Do you want to get started with yoga but not sure what type of yoga will be suitable for you? Have you been practising yoga for a while but want to try a new style?
There are many types of yoga with a variety of styles – from gentle and slow yoga to more dynamic, from yoga that is mainly focused on the right breathing and repetitive movements to yoga when you will be holding the postures for few minutes. It is fascinating to try a variety of types and compare how does it feel for you. Then you can stick with one type of yoga or combine it as your body feels.
If you are a beginner, you might be struggling with holding the postures, breathing techniques or being able to perform challenging stretches. However, with time your body will adjust and you will see the benefits. It will become part of your life and you will become almost addicted.
Yoga improves your overall health by cleaning cluttered thoughts, reduce overthinking. In addition, it also has a positive effect on your skin, tonality and digestive system.
Beginner Yoga
Yin Yoga
A gentle yoga that targets deep connective tissues, ligaments, joints and bones. The postures are usually held between 1-5minutes, usually on a matt. Ideal for beginners.
Restorative yoga
Focused on body relaxation. The class is usually structured with fewer postures. Many of postures are easier. It can also use props such as straps, bolsters, blankets.
Hatha Yoga
The word “Hatha” means force – to lengthen your muscles and refresh your mind. It combines all types of modern yoga. Slower moving, holding postures for few breaths. Usually slower, suitable for beginners.
Iyengar Yoga
It is focused on a structural alignment of the body through asanas. It is detail-oriented and slow-paced yoga where you may use props such as blocks, straps. Poses are held for a period of time.
Yoga Nidra
This type of yoga is more like a meditation when you go into a deep state of calmness and relaxation. It is guided to clean your chakras and relax your body as an 8 hours sleep. In this yoga you will lie on the mat and not move, just close your eyes and listen.
Intermediate/Advanced Yoga
Vinyasa Flow
A dynamic yoga that coordinates movement with breathing and poses that flow from one to another. This type of yoga can help you improve your posture, strengthen your muscles.
Astanga yoga
Dynamic, challenging. It consists of sun salutation, breathing. Great for building core strength. It is designed with specific sequences in order. The postures produce internal heat that detoxifies your organs and muscles. Not suitable for beginners.
Jivamukti Yoga
A vinyasa style yoga that combines vigorous exercise with spiritual practice. A vinyasa-based physical style. It is said that Jivamukti Yoga is a path to enlightenment.
Bikram Yoga
Classes are held in a heated room – 40 degree. It consists of 26 poses that are repeated twice. Each pose is held for 10-60 seconds. The class follow the same structure each time.
Hot yoga
Similar to bikram yoga – held in a heated room but it doesn’t need to follow the same structure.
Kundalini Yoga
A fast-moving postures combined with intense breath work and chanting. Each movement sequence is repeated for 3-5 min, it creates tension and it brings release afterwards.
If you are looking for a studio where to start yoga and you live in Sydney you might be interested to check this article – The Best Yoga Studios in Sydney. Apart from that, some Yoga studios operate in other cities or worldwide – for example in Melbourne, Byron Bay or NYC.