How to chose which yoga is good for you

To get the most benefit, choose a yoga style that matches your fitness level, as well as your personality and goals for practicing yoga.

Try different classes and teachers, and see what works for you

To decide on the yoga style that's right for you, ask yourself these three questions:

• Are you doing yoga for fitness and to get in shape as well as to explore the mind-body connection? Then choose a more vigorous yoga style like power yoga, Ashtanga yoga, or Bikram yoga. All three styles combine an athletic series of poses into a vigorous, total-body workout. You may need a few beginner classes so that you can easily move through the poses.

• Do you have an injury, a medical condition, or other limitations? Then start with a slower class that focuses on alignment, such as Iyengar yoga, Kripalu yoga, or Viniyoga.

• Are the meditative and spiritual parts of yoga your primary goal? Then try one of the yoga styles that include plenty of meditation, chanting, and the philosophic parts of yoga. For example, you might try Kundalini yoga.

Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise or fitness program, especially if you have any medical problems or are an older adult.