Anusara

What it is

    Anusara is often described as Iyengar (a purist form of yoga) with a sense of humor. Created by the aptly named John Friend, Anusara is meant to be heartfelt, and accepting. "Instead of trying to fit everyone into standard cookie-cutter positions, students are guided to express themselves through the poses to their fullest ability," says Rama Patella, a certified Anusara teacher at Yoga Mandali in New York City. 

 

Best For     Mood enhancement via upbeat vibe; practicing when out of shape, because you won't be pushed too far; and learning proper alignment to prevent injuries both on and off the mat.

Who's gotta have it    Nervous newbies. It's nonthreatening and less intense than ashtanga or Bikram.

Need to know    You may be asked to partner with strangers and clap for your classmates. If that makes you cringe, better to avoid. Anusara also has a definite spiritual side. In class you are frequently asked to "shine your heart" forward into your up dog and offer yourself "to the light," or the goodness inside of you. Just go with it. You do have goodness, right?

Trends and trivia    The fastest-growing yoga du jour, Anusara has amassed over 1,200 teachers worldwide since its birth in 1997. Not to mention, a Deadhead-like following on Friend's cross-country Mystical Merry Band Tours.