The many variations of yoga all derive from a common tradition, so there's no "right" way to practice. Some will suit your personality and intentions better than others. Don't be afraid to experiment. The right yoga for you is the one that keeps you coming back.

Open Your Heart:
This practice is steeped in a thorough understanding of biomechanics, but Anusara doesn't forgo the spiritual. "Once you set your physical foundation -- the correct placement of your hands and feet -- you can let go of everything and open up to something greater than yourself," explains Bobby Lane, an Anusara teacher and owner of Align Performance Health and Fitness Center in Dallas. A brief incantation begins the class, after which your teacher will present a theme for you to reflect on as you move through a variety of asanas, each of which begins with a heart opener. Expect the instructor to offer frequent adjustments to your body as the class moves along.

Try It If:
You're looking for hands-on instruction or you need a healthy boost to your self-esteem.

Start Fresh:
Bring a towel for this revitalizing style. "Ashtanga is based on a set sequence of postures connected through flowing movement and breath," explains respected Ashtanga teacher David Swenson, author of "Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual." This one-breath-to-one-movement approach creates internal heat, resulting in improved circulation -- and lots of sweat. As a side benefit, you'll rid your body of toxins, say Ashtanga proponents, helping you approach life with a clean slate. Anticipate flowing movement and not much time for hands-on adjustments. Because it's taught in a series that increases in difficulty, beginners should try starting with a class called "Mysore-style," which offers one-on-one instruction. 

Try It If:
You'd like a challenging workout for both body and mind.

Challenge Yourself:
Known as "hot" yoga, Bikram classes take place in rooms heated to at least 105 degrees. The rationale behind the sauna-like atmosphere? It increases muscle flexibility, removes toxins, and boosts heart rate. Granted, whether you're a recovering couch potato or a star athlete, you may find the heat oppressive at first. "Bikram confronts you with the shock of the heat and with all of the things that are not working right within your body," affirms Emmy Cleaves, principal of the Bikram Yoga College of India. "It does require endurance. That's where the challenge lies." For those who swear by this 26-posture sequence (and there are many), the benefits make it worthwhile. To build up your tolerance and familiarize yourself with the poses, your studio will recommend that you attend class every day for a week. 

Try It If:
You benefit from a set routine -- and you like to sweat.

Build the Basics:
With more emphasis placed on alignment and technique than other forms of yoga, Iyengar shows how to execute each pose from a depth of anatomical understanding. "If you study Iyengar, you can go into any other style and protect yourself from injury," explains Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D., author of six books on yoga, including "A Year of Living Your Yoga." Not that it's easy, she notes. The teacher will explain each asana at length, so expect to hold some of your poses for an extended period of time. Use of props is encouraged, making this a great choice if you have a physical condition that warrants extra care.

Try It If:
You'd like to gain a precise understanding of the poses.

Find Healing:
Rather than just whip you into shape, Kripalu inspires you to listen and respond to your body's needs. "You're the expert when it comes to your own body, not us," explains Faulds, "so you choose the right level of intensity." At the start of class, you'll take a moment to center yourself and adjust your breath, followed by a gentle warm-up. As you go deeper into the poses, you'll be invited to flow into stretches that naturally emerge as you move through the practice, an experience called meditation-in-motion.

Try It If:
You're looking for an individualized practice that allows your intuition to inspire you.

Tune In:
Often associated with the image of a serpent, Kundalini aims to uncoil the energy that sits at the base of the spine and bring it up through the various chakras. "It's primarily about raising consciousness," says Guruatma Singh Khalsa, M.Ed., stress consultant for Tufts University and co-owner of Franklin Yoga in Franklin, Massachusetts, "so that the student can discover her own personal truth and purpose." The movement within each posture is more repetitious than other forms of yoga, and class begins and ends with chanting. The teacher will often include meditation and deep or rhythmic breathing.

Try It If:
You desire a spiritually empowering practice.

Gain Energy:
Power Yoga emphasizes getting into shape as a means of boosting both your physical and emotional well-being. "The practice is really based on the balance of strength and flexibility," explains Baron Baptiste, founder of Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga and author of "Journey into Power." "It's challenging, but it also respects your level of fitness." Classes vary, but count on an aerobic workout -- as with Ashtanga, you'll move through asanas at a quick pace -- and, often, a heated room. 

Try It If:
You're eager to get into serious shape -- and to let that inspire other aspects of your life.

Find Peace:
Known as the "yoga of synthesis," Sivananda narrows the vast teachings of yoga down to five main principles -- exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet (that means vegetarian), and positive thinking -- which aim to help you achieve peace of mind. You'll start with relaxation, warm-up, and breathing exercises (performed over an 8- to 10-class series) as you're slowly introduced to the 12 basic postures. As Srinivasan, director of the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch in Woodbourne, New York, explains, "One of the biggest steps for the beginner is to be centered, relaxed, and aware. This depth of awareness brings immediate joy and clarity, and encourages the student to continue with his or her practice." 

Try It If:
You seek spiritual fulfillment.

Integral incorporates a variety of yogic methods, including the repetition of mantras, meditation, relaxation, cleansing practices, self-exploration, and spiritual discussion, to help the student achieve peace in mind and body.

Jivamukti: combines both the physical and spiritual. The New York City studio where the practice was created, for instance, offers artist and activist lectures and meditation and Sanskrit classes. You can find a jivamukti-certified teacher near you online.

Viniyoga: integrates yoga therapy, offering a practice that applies the various methods of yoga to address the needs of each individual student.