…to Common Yoga Styles
Don’t worry if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of different yoga styles available today. It’s completely normal to find the terminology and specifics of each style confusing at first. The world of yoga is rich and diverse, offering something for everyone, but this variety can sometimes be daunting for newcomers.
To help you navigate this landscape, I’ve prepared a brief introduction to some of the most common yoga styles you’re likely to encounter when booking a class. This overview will give you a starting point to understand the unique characteristics and benefits of each style, allowing you to make a more informed decision about which might suit you best.
Ashtanga: This is a physically demanding style that follows a set sequence of poses. These poses are always practised in the same order, with a strong emphasis on breath control. Ashtanga is known for its rigorous structure and can be quite challenging, making it popular among those seeking an intense, disciplined practice.
Bikram: If you don’t mind heat and extreme exertion, and you enjoy a repetitive routine, Bikram might be for you. This style is practised in a heated room, typically between 35-42 degrees Celsius (95-108 degrees Fahrenheit). The high temperature is believed to promote flexibility and detoxification, but it’s important to stay well-hydrated during these sessions.
Iyengar: This style places a strong focus on alignment and posture. It’s characterised by its slow pace and the use of props such as blocks, straps, and bolsters. Iyengar yoga is excellent for those who want to refine their technique and gain a deeper understanding of each pose.
Hatha: Perfect for beginners, Hatha yoga offers slow-paced, mindful movements. While some poses can be physically demanding, the overall approach is gentle and grounded. This style is ideal for those who want a more relaxed, meditative approach to yoga.
Vinyasa: For those seeking a more dynamic, athletic feel to their yoga practice, Vinyasa might be the answer. This faster-paced style involves flowing between poses, often in a choreographed sequence. Vinyasa can help build lean muscle and provide a light cardio workout.
Yin: This is a floor-based, slow-paced style where poses are held for several minutes at a time. Yin yoga incorporates elements of meditation and is excellent for those looking to release tension, restore range of motion in muscles and connective tissue, and generally regenerate and rejuvenate their body and mind.
Restorative: If your primary goal is to de-stress and relax, Restorative yoga might be your best choice. This very gentle style involves holding poses for up to 10 minutes, often using plenty of props like bolsters, straps, blankets, scented oils, and eye pillows. Restorative yoga aims to calm the nervous system and is particularly beneficial for those living with chronic pain or anyone feeling stressed and overwhelmed by daily life.
I hope this overview was helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to me or contact your local studio or teacher. They’ll be happy to provide additional information or answer any questions you may have.
Main – Photo by Patrick McGregor on Unsplash
