The main form of yoga known in the West is Hatha yoga. 

Hatha yoga is an umbrella term that encompasses other commonly known physically based yogas, such as lyengar yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. 

Less well known is a range of other yoga practices, which might be called branches of the tree of yoga.

Let your yoga be flexible. Combine your practices in the way that best suits you. Read on to find your yoga. Regardless of which branch or tradition of yoga appeals to you, a good teacher always helps. 

Do ask potential teachers about their qualifications. 

Keep in mind that the yoga industry is not as structured as law or accountancy. Although more and more teacher training programs are available, many very experienced and wonderful teachers don't hold a teaching certificate. What they do offer is a deep intuitive understanding, gleaned from years of disciplined practice. 

Another gauge is to ask potential teachers about their own personal practice. And, as with all of us, how they live their life will be a measure of how well they have integrated their yoga. On the physical level, teachers will give valuable feedback on alignment and stimulate your mind with ways to stay present during the practice. 

However, remember that yoga is more than winding yourself up to resemble a pretzel it's a whole philosophy, too.

A yoga class might be a simple set of physical exercises or it might be spiced with life-enhancing ideas that arouse your interest, make you ponder, and encourage you to wonder at the mystery of life.

Your journey into yoga is a personal one, so find a yoga tradition and a teacher with whom you feel a good connection. They might just turn out to be a helpful guide as you navigate your path through life.