We’ve all probably heard of yoga and experienced its steady rise and sweep across fitness blogs and daily challenges on social media. It’s a popular exercise for stress relief, as it’s known to relax the body and mind, provide space and time for meditation and offer various psychological and physical benefits. Whether you’re a certified yogi, or you’re just starting to explore yoga as your new go-to exercise for being much calmer than hitting the gym, you’ll be sure to improve your connection with your body and mind with these different types of yoga that each target particular health benefits.
Hatha
All types of yoga that follow poses is technically Hatha. Yoga classes labeled Hatha are great for beginners as these take you through basic movements and poses. Because you’re starting out, you also get to choose the pace and style you’re most comfortable in and best ease you into your new yogi lifestyle.
Kundalini
If you’re looking for yoga that aims to bring you spiritual well-being and philosophical awareness, this style is a must-try. Kundalini enhances the mind and your awareness of the body. It directs energy towards the poses and incorporates chanting, meditation and proper breathing techniques to help you stay grounded.
Ashtanga
This sequence-style practice hails from ancient yoga teachings with each movement linked to a breath. It’s known to be rigorous as its poses follow a nonstop, specific order. The aim of its breathing technique is to center the mind and control the flow of breath throughout your body while enhancing your strength and flexibility.
Kripalu
Regular practice of Kripalu yoga puts you in touch with your body as you allow it to teach you more about yourself, allowing for self-discovery. Kripalu helps you achieve this by focusing on self-empowerment in a gentle, three-part practice.
Bikram / Hot Yoga
Both styles are performed in rooms with temperatures of about 95-100 degrees, keeping yogis sweating and challenged. Bikram has a series of 26 poses, and hot yoga may have more variety, depending on the class. The heat in these styles helps you become more flexible and stimulate detoxification by sweating. Sweat out your stress and toxins, and see why these two styles are heating up in popularity!
Vinyasa
This yoga style centralizes its poses around the sun salutation while keeping breathing synchronized to match 12 poses. It’s good for certified and beginner yogis alike because it strengthens the core and creates connections between movements and breath. It’s also known to be similar to the ashtanga and hatha styles, with the final relaxation pose, savasana, a popular highlight yogis look forward to when the class ends.
Iyengar / Anusara
This yoga style uses various props, such as blankets, blocks, bolsters and strops. Iyengar is a meticulous style that focuses on perfecting your alignment in each pose. It’s slow-paced, and poses are held for a minute or longer, challenging your ability to maintain form. Anusara is a lighter take on this style as it’s faster and more friendly for beginner yogis. Anusara classes are upbeat and require less adherence to correct form, making it easier for those who are still looking to get back in shape.
Power Yoga
With the use of every muscle in your body, this style guarantees high calorie burn and revs up your metabolism. It’s no secret that power yoga is tough and athletic, and even athletes find it challenging. Each class takes you from one pose to the next, using all your muscles. It’s also called vinyasa flow, referring to fluidity in movement.
Prenatal
If you’re a mom-to-be, prenatal yoga classes are a must try! This style improves your posture, core strength and breathing – all helping in relieving pregnancy pain. It’s a good way to stay active and in shape when expecting, while also meeting moms-to-be and sharing birthing and parenting tips!
Restorative
If you think it’s a nap or a good night’s sleep that will rejuvenate you, try switching it up with restorative yoga. It’s more rejuvenating than catching some zzz’s as it’s soothing, relaxing and easy to follow with only about five poses in each class. If you’re undergoing therapy, this is perfect for your injury or stress rehab. Not only will you feel calm and relaxed, you’re also able to give your limbs much needed good movement.