Different Types of Yoga- Which Style is Best For You?

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I love everything about yoga! Who doesn’t love the stretching of your muscles, perfecting poses, and refreshing the mind. Yoga has been around for over 5, 000 years and today, it has evolved into different types of yoga. Which yoga type is right for you? Read on to get a quick introduction to some of the most common styles of yoga and its benefits.

Hatha Yoga– It’s a more slow-paced style of yoga that involves simple breathing exercises and seated meditation. It’s a good place to learn beginners’ yoga poses and relaxation techniques.

Bikram Yoga– If you can withstand 105 degrees of heat for 1 hour, than this style of yoga is for you. There’s over 26 poses and lots of alignment work, but still a good fit for beginners.  It’s essential to have your own yoga mat since you’ll be sweating profusely. Yogitoes Skidless mat towels are popular hot yoga accessories because the towels are placed over the mat to absorb sweat and improve traction. Note: Hot yoga is not suited for pregnant women since it raises the core body temperature.

Vinyasa Yoga– Best known as “flow yoga, ” it focuses on synchronizing breathing and movement. There are so many different types of vinyasa styles (including ashtanga) so no two classes will be alike. It’s definitely one of the more popular yoga types.

Ashtanga Yoga– Ashtanga is also known as power yoga that focuses on strength and flexibility. It’s best for people who are quite fit, enjoying working out, and likes to work up a sweat.

Kundalini Yoga– It’s designed to expand our awareness and untap the energy of the seven chakras that surrounds the base of our spine.  It involves a lot of core work which can be physically intense, but ends with meditation.

Iyengar Yoga– Iyengar is a form of hatha yoga, but has more of an emphasis on alignment and perfecting the poses. One should expect lots of props like harnesses, straps, chairs, blocks, blankets, and even cushions. It’s great for someone who needs physical therapy.

Restorative Yoga– It’s the best answer after a long day at work or if you just need a second to quiet your mind. Restorative focuses on relaxation and will leave you nourished and well-rested.

Prenantal Yoga– This yoga type is for moms to be and though I’m not a mom, I hear prenatal is one of the best types of exercises for expecting moms because there’s a lot of core exercises and breathing techniques.

Try one or all of them to figure out which one suits you the best!

If you like this yoga post, then read our  post on Face Yoga Exercises!