Types of Yoga

With so many different types of yoga styles available today, it can be a bit of a problem for those starting out, which is where this site will hopefully come in handy.
It is important to choose the right form and style of yoga that is appropriate to your physical fitness level, as well as your spiritual needs and general condition of health.

I’m going to list a few of the more common types of yoga right here, to get you started, and give a brief explanation of that type. Find one that’s appropriate to you, and have a search around the site to continue your learning….

Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga can be a great starting place for beginners and, as a result, is the most popular type of yoga. It’s often slow and gentle movements coupled with breathing exercises make for a relaxing introduction to the benefits of yoga. Hatha yoga is actually a general term for several sub-styles of yoga including the following:

• Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (aka Ashtanga Yoga)
  This type of yoga is sometimes called ‘Power Yoga’ due to the primary focus being to create a powerful flowing movement, although ‘Power Yoga’ and ‘Vinyasa’ are in fact general terms for the more vigorous styles of yoga such as this.
  These types of yoga often include classic strength and stamina routines such as lunges and push ups, and are more often used by people who are seeking a more challenging workout. Ashtanga might be suited to a person who has successfully overcome a minor back injury for example.
  If an already athletic person wanted to add a bit more concentration and balance into their training they might consider this type of yoga so as to keep some of their usual routines involved.
• Iyengar Yoga
  This type of yoga concentrates entirely on exact and precise movements, alignment, and inner awareness. Yoga equipment and props are often used, certainly for beginners, to prevent injuries and to help those, who are less flexible than the experts, to do some of the poses in a bit more comfort. Equipment used include yoga blocks/bricks, and straps.
  Benefits for using these types of yoga include good exercise techniques for back and neck pain sufferers, and it will give you a good knowledge on the classic yoga styles and poses giving you some good basic fundamental yoga skills.
• Viniyoga
  This type of yoga uses flowing exercises to link your breathing and movement together. It can be easily adapted for most people, and can be especially useful to those with neck injuries or back problems.

Other Modern Styles …

Bikram Yoga
This type of yoga can sometimes be known as “hot yoga” due to being performed in a very warm room. As a result of this heat, your muscle tissue can stretch more easily enabling you to increase your flexibility.
People with any sort of cardiovascular disease should not try these types of yoga, due to the extra stresses and strains the body has to cope with whilst exercising in a much warmer climate.

Ancient Styles …

Raja Yoga
If you are capable of amazing concentration skills, or want to be, and have a spiritual side to you, then this type of yoga might be for you.

Bhakti yoga
This type of yoga is often called devotional yoga, and can be quite spiritual, focusing on self surrender to the divine spirits.

Miscellaneous Styles – Including Some Of The More Unusual …

Mantra yoga
Often called “yoga of potent sound”, this type of yoga uses sound techniques to acquire liberation through mental and verbal repetition of strong sounds. These are the classic meditation words “om,” “hum,” “ram” …..

There are a lot of places to learn yoga these days and many of them should be able to accommodate any types of yoga you’d like to practice. However, before going to a class, you should do a little bit more research around this site, then ask your potential yoga teacher what types you should be doing and what you have in mind.

If it’s something more spiritual you’re after then find out a bit about their beliefs and philosophy. If it’s something more physical then make sure that all involved are up to the task.

Good luck!