Yoga Hybrids Explained

By Amanda Junker

These trends ask you to leave your traditional poses-and sometimes your underwear-at the door

Some spin-offs work--the American version of The Office—while others ... well, does The Simple Life really need a fifth installment? The same holds true for today's crop of derivative yoga classes. "Fusions can be over the top, but some are legitimate combinations that attract people who otherwise wouldn't do yoga," says Beryl Bender Birch, who popularized Power Yoga. Below, we separate the practice-transforming blends from what we hope will be short-lived trends.

KIDS' YOGA: Also known as Animal Yoga, it's the asana mom's equivalent of Gymboree. Kids from 18 months can have fun hissing like a snake in Cobra pose and stretching like the family retriever in Downward Dog. Or kids can simulate a tiger at home with books like Babar's Yoga for Elephants or DVDs such as Animal Yoga for Kids.
FAB The one time to encourage your child's animal-like behavior.

ROPE YOGA: This 90-minute conditioning program puts you through a grueling workout while practicing deep breathing. Lying on a mat, you place your arms and legs in stirrups attached to ropes and cables strung from the ceiling, then perform movements to develop balance and core strength.
FAB This routine transformed Brandon Routh into a real man of steel for the Superman Returns movie.

MIDNIGHT YOGA: Late-night sessions consisting of gentle sequences in a soothing, candlelit atmosphere. Midnight Yoga at Bloom Yoga Studio in Chicago features a different style of live music every month and post-flow wine and cheese.
FAB The informal setting makes it easier to strike up a conversation with the flexible guy on the mat next to you.

SALSA YOGA: Can you say Cha-cha-chateranga? These workshops, found at both yoga studios and dance centers, help dancers use asanas to improve their shoulder alignment or offer basic dance instruction for yogis looking to release and rejuvenate after Vinyasa.
FAD Remember the last time you had an urge to do a two-step after yoga class? Neither do we.


Skip It:

NAKED YOGA: In case there is any question, yes, naked yoga is performed completely, unabashedly nude. Touted as a way to help you feel free in your body, coed 90-minute Hatha flow has gained popularity in San Francisco, and the "Hot Nude Yoga" classes for gay men offered in New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas are even available on DVD.
FAD Happy Baby Pose is bad enough in spandex pants. For those who don't blush at bending over in your birthday suit, more power to you, but you can bet your bare bum this one's not going mainstream.

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