The Different Types of Yoga

Yoga has been practiced for more than 1000 years now. Although, it has only gained attention in the recent decade. Most people today prefer yoga over any other form of workout or exercise. People have started realizing how beneficial yoga can be for your body and your soul. We strongly believe that once you start doing yoga and see the results of the same, there is no going back. It automatically becomes a part of your life that you begin to enjoy and look forward to.

However, there are many types of yoga from which you can select the one that suits you the best. In fact, it is really important to understand which type of yoga is the most suitable one for you. This does not mean that any type of yoga is “bad” for you. It just means that one type of yoga may be more beneficial for you and your body. You can select the type of yoga you want to perform simply by your choice of which one interests you the most. Remember, you need to love what you do! Only then would you feel healthier from within after a yoga session!

Given below in this article are the 10 different types of yoga along with this a brief description about each of them. Check these out and decide which type of yoga you would like to try out!

10 Types of Yoga                                     

1. Vinyasa Yoga

This type of yoga is known as the “flow yoga”. Here, the poses are synchronized with the person’s breath, while following a continuous rhythmic flow. It is perfect for someone who wishes for more movement in their yoga session, with less stillness.

2. Kundalini Yoga

This type of yoga includes specially designed Asanas that focus on stimulating energy to reduce stress. They also help in removing negative thoughts. It is perfect for someone who is looking for not just a physical practice, but also a spiritual one.

3. Hatha Yoga

This type of yoga is meant for balancing opposing forces. It balances strength, flexibility, physical and mental energies. This type of yoga is perfect for someone who is looking for a balanced practice or workout.

4. Yin Yoga

This is a type of yoga that includes a slower pace of poses. Its main aim is to increase circulation in the body and to improve flexibility. It is perfect for people you like to stretch out after a workout, or simply prefer a slower-paced session.

5. Ashtanga Yoga

Under this type of yoga, there are six series of poses that are taught chronologically. A student is taught the next pose when they have mastered the previous one. It is perfect for someone who is interested in a routine physical and spiritual practice.

6. Bikram Yoga

This is a form of hot yoga. Just like Ashtanga yoga, this type of yoga also consists a series of poses, supposed to be performed in an order. It includes 26 postures along with 2 breathing exercises. This type of yoga is perfect for someone who likes a good sweat session, and prefers mostly a physical routine.

7. Iyengar Yoga

In this type of yoga, different props are used during practice. These props may be benches, walls, chairs, etc. These are perfect for someone who enjoys detailed instructions, while looking for a more classical yoga form.

8. Sivananda Yoga

These yoga Asanas are extremely relaxing. It offers a more spiritual and energetic experience through the poses included under it. It involves a series of exercises, including breathing exercises, sun salutations and 12 basic Asanas. This type of yoga is perfect for someone who prefers a gentler form of yoga and enjoys a more spiritual experience.

9. Power Yoga

As the name already suggest, this type of yoga includes more active forms of exercise and is also done at a faster pace. It aims at strengthening the muscles and increasing body flexibility. It is perfect for someone who prefers Ashtanga yoga, but just want it a notch less rigid, with a lesser spiritual practice involved.

10. Restorative Yoga

Props are used in this type of yoga in order to support the body. Its main aim is to relax the body completely. It only includes a few poses per class, each for a longer duration as compared to other types of yoga. It is perfect for someone who simply wants to de-stress and relaxes their body and mind completely.