Yoga styles – which one suits you best?
- Ashling Di Gloria
- Nov 7, 2021
- 2 min read
As yoga developed through the centuries, a variety of styles and techniques were introduced, each with its own characteristics and benefits.
How can you tell which one is for you? In the following paragraphs I will briefly describe each style, so that you can make an educated decision the next time you book a yoga class!
Hatha yoga is the most popular style, it is focused on holding each pose for a few breaths before proceeding to the next one. It is gentler than other more dynamic styles, and it is often practiced in combination with breathing techniques and meditation.
The movements of vinyasa yoga follow the flow of sequences, guiding you from one pose to another with the rhythm of your breath. It is an intense physical and mental stimulation, and many sequences can benefit and suit your needs. The sequence helps with the expression of consciousness, expressed through transitions that gracefully connect two different poses.
Ashtanga yoga is one of the most physically demanding style of yoga. It is a fast paces session which follows sequences created by master K. Pattabhi Jois.
The student must breathe in unison with the movement, allowing for limited rest.
Iyengar
Iyengar yoga is characterised by a particular attention for detail and body alignment. A good knowledge of anatomy is crucial for the teaching of this style, as the yoga teacher must be able to correct the student if they spot any sign of misalignment. This style incorporates the use of props such as blocks, belts, pillows to help the yogi in case of injuries, discomfort, or imbalances.
Yin yoga is a slower paced style, that allows the yogi to hold each pose for considerably longer, compared to other styles. This approach is more restorative and stimulates deep muscle relaxation, targeting the connective tissue of joints and muscle, elongating them.
Bikram
This yoga style is practiced at high temperatures, to allow the body to cleanse itself. Master Bikram Choudhury created a series of 26 poses that specifically aid in the healing of the body.
Kundalini yoga derives from the tantric tradition. It is more spiritually focused and it id centred around the practice of breathing techniques, mantra meditation and drawing the kundalini energy up from the lower chakras through the activation of the abdomen.
These styles are very different from one another, some allowing more rest and relaxation, others focusing on the intensity and flow of the movement of the poses. They require different energy inputs and influence your body
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References
A. (2021a, September 2). Find Your Match Among the Many Types of Yoga. Yoga Journal. https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/yoga-sequences/not-all-yoga-is-created-equal/
Girl, A. Y. (2020, March 23). What Is Ashtanga Yoga? Everything you need to know! Ashtanga Yoga Girl. https://ashtangayogagirl.com/what-is-ashtanga-yoga/
mindbodygreen. (2021, June 25). Yin Yoga 101: What You Need to Know. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5037/Yin-Yoga-101-What-You-Need-to-Know.html
Saal, K. (2020, October 21). What is Vinyasa Yoga? | Vinyasa Flow Yoga Explained. One Flow Yoga. https://oneflowyoga.com/blog/what-is-vinyasa-yoga
Photo by Cliff Booth from Pexels
What to Expect From a Hatha Yoga Class. (2019, June 18). Verywell Fit. https://www.verywellfit.com/what-is-hatha-yoga-3566884
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