Which Style of Yoga Practice Is Right for You?
A Guide to the Movement-Based Classes Offered at Darman Yoga & Wellness
Yoga isn’t just one thing. It’s not a style, a shape, or a trend — it’s a living, breathing tradition with deep roots. At Darman Yoga & Wellness, we honor those roots while offering a range of asana-based classes — physical practices that help you reconnect to your body, breath, and inner awareness.
Whether you’re drawn to movement or stillness, structure or spontaneity, there’s a place for you here. This guide walks you through the different movement-based yoga practices we offer at the studio, each with its own rhythm, philosophy, and intention.
A Brief History of Yoga
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years, originating in ancient India as a spiritual path toward self-realization. While many know yoga today through its physical postures, its foundation is much broader — rooted in ethical principles, meditation, and breathwork. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, written around 200 BCE, outlined the eight limbs of yoga — including asana (posture), pranayama (breath control), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (liberation) (Bryant, 2009).
Modern postural yoga took shape in the early 20th century under the guidance of T. Krishnamacharya, a key figure in the revival of yoga (Singleton, 2010). His students — Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, and Indra Devi — each helped develop distinct styles that brought yoga to the global stage (Syman, 2010). These are the roots of many of the practices we offer at Darman.
Ashtanga Vinyasa: Rooted in Discipline and Breath
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a structured, breath-led asana practice developed by Pattabhi Jois. It follows a set sequence of postures that combine movement and breath (vinyasa) into a rhythmic and meditative flow. This style builds heat, stamina, flexibility, and inner focus (Singleton, 2010).
At Darman, our Ashtanga-inspired classes are led by Nareh, who trained in Mysore, India — the birthplace of this tradition. With a strong foundation in both Ashtanga and strength training, Nareh offers a practice that is rooted in discipline while remaining accessible. Her classes balance tradition with personalization, inviting you to grow with consistency and compassion.
Iyengar-Inspired Yoga: Precision, Patience, and Presence
Developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, this style of asana emphasizes alignment, anatomical awareness, and the use of props to support the body (Syman, 2010; Goldberg, 2016). Postures are held longer to develop stability, clarity, and a deeper understanding of the physical and energetic body.
At Darman, our Iyengar-inspired classes are led by Edgar, whose movement background and attention to detail create a supportive learning environment. These classes are perfect for students who are new to asana, recovering from injury, or seeking to refine their alignment. It’s a slow, mindful exploration that prioritizes safety, strength, and self-awareness.
Vinyasa Flow: Movement as Meditation
Vinyasa Flow is a fluid, creative style of asana that links breath with movement in a dynamic sequence. While rooted in the structure of Ashtanga, Vinyasa allows more freedom for variation and expression (Singleton, 2010).
At Darman, our Vinyasa classes are designed to support strength, balance, and intuitive movement. Each class is unique, encouraging you to drop into your breath and explore how movement can become a form of meditation. It's a great fit for students who enjoy variety, flow, and rhythmic sequencing.
Vin + Yin: The Dance of Effort and Surrender
Vin + Yin combines two contrasting approaches to asana:
Vinyasa for energizing, heat-building movement
Yin for long-held, passive postures that target connective tissue and promote deep release (Clark, 2011)
This class is designed to bring balance — moving from strength and effort into stillness and rest. At Darman, Vin + Yin is a favorite for students who want to reset physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's a class that honors both the active and the receptive aspects of your being.
Gentle Yoga with Optional Reiki-Infused Meditation: A Practice of Rest and Renewal
This class focuses on accessible movement, breathwork, and stillness — with optional Reiki (energy healing) offered as a gentle layer of support. The asana is minimal and calming, with plenty of props to create comfort and ease.
Many of our students come to this class when they need to slow down, recharge, or heal. Whether you’re new to asana or simply in a tender season of life, this practice offers space to be still and feel safe in your body. The class closes with a guided meditation designed to ground and restore.
There’s No One Way to Practice — Only Your Way
At Darman, we believe that asana is just one part of yoga, but it can be a powerful doorway into self-awareness and transformation. Each class we offer supports a different need: strength, surrender, focus, rest, or healing.
You don’t have to choose one forever. Your body is always changing and so is your practice.
As the founder of Darman Yoga & Wellness, I created this space to offer not just physical practices, but a supportive community rooted in reverence for yoga’s tradition and relevance to our everyday lives. I hope that whatever class you choose, you feel welcomed, seen, and empowered to move in a way that honors where you are today.
Your mat is waiting. Come as you are.
With love,
Naré
Founder, Darman Yoga & Wellness
References
Bryant, E. F. (2009). The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali: A New Edition, Translation, and Commentary. North Point Press.
Clark, B. (2011). The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga. White Cloud Press.
Goldberg, E. (2016). The Path of Modern Yoga: The History of an Embodied Spiritual Practice. Inner Traditions.
Singleton, M. (2010). Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice. Oxford University Press.
Syman, S. (2010). The Subtle Body: The Story of Yoga in America. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
