What style of Yoga is right for you?

Have you ever thought of trying Yoga but got overwhelmed by all the different types of classes? Not knowing which one was right for you? If that sounds familiar you are not alone. The first thing you need to do is decide what you are looking to get out of a regular Yoga practice. Are you looking to do Yoga for pure relaxation and stress relief? To increase your flexibility? For a strenuous strength workout? Believe it or not you can achieve all of these things with a regular Yoga practice, you just need to choose the right style. To find out what style of Yoga is right for you. Here are some of the most common styles you will find on a studio schedule.

Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is any practice of Yoga that includes Asana (posture) practice, pranayama (breathwork) practice and meditation. All of the styles mentioned in this blog are actually Hatha Yoga. Generally speaking nowadays when you see Hatha Yoga on a schedule it is usually a gentle or beginner style class.
Vinyasa Yoga
The word Vinyasa is Sanskrit means Flow. In a Vinyasa class the poses or asanas will be linked by the breath. For example, you inhale and reach up, exhale bend forward. Each movement is linked to a breath and the poses flow one into the next. You move a lot in this type of class. These types of classes are good for all levels of participants. You may see classes named “ Morning Flow” or “Candlelight Flow” . Basically if the class name has the word Flow in it , it is a Vinyasa Class.
Ashtanga Yoga
This style of yoga consists of traditional series of poses always done in the same order. This style class moves quickly and powerfully. You will generate a lot of Tapas (heat) in this class. Be prepared to sweat. There are Primary, Intermediate and Advanced Series. The class description usually says what series in covered in class.
Power Yoga
Power Yoga is a general term to describe a style of yoga that is vigorous and  incorporates the athleticism of Ashtanga Yoga with the flow of Vinyasa style. The teacher has the option to sequence poses in any order not only sticking to a specific series like in Ashtanga.
Restorative Yoga
This type of Yoga is for those who just want to relax, rest and rejuvenate their body and  mind. In a Restorative Yoga class props are used to support the body in different postures. Most all are done seated or laying down. The postures are held for several minutes.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is great for those really looking to increase flexibility. Yin Yoga targets the deep connective tissues between the muscles and fascia. In a Yin class the poses are performed 70-80 percent of the full expression of the pose. Sometimes props are utilized for stabilization. The poses are held for several minutes to get deep into the tissue.
Iyengar Yoga
This type of Yoga class is all about alignment. The use of different props allows students to perform each pose with perfect alignment. In an Iyengar class there are usually only a few poses worked on in each class, and each pose is held for a while.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram is the original Hot Yoga. Bikram Yoga consists of 26 poses all performed in a room that is around 100 degrees, low humidity. The purpose of the high heat is to heat up the tissues of the body, making them more pliable and enabling participants to get deeper into the poses. The heat is also used for detoxification through  profuse sweating.
Hot Yoga
Contrary to popular belief Hot Yoga is not limited to only Hot people! Although you will probably come across a few in class! Hot Yoga has the same goal as Bikram Yoga  does but the instructors are not bound to only the 26 poses in the Bikram series. Many Hot Yoga classes are Vinyasa Style classes in the heat.

I hope this helps make it a bit easier for you to find your Yoga style. Good luck with your quest to find the Yoga class that's just right for you!
If you are looking for an Open level Vinyasa Class come join me that's exactly what I teach!!

Namaste