Yoga Types

Yoga is a centuries-old practice that has gained popularity around the world for its physical and mental health benefits. This ancient practice originated in India and has evolved over time, giving rise to many different types of yoga.

From gentle and restorative to intense and challenging, there is a type of yoga for everyone. Each style of yoga has its unique approach, philosophy, and benefits. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, finding the right type of yoga can help you achieve your health and wellness goals.

In this article, we will explore the different yoga types and their benefits, helping you to choose the style that suits your needs and preferences.

Yoga, Is a Philosophy!

Yoga is a philosophy, represented in the form of a tree with 8 branches. Today, in the West, the practice has two images of Epinal:

  • Extreme postures, bordering on contortionism, are performed by young people with perfect bodies.
  • The yogi-eater-of-seeds-meditating-chanting-Oms-in harem pants!

Yoga is certainly at the crossroads of the two, postures are one branch, meditation another.

If the physical practice of the postures is only one branch of this tree, you can decide to devote yourself only to this part… For the moment!

Hatha, Vinyasa, Nidra… hey Macarena!

And this is where it gets complicated. You have looked at the schedule of a yoga room or a sports club near you. And you wondered what all those exotic A-words could possibly mean? 

These are different styles of yoga. There are more and more, depending on the fashion, ranging from the most traditional to the craziest. But after all, why not, there is something for everyone!

The Different Yoga Types

Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. It is a holistic approach to health and well-being that includes physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and relaxation. Over time, many different types of yoga have developed, each with its own unique focus and approach. Here are some of the most popular yoga types:

The Different Yoga Types

1. Acroyoga

Acroyoga is a unique style of yoga that combines acrobatics and yoga. It is typically practiced in pairs, with one person serving as the base and the other as the flyer.

The base supports the flyer in various acrobatic poses, such as lifts and handstands, while the flyer uses balance and core strength to hold the poses.

Acroyoga emphasizes communication, trust, and playfulness between partners. It can be a challenging and fun way to build strength, flexibility, and mindfulness. Acroyoga is often taught in classes or workshops and can be a great way to build community and connect with others.

2. Ashtanga

Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and physically demanding style of yoga that was developed by K. Pattabhi Jois in the early 20th century. This style of yoga involves a set sequence of postures that are performed in a flowing and continuous manner, synchronized with the breath.

The postures are designed to build strength, flexibility, and endurance. Ashtanga yoga is typically practiced in a heated room and can be physically challenging, making it a popular choice for athletes and those seeking a more vigorous yoga practice. Ashtanga yoga is often referred to as “power yoga” in the West.

3. Bikram

Bikram yoga, also known as “hot yoga,” is a type of yoga that is practiced in a room that is heated to 105°F (40.6°C) with a humidity of 40%. It is a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises that are performed in the same order every class. This style of yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970s and gained popularity in the Western world during the 1990s.

The heat in the room is said to help improve flexibility, increase circulation, and allow for a deeper stretch. However, the intense heat and humidity can also make this style of yoga challenging and potentially dangerous for some individuals, especially those with certain medical conditions. It is important to stay hydrated and listen to your body during Bikram yoga classes.

4. Hatha-yoga

Hatha yoga is a type of yoga that focuses on physical postures or asanas, breathing techniques, and meditation. This yoga style is considered one of the most popular and widely practiced in the Western world. The word “Hatha” is derived from two Sanskrit words, “ha” meaning sun, and “tha” meaning moon, symbolizing the balance between opposing forces.

In a typical Hatha yoga class, the focus is on holding the poses for longer periods, deep breathing, and relaxation. The practice of Hatha yoga can help improve flexibility, balance, strength, and coordination. It also has potential benefits for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Hatha yoga is a good option for beginners, as it provides a foundation for other yoga styles. It is also suitable for those who prefer a slower-paced, more meditative practice.

5. Hatha flow

Hatha flow is a yoga style that combines the traditional Hatha practice with the fluid movements of Vinyasa yoga. In Hatha flow, practitioners move through a sequence of yoga postures (asanas) with a focus on synchronizing the breath with each movement.

The practice emphasizes building strength, flexibility, and balance, while also promoting mindfulness and relaxation. This style is accessible to beginners, but can also be challenging for more experienced practitioners looking for a slower-paced and meditative practice.

