the Yoga Sutras, written down by an author known as Patanjali (who might have been one person or more than one). The image on this blog post is an illustration by Justin Lorenzen of the 8-fold path envisioned as a tree.
The ashtanga yoga style is different; it is a specific style of yoga practice. It is a type of hatha yoga, an umbrella term for any class in which the focus is on asana (physical postures / physical activity). The ashtanga yoga philosophy encompasses asana, and much more.
The vinyasa yoga style is often described as a flowing and dynamic style of yoga that syncs the breath to the movement. Vinyasa = “to place in a certain way” (creative, flowing sequences that vary by class & instructor). Sri T. Krishnamacharya popularized yoga in the West and is known as “the father of modern yoga.” His teachings laid the foundation for many contemporary yoga practices in the West, including styles created by B.K.S. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois (see below).
Iyengar Yoga (named for B.K.S. Iyengar) emphasizes proper alignment, an extensive use of props, and hands-on adjustments by the instructors.
Ashtanga Yoga was systematized by K. Pattabhi Jois in the early 20th century. Ashtanga yoga classes feature the synchronization of breath & movement, with specific sequences of postures that are repeated at each class and must all be mastered before proceeding to the next sequence, making it a disciplined and demanding practice. The focus is on the individual & their mastery.
Power yoga is a fitness-based, vigorous vinyasa yoga practice originated by Beryl Bender Birch and popularized more recently by Baron Baptiste and others.
Pilates is a system for physical fitness created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. He originally called it Contrology, because the emphasis is on physical fitness, an understanding of anatomy, and the application of what we would call Exercise Science today. His method was inspired by boxers, circus performers, gymnasts, dancers, and his experiences with the above and his own health problems and his internment as a prisoner of war in World War I.
Within the yoga classes at Lorenzen Studios, we incorporate the 8-limbed yogic approach and focus primarily on Vinyasa Yoga (Go with the Flow), with some classes having more elements from Power Yoga and Pilates (Energy Flow) and others having more Yin Yoga elements (Cloud of Bliss) or a Jnana Yoga focus (Lore & zen and Inspiration Station).
We offer workshops and events that introduce our collective to new and inspiring ways of working with our energy and foster lasting friendships among our members. Our offerings are creative and varied, with a focus on group experiences meant to elevate each individual through inspiration & support. We have been open for just over two months, and in that time we have offered a craft night for creating vision boards, Yoga & Reiki, a monthly crystals class, and a session on Japanese tea ceremonies.
On May 3rd 2025, we will have an informational session on our May 2026 Horizons wellness retreat in Spain, for fitness-minded, adventurous souls looking to expand their horizons by traveling to Spain with a supportive group of friendly people under my guidance as an experienced retreat leader who is bilingual in Spanish & English and very familiar with Spain.
As the owner of the yoga studio, I am cognizant of my natural inclination toward Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action without attachment to outcomes, and also of the need to balance that natural tendency with an objective understanding of the realities of owning a small business. In my own yoga practice, I was initially drawn in by Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga, but I find myself increasingly engaged in Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion to a higher power. I see the divine in every individual who walks in our door, and love to see it shine through more and more as we get to know one another through our shared practice.
