Many different yoga styles suit other people, and each one is different.
Each yoga style you learn will be different from the other styles, and you’ll have different results based on your chosen teacher. Giving different styles and teachers a chance to see which one you prefer will enhance your yoga experience and push you beyond your comfort zone.
You may also want to learn more about each style of yoga. In this article, you will learn all the basics about each type of yoga and what you need to know to start practicing.
Most common types of yoga
1. Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini practice is both physically and mentally challenging. This practice is about re-awakening the energy in your body that is locked or twisted in your lower back.
2. Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga is a term that encompasses all the different yoga postures that are available. Generally, when we think of “hatha yoga,” we think of all the different kinds of yoga based on being physically active. However, other types of yoga are less physically challenging than physical-related yoga practices. Some yoga traditions are very spiritual. Physical yoga is the most popular yoga practice, and there are many different types.
3. Restorative Yoga
This yoga practice focuses on winding down after a long day and relaxing your mind. Restorative yoga aims to relax the body and mind. Restoration of your body helps you to relax and focus.
4. Prenatal Yoga
Yoga classes are specifically designed for pregnant moms and are suitable for women of all trimesters. Many expectant say that prenatal yoga is the best exercise because it helps them build their pelvic muscles and allows them to focus on breathing and bonding with their newborn. Pregnancy yoga can help mothers prepare for labor and delivery.
5. Bikram Yoga
Bikram is a series of 26 poses and two breathing exercises you’ll do while staying in a room heated to about 105 degrees, and the humidity level is at 40 percent. Each studio at Bikram Yoga has a similar routine that goes through the same sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. That way, you’ll know what to do when you roll out your mat. Remember that the intense breathing exercises combined with the heat can make a challenging class difficult. If you’ve never taken a Bikram class before, just rest when you need to and hydrate before you begin.
6. Hot Yoga
Hot yoga is like Bikram yoga, except that they take place in a heated room. But the 26-pose Bikram sequence doesn’t have to limit teachers. While pushing yourself further by doing more poses when you feel it may be tempting, it’s easier to overexert yourself when it’s hot than during a non-heating class.
7. Yin Yoga
If it helps you to feel peaceful and balanced, this is where you’ll find your zen. Unlike slower-flowing yoga, Yin yoga poses last for many minutes at a time. It targets your deeper tissues and fascia, restoring your length and elasticity. You’ll use props to help you relax and release into your yoga position rather than actively contracting your muscles. At first, you may feel antsy doing yoga; after a few classes, you will find that it calms you and helps you to sleep better.
8. Iyengar Yoga
You’ll always be nit-picking about postures, alignment, and precision. Some yoga instructors suggest you take a level one class to become familiar with the technique and how it works. Like Vinyasa yoga, Iyengar teaches you to hold a particular pose for some time. If you’ve never studied Iyengar yoga before, it’s good to take a level one class to get used to the technique.
Final Thought
It is very beneficial to try yoga, no matter what style you try. Because yoga comes in many different types, there is something for everyone. It is helpful to practice yin yoga if you are trying to relax or want to get a good workout from vinyasa yoga. There are also lots of amazing yoga retreats around the world where you can get expert tuition.
