What kind of yoga is right for you?

We're talking about yoga this week as a way to makeover your attitude, your body, and your life. And when you can squeeze in more than a quick yoga break, your curiosity about the full-on class experience might get the better of you. With so many options, though, how's an aspiring yogini to choose? Here, a cheat sheet for some of the most popular styles:

Anusara If your idea of a complete yoga class is one that includes philosophy, as well as poses, Anusara might be your thing. Anusara, which means "flowing with grace," was founded by John Friend in 1997, and is a "heart-centered" practice, meaning that while you're learning about ideas that emphasize the good in all people, you can expect lots of heart-opening back bends.

Ashtanga If you're looking for a new way to get your cardio on, the vigorous, flowing practice of Ashtanga might be a good fit for you. K. Patthabi Jois popularized this ancient practice for us moderns, and willowy, fit devotees like Gwyneth Paltow and Madonna have made Ashtanga super popular. "Mysore style" is the traditional way to practice Ashtanga. Once you've got the basics down, classes are led at a go-at-your-own pace, making it good for independent types.

Bikram If you like routine, intense concentration, and sweating a lot, Bikram might be your bag. Choudhury Bikram designed this style of yoga after a weightlifting injury to his knee. Doctors said he would never walk again, and boy did he show them. He ully recovered and spread his teachings like prairie fire so there are now more than 5,000 certified teachers in the US. You always know exactly what to expect in a Bikram class. Each class follows the same series of asanas (poses) in the same order, and the room is heated to a steamy 105 degrees.

Hatha If you see a class listed as "hatha yoga," the studio is basically casting as wide a net as possible -- it's like a gym advertising a class as "physical activity." Hatha simply means the physical practice of yoga (as opposed to the spiritual or philosophical aspects of yoga), and you can safely assume the class will be slower-paced and relatively gentle, with a focus on proper alignment. If you're a yoga newbie, this is a good place to start.

Iyengar If you describe yourself as "detail oriented," and like to take things at slower pace, Iyengar is a good yogic bet for you. Based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, this practice is all about alignment and learning the precise positioning of the body in each pose. Postures are often supported by the use of props like belts and blocks and are generally held for longer periods of time, as opposed to flowing from one asana to the next (as in Ashtanga).

Kripalu You know when you feel like you've been sleepwalking through your life and you're looking at everything through a fog? If you're looking to tap back into that amazing "I'm alive and I love it" feeling, Kripalu might help. Classes include asanas, breath work, meditation and relaxation techniques all with an eye toward awakening the flow of prana -- the life force -- that can help you thrive in every area of your life. Classes can either be gentle or vigorous, so it's best to ask the studio what to expect.

Kundalini If you're a self-help junkie who never misses an episode of Oprah, Kundalini might resonate with your desire to be your best self. Kundalini means "coiled up" in Sanskrit, and the practice is all about releasing this energy as a way to kickstart transformation. Expect chanting, singing, and meditation, along with active, movement-based postures.