Which Yoga style is right for you?
Did you really think that Yoga was spared of a variety of styles - just like other fitness regimes? Now that you know that there are many, many styles of Yoga, how do you know which one is right for you? Fret not, because this blog comes with a quick guide on all the major Yoga styles and which one suits your lifestyle and fitness goals the best!
PS: Don't worry if you get confused with all the options available. Take some time to define your fitness goals, or you can simply ask an expert!
Iyengar Yoga
This style of yoga was founded by B.K.S. Iyengar, and involves classical and alignment-based poses. Iyengar Yoga gained popularity from the 1970s onward and is practiced by thousands across the globe. A prominent feature of this style is the number of props used - chairs, blocks, tables, and benches. This style of Yoga is less intense than other styles and inches more towards the classical side of the Yoga spectrum.
Who might choose this: Someone who likes detailed and clear instructions, has physical limitations, and is looking for a more classical style of Yoga.
Kundalini Yoga
This style of yoga was founded by Yogi Bhajan (somewhere around the 1960s.) Kundalini means "life force" in Sanskrit, and this yoga style works on unlocking the life force that can be found tightly coiled at the base of one's spine. These yoga sequences are carefully designed to reduce stress and negative thinking too. This style challenges the seeker with chanting, breathing, poses, etc.
Who might like it: Anyone who likes a physical as well as a spiritual practice, and like singing or chanting.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga involves six series of specific poses that are taught in order. Each pose in each series is "given" to the student by their teacher when the student has mastered the previous one. This style is flow-like in nature and is very physical alongside spiritual components. An interesting feature of this style is that all Ashtanga teachers give hands-on adjustments to each student's practice, and each student has a unique practice.
Who might like it: Anyone looking for routine and more physical practice with spiritual components.
Hatha Yoga
Fun Fact - 'Hatha' in Sanskrit is also another word for the Sun and Moon! This style focuses on balancing opposing forces (such as the Sun and Moon) and works on flexibility, mental agility, strength, and powerful breathing techniques. This style is often an umbrella term for Yoga styles on the more physical side and is very beginner-friendly.
Who might like it: Anyone looking for a more balanced practice, and those who prefer a gentler type of yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga
Also known as "flow yoga" or "Vinyasa flow", this style is one of the most common styles of yoga. This style was adapted from the Ashtanga Yoga style, and since then has grown tremendously. "Vinyasa" translates to "place in a special way", and focuses on movement and breathing. Words like slow, controlled, dynamic are often paired with this Yoga style.
PS: This is one of the most beginner-friendly styles, so make sure to keep that in mind!
Who might like it: Anyone who is looking to start on their Yoga journey, and prefers more movement than stillness in their practice.
There are plenty of other Yoga styles that offer unique, engaging physical and mental exercises, such as Aerial Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Hot Yoga, Power Yoga, and more!