Yoga Styles

Six Different Styles of Yoga for You to Practice

Yoga is aimed at building your strength, balance and flexibility. However, it is important to remember there are different types of yoga, each with distinct practice exercises but achieving the same end product. The different yoga styles mainly vary in terms of the levels of exertion as well as intensity and poses involved. This provides different students with the ability to choose the best fit for themselves depending on their level of fitness. Due to the high number of yoga students who drop out of the program due to their fitness as well as suitability of the program to their needs; it is recommended that you evaluate the different styles of yoga available and pick out the best fit for you. Below you will find a detailed list of six different yoga styles in existence today.

Ashtanga Yoga

This is one of the most vigorous styles of yoga. Each pose in the style is held only for a few breaths before switching to another. A half sun salutation is used to help students keep up with the pace normally characterizing this style.

Vinyasa Flow

This is another advanced style of yoga where different poses are executed one after the other without stopping to examine details of each pose. The dynamic flow of yoga poses in this style results in a demanding workout. This style is recommended for experienced yogis due to the knowledge of yoga poses required.

Bikram Yoga

Introduced in the ‘70s, this style follows a 26-step layout to create a sweat inducing workout; with each step being made up of a different yoga pose. The workout is meant to stretch muscles and compress organs to drain the body off toxins. The room where the poses are done must be heated to facilitate the release of toxins from the body.

Hatha Yoga

This is a more relaxed and simple style of yoga. It does not flow as continuously as the above styles but focuses more on yoga poses, which are commonly known. The style mainly focuses on the physical practice of yoga without any chanting.

Restorative yoga

As the name suggests, restorative yoga mainly deals with healing. This style focuses more on relaxing the body and mind and hence facilitating healing through simple poses. It is not unheard of for restorative yoga poses to be held for as long as twenty minutes. The style commonly uses props to provide the necessary relaxing and comfortable conditions.

Iyengar Yoga

This style of yoga focuses on creating the right alignment for each pose. It may not be as physically demanding as some of the other styles but offers more than enough mental and physical exercise for those involved. A wide assortment of props is used in Iyengar yoga to help students achieve the correct alignment.