It can be confusing to sort through all of the numerous forms of yoga to find the one that’s suitable for you. We offer a variety of various types of yoga styles, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, as well as suggestions for teachers and programs.
Hatha: A good place to begin for novices who want a well-rounded yoga practice.
For example, Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and Ashtanga Yoga are all based on Hatha Yoga. Asana (yoga postures), Pranayama (breathing methods), and meditation are the most common practices in yoga classes. Beginners should start with a Hatha class to get a firm grasp on the fundamentals of yoga. Hatha yoga’s slower tempo is perfect for more advanced yogis who want to delve deeper into the subtler components of the practice.
As part of our discussion, we also talked about the best places to meditate.
Vinyasa flow: Strengthens and stretches the body as a whole.
As the name implies, the yoga positions in a Vinyasa flow class move from one to another in time with the student’s respiration. You may hear the term ‘flow yoga’ used to describe Vinyasa yoga. As there is no conventional sequence, the style, tempo, and intensity of the practice will vary from teacher to teacher. There are several types of Vinyasa yoga, from Ashtanga-inspired Power yoga to more creative and contemplative flows. Class sequences can be based on specific yoga themes and concepts, such as the chakras, or they might build up to a “peak posture”
Yin Yoga: Improves flexibility and builds a deeper connection to quiet.
When contrasting various forms of yoga, Yin Yoga is Vinyasa yoga’s polar opposite! It is a slow-paced, meditative kind of yoga. Rather than doing postures while standing, a Yin yoga session has students sit or lie on the mat. The Yin tissues — the ligaments, joints, bones, and deep fascia networks of the body – are targeted rather than the muscles during poses held for 3 to 5 minutes. Aside from being good for your physical health, Yin Yoga poses work on your emotional well-being as well.
Slow isn’t always better, and Yin Yoga is no exception. It might be tough to hold a posture while maintaining a calm and steady mind, but that is all part of the practice!
Ashtanga: Strengthens discipline and stamina
For those who are looking for a physically challenging and athletic form of yoga, Ashtanga Yoga is for you. Six “series” (Primary, Intermediate, and four Advanced series) each with a predetermined order of postures, make up this system… Traditional Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga teaching means students work their way through the sequence and are handed their next posture by their teacher. This is how Ashtanga yoga is typically taught. Many studios (including those online) offer lessons that are either complete or shorter versions of the series, or workshops that concentrate on a few distinct poses. A regular yoga practice can be established through Ashtanga yoga, which demands both mental and physical discipline.
Yin Yang Yoga: For well-balanced energy, flexibility, and muscle strength.
This type of yoga combines Yin yoga with dynamic (Yang) sequences. Yin Yang Yoga courses The Yang tissues are targeted by the dynamic section, whilst the connective tissues are targeted by the Yin element (muscles and blood). Both flowing sequences and long-held standing poses are acceptable for the Yang component. In a Yin Yang class, poses like Warrior 3 could be referred to as Flying Dragon instead of Warrior 3, which is more commonly associated with the Vinyasa style. Even while it’s common for classes to begin and conclude with an emphasis on the more Yin aspects of the practice, any combination of both can be used.
Iyengar: Improves posture and alignment.
According to BKS Iyengar, the founder of Iyengar yoga, this style places an emphasis on the finer points of alignment, precision, and detail in the asanas. Iyengar Yoga emphasizes the use of supports such as straps, blocks, blankets, and chairs. Props like this allow you to work on your posture in a safe and productive manner while also allowing you to customize them to your unique body type. Less time is spent changing postures during an Iyengar session, which allows students to focus more intently.
Somatics: Reduces neuromuscular discomfort and improves awareness of one’s own body
Somatic refers to something that is ’embodied’ or ‘of the body.’ With the help of modest, slow, and gentle motions, Somatics works to retrain the brain to relax and operate the muscles more effectively. Because of developmental factors, habitual patterns, emotional stress, injury, or trauma, muscles can become tight or constricted. Other forms of yoga, such as Vinyasa or Slow Flow, incorporate aspects of Somatics through free movement explorations. Lisa Petersen explains what Somatics is in this video. Watch it now.
