Yoga has come a long way in being integrated into American culture. There are many types of yoga out there and you can choose any one depending on what you want out of the session. Here is a quick guide to help you choose which one is best for you:
1.Vinyasa Yoga:
Vinyasa means “to place in a special way” and it is the most athletic yoga style. Ashtanga yoga, power yoga and prana yoga are all considered to be types of vinyasa yoga.
Practicing Vinyasa Yoga: Movement in Vinyasa is coordinated with your breath and movement to flow from one pose to another.
2. Hatha Yoga:
“Hatha” is a Sanskrit term. It denotes all those postures of yoga that are grounded in a physical practice. It is one of the most popular styles of yoga.
Practicing Hatha Yoga: Hatha yoga is best for beginners as it is slower paced. It is a classic approach to breathing and exercises.
3. Iyengar Yoga:
It was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar and focuses on alignment as well as detailed, precise movements. This type of yoga focuses on performing a variety of postures while controlling the breath.
Practicing Iyengar Yoga: In Iyengar yoga, poses are held for a long time to perfect the form. It is focused on the relaxation of the practitioners and is good for people with injuries who need to work slowly.
4. Kundalini Yoga:
It is equal parts spiritual and physical while releasing trapped energy from your body.
Practicing Kundalini Yoga: This yoga type is intense and focuses on your core and breathing through fast-moving postures and breathing exercises. It can even involve chanting and meditation.
5. Ashtanga Yoga:
Ashtanga means “eight limbs”. It is the origin of Vinyasa yoga.
Practicing Ashtanga Yoga: It is a sequence of physically demanding postures and only experts perform it.
6. Bikram Yoga:
Named after Bikram Chaudhary, it features a sequence of set poses in a sauna-like room.
Practicing Bikram Yoga: It includes a series of 26 poses, each performed twice. The poses are focused on proper alignment.
7. Yin Yoga:
It is a slow-paced style of yoga with seated postures that are held for long periods of time. It is said to help with finding inner peace through meditative practice.
Practicing Yin yoga: Another great beginner type, Yin yoga sessions are relaxed and the poses can be help for 45 seconds to 2 minutes.
8. Restorative Yoga:
It focuses on winding down after a long day and relaxing your body. It can also help to cleanse and free your mind.
Practicing Restorative Yoga: These postures are modified to be easier and relaxing. Props like blankets, bolsters, etc. can be used to help practitioners sink deeper into relaxation.
9. Prenatal Yoga:
It is specifically curated for pregnant women in all trimesters. It works on the pelvic floor, breathing and bonding with the growing baby. It also helps mothers prepare for labor and delivery.
Practicing Prenatal Yoga: Props are used to modify poses and ensuring stability.
10. Anusara Yoga:
It is a modern day version of hatha yoga, most similar to vinyasa. It mostly focuses on mind-body-heart connection.
Practicing Anusara Yoga: It focuses on spirals and how each body part should be moving. It emphasizes heart opening.
11. Jivamukti Yoga:
It was founded by Sharon Ganon and David Life. It is vinyasa styled and emphasizes connection to Earth as a living being.
Practicing Jivamukti Yoga: Most practitioners are vegetarians. A series of chants usually opens the session with a series of poses that align with the five rules of Jivamukti yoga.
12. Power Yoga:
Power yoga also has its roots in Ashtanga Yoga. It strengthens muscles and adds flexibility.
Practicing Power Yoga: It has less rigid and spiritual than Ashtanga Yoga but gives a good workout.
13. Sivananda Yoga:
It is a form of Hatha Yoga and the sessions are usually very relaxing. Someone looking for spiritual forms of yoga may find it a perfect fit.
Practicing Sivananda Yoga: Sivananda Yoga can help push beginners to the next level. It starts with Savasana and moves into breathing exercises, sun salutations and 12 basic asanas.
14. Aerial Yoga:
It is relatively new type of yoga but it is quickly gaining popularity. It supports asanas through the use of a strong silky hammock that hangs from the ceiling.
Practicing Aerial Yoga: Practitioners want a non-traditional yoga experience. It helps in reversing blood flow in the body and decompresses the spine, providing relief.
15. Acro Yoga:
In Acro Yoga, two people perform traditional yoga poses. One person serves as the base and the other is the flyer. It helps in building a strong lower body as well as core.
Practicing Acro Yoga: It can be practiced by couples looking to build trust and intimacy.
Every style of yoga has its own unique benefits. You can try a variety of yoga workouts to see which one fits you the best. The most common yoga class our clients book is Hatha Yoga because of it is accessible for all levels. Ready to book a yoga class with Goomi? Contact us here to get started!
