Have you ever found yourself looking for a new yoga class, be it online or in-person, and gotten lost in all the different types available? I have.
When I first got interested in taking a class, I actually waited two years to join one because I had no idea what “kundalini” or “bikram” or “hatha” or any of the other terms meant.
Eventually, I decided that I didn’t care what it meant and joined whatever I was available for.
The class that I started with was kundalini yoga. It felt like normal yoga to me, the same as I had been practicing through watching YouTube videos and using yoga apps. But it got me wondering.
What actually is the difference in all these class types, and what are their unique benefits? So, a few years ago, I decided to do my research!
Here’s the run-down of what each yoga type that I’ve encountered is, and the different aspects that each brings to the table. After reading this list, you’ll hopefully find a new yoga style that fits you perfectly!
Here are the Common Yoga Types:
Hatha Yoga
Hatha really just means physical poses in Sanskrit. It’s nothing fancy.
When you see hatha yoga classes, it just means that it’s a class that focuses on the physical aspects of yoga and doesn’t really have much included on the spiritual or mental front. So, if you’re about getting in shape or are brand new to the world of yoga, hatha is a great option for you.
Kundalini Yoga
My old friend kundalini and I go way back. It was my first yoga class. At the time, I didn’t really know what was so special about it, and I didn’t even notice a difference between it and other yoga that I had been practicing at home.
But once I got to examining the differences between types of yoga, I realized that kundalini has something huge going for it. Kundalini isn’t the most beginner friendly, but it’s a great option for those who want to mix equally as much spirituality in with more demanding physicality.
It’s intense, fast-paced, and focuses heavily on the breath. You’ll also do some chanting, meditation, and use some mantras in kundalini. Don’t let it intimidate you, though. If you have some foundation in yoga, you’ll pick it up in a cinch. It’s extremely rewarding!
Iyengar Yoga
This type of yoga takes its name from a man named B.K.S. Iyengar. It’s a very involved kind of yoga that focuses mainly on the details and precision of movements as well as maintaining proper breath throughout the poses.
Because of the precise nature that Iyengar requires, classes are known to require several props that help perfect and deepen poses.
It’s an intense workout, but it’s also slow and gentle. It’s often recommended for people who need to rehabilitate injuries and would benefit those who need some help with aligning their bones and joints.
Ashtanga Yoga
This is another super common yoga style.
Ashtanga, or “Eight Limb Path” in Sanskrit, is a favorite for experienced yogis who want more of a challenge out of their practice.
Students of ashtanga are told to go at their own pace, and the series of poses often stays the same. Because of the difficult and highly physical nature of the poses, breath is a vital part of ashtanga.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa came from ashtanga, and it literally translates in Sanskrit to “to place in a special way”.
The thing being placed in a special way is… you!
Vinyasa is all about flow and playing with sequences of poses to find new things from your time on the mat.
It’s like a delicate choreography. Vinyasa is very athletic as it doesn’t offer time to break and recompose yourself after poses.
While that may sound intimidating to beginners, it’s not entirely. If you’re already in good shape, vinyasa might be the perfect option for you.
Yin Yoga
Yin yoga is slow and deliberate. Poses aren’t changed nearly as often, and they’re not as challenging, but it focuses on holding the poses for a long time.
Because of its slow nature, it’s the perfect class for beginners and those looking to focus more on the relaxation and peaceful nature that yoga can offer.
Bikram Yoga
Also called “hot yoga”, bikram yoga is practiced in a hot room that is about 105 degrees Fahrenheit and kept humid.
It’s basically yoga in a sauna.
This helps you sweat more and is thought to have detoxifying properties. It’s definitely a challenge, though, as the heat adds a certain layer of intensity to the poses.
As such, it’s recommended for those who have experience in yoga already and are just looking for something new.
Prenatal Yoga
As the name denotes, this type of yoga is for pregnant women and has been designed to accommodate women of all different stages of pregnancy.
It’s well-regarded for being very healthy and beneficial for pregnant women and is even thought to make the process of labor a little easier to prepare for and go through.
Restorative Yoga
This type of yoga is 100% about chilling out and winding down.
If you find that stress plays a major role in your life, restorative yoga has a lot to offer you.
This type of yoga also uses a lot of props, but unlike the bands and blocks of Iyengar yoga, restorative yoga favors blankets, pillows, and eye masks. It’s super chill. You’ll clear your mind here and leave feeling super relaxed. Zzzzzz….. ahh.
Jivamukti Yoga
This is a fairly new style of yoga that takes the vinyasa style of movement and poses flowing into the next and incorporates traditional spiritual teachings from Hindu culture.
It starts with chants and then goes into various poses that connect practitioners with the five tenants of the Jivamukti philosophy and spiritual teachings. For those looking to get a little closer to Earth and their own spirituality, this is the perfect yoga style for you.
Anusara Yoga
Last but not least is this modernized form of hatha yoga.
It’s all about alignment of the mind, body, and heart and as such it’s all about making sure that every part of your body is loosened up, aligned, and moving by the end of the class.
Hopefully now that you’ve learned a little bit more about the different yoga options available out there, you’ll be inclined to try something new!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles to find what fits you best. Nobody will be offended if you decide not to continue it, I promise!
And with anything, if it makes you nervous to try (like bikram is for me), it’s probably worth doing!
Namaste.
The yoganum family
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