An explanation of the most popular types of yoga

An explanation of the most popular types of yoga

One of the biggest hurdles to getting started with yoga is figuring out what style of yoga you want to try. It is often confusing for beginners because the class names and options are so broad. While almost all styles use the same physical postures, each has a special focus. This cheat sheet highlights the differences so you can figure out which type is right for you.

Of course the best way to start yoga is to take a beginner..new class. If you are looking for online videos, look specifically for beginner courses. Almost all online yoga video platforms allow you to search by skill level.

Just keep in mind that if you don't like your first yoga class, that doesn't mean you shouldn't and neither should yoga. Since there are so many different styles of yoga and so many different instructors with their own teaching approaches, it can take a few tries to find the right one.

Given the many benefits of practicing yoga regularly, if you don't like yoga at first, stick to trying a few different classes before giving up completely.

Options for beginners

Aside from classes classified as "yoga for beginners", in general, Hatha classes are slower, more thoughtful practices that focus on basic poses suitable for beginners. Of course, it is important to realize that the term "Hatha" is actually a generic designation for any form of yoga that focuses on movement. In the United States, almost all yoga classes are technically hatha, so ask your instructor what to expect before the first class.

Vinyasa lessons are incredibly popular, but they tend to be faster, which can be confusing for beginners who aren't familiar with basic poses. If you want to try a vinyasa class, look for a beginner's version.

Finally, Iyengar yoga is a form of yoga that places a strong emphasis on proper alignment. This is great for people who have injuries or want to spend more time doing each pose exactly right. You can expect a lot of instructions, which is great for beginners.

Remember that any style of yoga can be ideal for beginners as long as it is for a "beginner" class, so if your local studio offers Yin or Forest yoga, feel free to ask. 'try. Just be sure to tell your teacher that you are new to the practice. By alerting you, you know to monitor and provide more detailed instructions when needed.

Different styles explained

You can try to determine your type of yoga or find out what your yoga personality is to see which of the following styles suit you best. There are a lot of options, but fear not. Try the beginner course before branching out (if you'd like).

haha

Hatha is a very general term that includes all physical styles of yoga. In the contemporary language of yoga, hatha has come to mean a gentle, slow method of practice. Hatha classes are often a good place to start a yoga practice, as they provide an introduction to basic yoga poses in a low-key setting.

Venice Flow

Like hatha, vinyasa is an umbrella term used to describe different types of classes. Vinyasa tends to be a more active style of yoga that involves a series of asanas called sun salutations, where each movement coincides with the breath.

A vinyasa class usually begins with a series of sun salutations to warm the body for more intensity at the end of the class. Vinyasa is also called flow, in reference to the continuous movement from one mode to another

Anusara

Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara combines a strong focus on physical alignment with a positive philosophy based on a belief in the intrinsic goodness of all beings.

Unfortunately, Friend is no longer associated with Anusara due to his own reckless personal actions. Anusara is now a teacher-run yoga school, and Friend has started a new style of yoga called Sridaiva (see below).

astanga

Ashtanga is a fast, intense, and flowing style of yoga founded by Pattabi Joyce in the 1960s, in which a steady series of poses are performed, always in the same order. This practice requires great skill