6 types of yoga to choose from

Whether you’re trying to regain your youthful vigour, improve flexibility, get in touch with your spiritual self, or simply relax, there is a yoga practice just for you.
Here is a quick intro to some of the most popular types of yoga.

Hatha yoga

A gentle style which is suitable for beginners, hatha yoga focuses on slow movements, breathing, and meditation. It is great for those who want to learn the basic asanas, and relaxation techniques of yoga. Being mindful of your movements as you perform the asanas will help you get the most out of each session.

Ashtanga yoga

Also called power yoga, this type of yoga is not for beginners. This intense and fast paced yoga is physically demanding and forms an athletic yoga practice. It focuses on internal cleansing by reducing heat in the body and improving circulation. Working up a sweat during the practice also helps remove toxins. Ashtanga yoga may be suitable for you if you’re already physically fit or want to improve your strength quickly.

Vinyasa yoga

Vinyasa yoga is also called flow yoga because of its fluid, dynamic practice. This is also a physically active form of yoga which focuses on coordinating the movement and breath. The asanas flow from one to the next with an emphasis on synchronising the breath and smoothly transitioning in and out of the poses. Along with improved strength, flexibility, and endurance, flow yoga also provides cardio benefits because of continual movements. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced yogis.

Bikram yoga

Bikram yoga is popularly known as hot yoga because it is practised in a heated environment. It is a series of 26 asanas (poses) that are designed to stretch and strengthen the internal organs and muscles of your body. Practising in a heated room works up a sweat and facilitates detoxification. This is the only style of yoga that specialises in using a heated room. Bikram yoga is a big hit with celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Ashton Kutcher, and Hritik Roshan.

Iyengar yoga

In Iyengar yoga, the poses are held longer than in other style of yoga. You slowly move into an asana, hold the pose for almost a minute, and rest for a few breaths before moving into another. Even though it incorporates all the traditional asanas, Iyengar yoga distinguishes itself by being uber accessible, even to the sick, elderly and disabled, by using cushions, straps and other equipment for support. If you worry that you aren’t flexible or are recovering from an injury, Iyengar could be perfect for you.

Sivananda yoga

Sivananda yoga is a slow, meditative practice with breathing exercises, sun salutations to warm-up, 12 basic asanas and deep relaxation. You start by mastering the basic asanas and then add variations to systematically strengthen your practice. This style of yoga also has a strong spiritual focus. Yogis follow a vegetarian diet and practise meditation for overall wellness.