Yoga is the oldest body science, dating back over a thousand years. It is still a powerful tool in the world of health and well-being. Some of the oldest styles of yoga are Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa. With the evolution of yoga, more styles have been created. Some are named after masters like Iyengar Yoga and Bikram Yoga. Other yoga styles are named for the types of experiences they offer, such as Power Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Power Yoga. Each yoga style has its own unique characteristics, but there is one point where all styles of yoga can be combined. This is the constant link between mind, body and breath. It can be difficult to choose the right type of yoga for you, given the variety of styles offered by yoga studios and schools.
We have covered seven types of yoga, each with their own benefits. You will be able to choose the type of yoga that resonates with you by the end of this article.
Selecting the right style of yoga:
#1 Hatha Yoga:
It’s almost impossible to talk about yoga styles without mentioning Hatha Yoga. This is the original yoga style, and it was the one that started all the other yoga styles, traditional and contemporary. It is slow-paced and involves a series standing and sitting poses that are held for several minutes before moving onto the next. Hatha Yoga is a form of yoga that aims to increase strength, flexibility, relaxation, and purify the sun and moon channels (energy channels). Each asana is synced with the breath.
A Hatha Yoga TTC in Rishikesh, if you’re just starting to learn yoga, is the ideal place and style for you. Register in Rishikesh to learn authentic Hatha Yoga from the land that inspired it.
#2 – Ashtanga Yoga:
Ashtanga Yoga is the second type of yoga that merits a mention after Hatha Yoga. Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes fluidity, movement, and rhythm. It also focuses on synching the breath and poses, as the yogi moves in a fluid manner from one pose to another. Ashtanga Yoga can be described as an aerobic exercise, which helps you to manage your weight and strengthens your heart muscles. From the beginner series (the primary series), to the advanced series, there are six levels of Ashtanga Yoga. The primary series takes approximately 90 minutes.
Sun salutations are also part of Ashtanga Yoga. It is one of the most important series in Ashtanga Yoga. There is no better place to study traditional Ashtanga Yoga than Mysore in India, where Ashtanga Yoga was first created.
#3 – Restorative and Yin Yoga
Both yin and restorative yoga styles can be combined and used together. These styles are slower-paced and more effective. For those who wish to increase their meditation abilities, these yoga asanas are better suited for them. These yoga styles are great for relaxing your mind and body, while also recharging you for the day ahead. You can choose to concentrate on one of these styles. Yin yoga is a great option if you are looking to increase flexibility and strength in your muscles. Each pose should be held for several minutes before you move on to the next. Yin yoga is a floor-based practice that uses props (optional).
Restorative yoga, on the other hand, aims to achieve complete relaxation of the mind and body. Restorative yoga sessions aim to restore balance in the body and mind, while relieving pressure from the joints and connective tissue. Restorative yoga sessions will allow you to hold the pose for up to 10 minutes. Athletes often choose this yoga style to heal and achieve restfulness.
#4 Power Yoga:
The contemporary Ashtanga Yoga style is very similar, but it doesn’t follow a predetermined series. This style is focused more on improving flow and cardiovascular activity for the yogi. This is a great style of yoga to help you gain a toned body and increase strength and endurance. You can also burn calories when you do it in a heated space. If you’re looking to lose a few pounds, consider a power yoga class.
#5 – Kundalini Yoga:
Kundalini Yoga, a traditional form of yoga, is ideal for those who want to tap into their spiritual potential. Kundalini, the powerhouse within each of us, is right at our belly button. It is largely untapped and dormant for most people. It can help us attain the highest levels of spiritual energy, self-awareness, and spirituality if we just activate it a little.
The Kundalini Yoga class teaches students how to channel their energy upwards using mantra chanting and extensive breath work. This yoga form can lead to spiritual awakening, also known by the “Kundalini Awakening” Only a yoga master should teach this style of yoga.
#6 – Iyengar Yoga:
Iyengar Yoga, named after B.K.S Iyengar (the master and innovator of this style of yoga), is one of many yoga styles that anyone can practice. This yoga style focuses on performing asanas both standing and seated and holding each position for at least a few minutes. This yoga style is characterized by the use of props such as chairs, blocks and straps to provide a variety of alignments to suit different body types and abilities.
#7 Hot and Bikram Yoga:
Both styles are similar. Hot yoga, in fact, is a subset or variant of Bikram yoga. It has less structure. Bikram Choudhary, the founder of Bikram yoga, is its name. Bikram Yoga sessions last 90 minutes and are performed in a heated room at 104 degrees Fahrenheit. You will perform 26 different asanas and two pranayama poses. These are both great yoga styles for anyone who is looking to get a vigorous workout with yoga.
