Yoga Styles: 101
Want to try yoga but have no idea where to start? What are all these different types of yoga and what does it all mean? Worry not. This blog post is made just for you…
There are many different styles of yoga, each with its own unique focus and benefits. Here are some of the most popular styles that you may come across in a yoga studio or class:
Hatha yoga: This is one of the most traditional and basic styles of yoga. Hatha yoga classes typically focus on physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) to help improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
Vinyasa yoga: This style of yoga is also known as "flow" yoga, as it involves linking breath with movement. Vinyasa classes are typically fast-paced and focus on building heat and endurance.
Iyengar yoga: This style of yoga is known for its attention to alignment and the use of props such as blocks, straps, and blankets to help students achieve proper form in the postures.
Ashtanga yoga: This is a more physically demanding style of yoga that follows a set sequence of postures. Ashtanga classes are typically fast-paced and focus on building strength and flexibility.
Restorative yoga: This style of yoga is designed to help students relax and release tension in the body through the use of props such as bolsters, blankets, and blocks.
Bikram yoga: This style of yoga is practised in a room heated to 40°C (104°F) and 40% humidity, with a series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises.
Kundalini yoga: This style of yoga emphasizes the awakening of the kundalini energy through breath work, movement, and meditation.
Yoga Nidra: This style of yoga is focused on deep relaxation and meditation. It is also known as "yoga sleep" as it is a state of consciousness between waking and sleeping.
Prenatal yoga: This style of yoga is designed specifically for pregnant women, with a focus on postures and breathing techniques that can help ease common pregnancy discomforts and prepare for birth.
Power yoga: This style of yoga is inspired by Ashtanga yoga but has more emphasis on strength and flexibility.
These are just a few examples of the many different styles of yoga available today. Each style has its own unique focus and benefits, so it's worth trying out a few different classes to see which style resonates with you.
It can be overwhelming to try and find the perfect style of yoga for you, but the best way to do it is by trying out different styles. Each style has its own unique focus and benefits, so it's worth trying out a few different classes to see which style resonates with you. It can be helpful to have an open mind and try new things, you may be surprised at how much you enjoy a style that you never thought you would. Remember that the most important thing is that you find a style that makes you feel good, and that you can stick with in the long term.
I teach a variety of different yoga styles, ranging from fast and flowy vinyasa; to calm and serene yin. With my acrobatic gymnastics background, I also love to work with athletes looking to supplement their current training programmes. Please feel free to get in touch to discuss what you’re looking for from your yoga practice, whether you’ve been practicing for years or completely new to the world of yoga!
