Over 37 million people practice yoga in the United States and there are over 100 different types of yoga. Daily practice can help to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve your mood.
If you’re interested in receiving all the benefits of yoga you need to know where to start. With so many styles to choose from, which is right for you?
Check out our brief guide to the most common types of yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga
This is one of the most common types of yoga and it focuses on coordinating movement with breath. Vinyasa flows are prevalent in other types of yoga, too, such as power yoga and ashtanga.
There are many different poses that are incorporated into a flow-like sequence. The sequence depends on the teacher and can be gentle or athletic.
It’s a moving meditation and a great style for beginners who want to experience all of the incredible yoga benefits.
Ashtanga Yoga
This is one of the oldest yoga styles based on ancient teachings and is a series of specific poses that are always practiced in the same order. It’s a physically demanding style of yoga that incorporates spiritual elements into the practice.
Vinyasa stems from this style of yoga and both practices link breath with movement.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram is one of the kinds of yoga that makes use of a heated room, typically 105 degrees with 40% humidity. It’s a sweaty, physically challenging practice that features a sequence of set poses.
The style of yoga is only around 30 years old and includes 26 posted always practiced in the same sequence.
Nowadays, yoga studios offer ‘Hot Yoga’ which is more of a vinyasa-styled practice in a heated room. This is due to the controversy that surrounds the founder of Bikram yoga, Bikram Choudhury.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha is an umbrella term that encompasses any yoga practice that involves physical postures. Hatha combines poses with breathing exercises and mediation.
When a class is advertised as hatha yoga it is typically a beginner-friendly class that is slow and gentle. The focus is on creating a positive environment and experience. Read this now if you’re ready to make the leap to positivity yoga.
Restorative Yoga / Yin Yoga
The benefits of yoga are really felt when you do a restorative class. Often restorative yoga and yin yoga are names that are used interchangeably. These styles hold postures for a long time (at least 5 minutes) and students use props to support their bodies.
The aim is to give your muscles and body a deep release, ridding yourself of physical and mental tension. You’ll only go through a handful of poses in an hour-long class but will leave feeling amazing.
Different Types of Yoga to Suit All Yogis
Which of these different types of yoga most appeals to you? Are you looking for something regimented and physical with a spiritual edge such as ashtanga? Or would you prefer a slow and deep-release style such as restorative? The only way to find out is to sign up for a yoga class and give it a try!
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