Each style is a bit different from the others, plus you’ll find variations depending on the teacher.
Curious to learn more about each jot down?
This guide will help you understand the basics beforediving into a class.
It may also help practitionerssleep betterandmanage stress2.
you could find more information on specific vinyasa poses and benefitshere.
that are grounded in a physical practice.
The physical-based yoga is the most popular and has numerous styles.
Hatha yoga classes are best for beginners since they are usually paced slower than other yoga styles.
Hatha classes today are a classic approach to breathing and exercises.
If you are brand-new to yoga, hatha yoga is a great entry point to the practice.
Iyengar yoga
Iyengar yogawas founded byB.K.S.
Iyengarand focuses on alignment as well as detailed and precise movements.
In an Iyengar class, students perform a variety of postures while controlling the breath.
Generally, poses are held for a long time while adjusting the minutiae of the pose.
This style is really great for people with injuries who need to work slowly and methodically.
Kundalini yoga
Kundalini yoga practiceis equal parts spiritual and physical.
A kundalini class will really work your core and breath with fast-moving, invigorating postures and breath exercises.
These classes are pretty intense and can involve chanting, mantra, and meditation.
To learn more about this specific practice, check out ourkundalini yoga explainer.
Ashtanga yoga
In Sanskrit, ashtanga is translated as “Eight Limb path.”
Vinyasa yoga stems from ashtanga as the flowing style linking breath to movement.
To learn more about this specific practice, check out ourbeginner’s guide to ashtanga yoga.
It takes an experienced yogi to really love it.
Choudhury faced sexual assault and harassment lawsuits in the U.S. and fled to Mexico in 2017.
Many studios that were formerly Bikram now practice hot yoga, in an effort to disassociate with the founder.
The sequence never changes and includes a series of 26 basic postures, with each one performed twice.
Many of these poses are focused on proper alignment.
Yin can also be a meditative yoga practice that helps you find inner peace.
The classes are relaxed, as you’re supposed to let gravity do most of the work.
Check out our crash course on everything you oughta know about yin yoga, foundhere.
Restorative yoga
Restorative yoga focuses on winding down after a long day and relaxing your mind.
At its core, this style focuses on body relaxation.
Restorative yoga also helps to cleanse and free your mind.
You’ll spend more time in fewer postures throughout a restorative yoga class.
Many of the poses are modified to be easier and more relaxing.
All of the props are there to help you sink deeper into relaxation.
Prenatal yoga
Prenatal yogais carefully adapted for moms-to-be, and is tailored to women in all trimesters.
Prenatal yoga also helps mothers prepare for labor and delivery.
It was founded by John Friend who created a unique system called the Universal Principals of Alignment.
He resigned in 2012 after accusations of sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement.
Friend has since partnered with Desi and Micah Springer to teach the Bowspring method.
Expect to stop in class and gather around a student as the instructor breaks down a pose.
Jivamukti yoga
Jivamukti was founded in 1984 by Sharon Ganon and David Life.
Jivamukti is mainly vinyasa-flow-style classes infused with Hindu spiritual teachings.
FAQs:
What are the benefits of yoga?
There are so many benefits to yoga, with some nuance depending on the style.
Naturally, the more vigorous the class, the more physical gains you’ll see.
But even the more relaxing, restorative classes will leave you feeling calm, loose, and refreshed.
Which style of yoga is the hardest?
Each style of yoga will have aspects that some students find challenging, while others may not.
How is yoga different from meditation?
Yoga itself is also quite meditative, and can be thought of as a moving or embodied meditation.
Some yoga classes will also include a meditation at the beginning or end.
Are there any risks to yoga?
Any form of physical exercise comes with risk, particularly if you’re injured or recovering from an injury.
Yoga comes with a host of benefits, regardless of which style you try.
And with such a richvariety of options, there truly is a yoga class out there for everyone.
