- Yoga Styles – Quick Guide to the Different Styles of Yoga
There are many types of yoga styles around and reading about each one can be a little confusing. What you want to remember is that all yoga styles are based on the same fundamental yoga poses or postures—but how they’re practiced can vary widely in intensity, focus, and philosophy.
HathaYoga
Hatha Yoga is extremely popular and involves gentle movements with a moderate pace. These classes are often recommended for beginners as they introduce the foundational yoga postures and breathing techniques in a calm, steady manner.
Bikram Yoga (Hot Yoga)
Bikram Yoga, also known as Hot Yoga, is practiced in a heated room with temperatures between 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat helps your muscles relax and allows for deeper stretches, making it ideal for people with tight muscles. It involves 26 specific poses, although not all may be used in a single session. Expect to sweat—a lot—as it’s also thought to help cleanse the body.
Power Yoga
Power Yoga blends elements from Ashtanga and Vinyasa styles, with a focus on strength, stamina, and flexibility. It’s an intense, fast-paced workout that typically skips the spiritual and meditative aspects of traditional yoga. Popular in gyms, no two classes are exactly the same, as the sequence often depends on the instructor.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is slow and meditative. Each pose is held for several minutes to deeply stretch the connective tissues, ligaments, and fascia around your joints. It’s a calming practice that promotes mindfulness and is especially good for stress relief and increasing flexibility.
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga emphasizes precision and alignment in each pose. It often incorporates props like yoga blocks, straps, and blankets to help you safely achieve proper posture and balance. Like Pilates, it focuses on building strength and body awareness, with poses held for extended periods.
Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu Yoga is known as the “yoga of compassion.” It encourages self-awareness, acceptance, and inner peace. The classes are gentle and flow naturally from one posture to the next, with a focus on breathing and listening to your body. It’s a great choice for emotional and spiritual growth as well as physical health.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga is a dynamic and spiritual form of yoga designed to awaken energy within the body. It combines movement, breath (pranayama), chanting, and meditation. It’s known for its transformative benefits, especially when practiced regularly, and is often more energetic and rhythmic than other styles.
Pranayama
While not a full yoga style on its own, Pranayama refers specifically to breath control practices used in many forms of yoga. Pranayama techniques teach you how to regulate your breath to improve focus, reduce stress, and boost overall energy. It’s often included in meditative or therapeutic yoga classes.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing style that links movement with breath. Often called “flow yoga,” it transitions smoothly from one pose to the next, creating a dance-like rhythm. Vinyasa can range from slow and graceful to fast-paced and athletic, depending on the instructor’s style.
Which Yoga Style is Right for You?
- For a great workout or weight loss: Try Power Yoga or Hot Yoga (Bikram).
- For stress relief and mindfulness: Choose Yin Yoga, Kripalu, or Kundalini.
- For beginners: Start with Hatha or Iyengar Yoga to learn the basics with support.
- For breath and inner calm: Explore Pranayama or yoga styles that incorporate it, such as Kundalini or Kripalu.
Armed with this guide, you’ll be better prepared to ask informed questions when choosing a class, instructor, book, or DVD. Remember—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach in yoga. Try different styles to discover which resonates with your body, mind, and lifestyle.
I’ve done Hatha yoga but now transitioning into Kripalu. It feels like a great fit for this stage of my life.
Check back for more articles about each style of yoga or check the Yoga Style series to see if more has been added.
All the best,
Patti