What Are the Most Common Types of Yoga?

Currently, there are over 300 million yoga practitioners in the world. It is a practice that has been done for thousands of years, and more people today are seeing how many benefits it has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for something to improve your mental or physical health, yoga has got you covered. Yet, before beginning, you must first discover the different types of yoga to find which may be best for you.

For that, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading below to get started. 

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa yoga is one of the most common types of yoga, and it is also considered one of the more athletic types. Vinyasa means “to place in a special way,” which is often related to linking movement and breath. 

Vinyasa is often called “flow yoga,” as movements should be synchronized with breathing and flow from one pose to the next. The flow of the movements should help to calm down your nervous system and help you meditate even while moving.

Vinyasa is a suitable yoga type for those who are new to yoga or those that are more seasoned. 

Hatha Yoga

If you are new to learning yoga, Hatha yoga is a great one to start with. The class is usually taken at a slower pace and includes a classic approach to breathing and yoga exercises. 

The word Hatha comes from the Sanskrit term for sun and moon, and it is often used as a blanket term for many different styles of yoga that are physical-based. Other styles of yoga, such as kriya and raja yoga, are separate from physical-based yoga as they are more psycho-psychological.

To be considered a Hatha class, it must include poses, breathing, and meditation. This means that other types of yoga, such as Iyengar and Bikram, are also considered Hatha. 

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar yoga focuses on precise movements and alignment. It is named after its founder, B.K.S. Iyengar.

Instructors of Iygengar require a high level of training, but it is a suitable class to take no matter your particular skill level. It often uses props, such as chairs, benches, and walls, but this is considered optional. 

Many older adults enjoy Iygenar because it is a more stationary form of yoga that relies on holding one position for an extended period of time while focusing on alignment. 

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga is a more physical type of yoga that consists of six different poses that are taught in order. The yoga teacher decides when each student has mastered a pose and can move on to the next one. 

It is a routine style of yoga that requires each person to go at their own pace and with their own breath, flowing from one pose to the next.

It is considered to be quite spiritual as it is physical, and it is often done in classes that last two hours. 

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini yoga is a more intense style that focuses on strengthening your core.

It is equally physical and spiritual and is done to release any kundalini energy that can get trapped in your lower spine. 

When you take a kundalini class, you’ll find it to be fast-paced and constantly working your breathing with invigorating poses. Chanting and meditation are a significant part of this type of yoga. 

Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga, created by Bikram Choudhury, is a form of hot yoga. Generally, the class is set in a sauna-type studio and is 105 degrees with 40% humidity. 

Similar to Ashtanga yoga, Bikram yoga consists of a series of poses that are performed in the same order. It consists of strict rules, and yoga instructors are not allowed to adjust the students. 

Because Bikram has such strict rules, many studios will call it “hot yoga” so they can make their own modifications to it.

Doing yoga in hotter temperatures allows you to get deep into practicing a pose. It also improves circulation and helps to detoxify your body. 

Power Yoga

Power yoga is also similar to Ashtanga yoga but has fewer rules, allowing for yoga instructors to interpret it in different ways. 

It is a more athletic type of yoga and is generally fast-paced, focusing on strengthening your muscles and improving flexibility. There are sequences of movements to follow, which can help keep your brain engaged and is perfect for those that are looking for routine-style yoga. 

Prenatal Yoga

Yoga instructors established prenatal yoga to help ease the pains of pregnancy.

There are many benefits of yoga, and being able to adjust it for your particular body and needs is why yoga can be done throughout your entire life. 

Prenatal yoga focuses on stress relief, self-care, and exercise. It can help soothe an aching lower back and sore hips, which are common in pregnant people. 

It is specifically designed to be safe for a pregnant body, so it excludes any poses that might be too taxing. However, when pregnant, it is always recommended to check in with your doctor before trying yoga. 

If you think you’d like to look into teaching yoga, click here to learn more. 

Practice the Different Types of Yoga

There are so many different types of yoga, which makes this activity all the more exciting. No matter where you are in your life, there is sure to be a type of yoga that could work for you.

Consider what you’re looking for. Would you like something more fast-paced or something that focuses more on breathing? 

Whatever you need, yoga will be there for you. 

To continue your wellness journey today, browse through our collection of lifestyle and health-related articles.