6. Iyengar 

Iyengar yoga is a form of Hatha yoga that focuses on precision and alignment in each posture. It was developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, who created a unique style of yoga that emphasizes the use of props such as blocks, straps, and blankets to help practitioners achieve correct alignment and stay in postures for longer periods of time. Iyengar yoga also emphasizes the practice of pranayama, breath control, and meditation.

This style of yoga is suitable for all levels, including those with injuries or physical limitations, as it offers modifications and variations for each pose.

7. Jivamukti

Jivamukti yoga is a physically and mentally intense form of yoga that was developed in the 1980s in New York City. It combines vigorous vinyasa flow sequences with spiritual teachings, meditation, and chanting.

Jivamukti yoga aims to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being through a combination of physical postures, breathwork, and philosophy. Each class typically includes chanting, meditation, asanas, pranayama, and a theme that is explored through the asana practice and teachings.

The practice is often accompanied by music and is typically taught in a group setting. The emphasis on spirituality and ethics, along with the challenging physical practice, make Jivamukti yoga a popular choice for those seeking a more holistic approach to yoga.

8. kundalini

Kundalini yoga is a practice that emphasizes the awakening of energy within the body. It focuses on the breath and uses chanting, meditation, and dynamic movements to release this energy from the base of the spine and move it upward through the chakras.

Kundalini yoga aims to bring balance to the mind, body, and spirit while promoting inner peace, self-awareness, and a sense of spiritual connection. This type of yoga may also include the use of mantras, mudras (hand gestures), and visualization techniques.

9. Nidra

Yoga Nidra is a type of yoga that focuses on deep relaxation and meditation. It involves lying down in a comfortable position and following a guided meditation that leads the practitioner into a state of deep relaxation.

The practice is often used to reduce stress, anxiety, and insomnia, and to promote overall relaxation and well-being. It is also known as “yogic sleep” because it can induce a state of deep relaxation that is similar to sleep, while still maintaining awareness and consciousness.

Nidra is a Sanskrit word that means “sleep,” and yoga nidra is sometimes referred to as “yogic sleep” or “psychic sleep.”

10. Restorative

Restorative yoga is a gentle and relaxing form of yoga that uses props to support the body in poses. This style of yoga focuses on slowing down and releasing tension in the body, promoting deep relaxation and stress relief.

Restorative yoga is particularly helpful for those who suffer from anxiety, chronic pain, or insomnia, and it is suitable for all levels, including beginners and those with injuries or physical limitations. In a restorative yoga class, poses are held for longer periods of time, allowing the body to fully relax and release tension.

11. Vinyasa

Vinyasa yoga is a popular style of yoga that focuses on the seamless flow of movement and breath. It is characterized by the use of sun salutations and continuous, fluid movements that synchronize with the breath.

Vinyasa classes can vary in intensity, with some focusing on gentle, slow movements while others offer more challenging and dynamic sequences. Vinyasa yoga is often referred to as “flow yoga” because of the way the poses flow together.

It is a great choice for those who enjoy a more dynamic and physically challenging practice. The practice of Vinyasa yoga helps to build strength, flexibility, and balance while also calming the mind and reducing stress.

My teacher’s advice

Try and try again! The practice may not have appealed to you at some point in your life, especially at the beginning.

Personally, after about 10 years of practicing yoga, I’ve tried a lot of different styles and practices. Today I like to practice almost all styles of yoga. 

I choose according to my desires, my condition, the teacher… When I need to let off steam physically, I go to Vinyasa. If I want to disconnect my mind I go to Nidra. If I need to refocus I will choose yin, what, this one is not on the list?! But this yoga is crazy!

Conclusion

There are many different types of yoga, each with its own unique approach and benefits. Some types of yoga are more physical, while others are more meditative. The variety of styles can be overwhelming for beginners, but exploring the different options can help you find the type of yoga that best suits your needs and goals.

Regardless of which type of yoga you choose, the practice has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, improving flexibility and balance, increasing strength and muscle tone, and improving overall well-being.

It’s important to keep in mind that the benefits of yoga are not limited to physical health. The practice can also have a positive impact on mental and emotional health, promoting relaxation, mindfulness, and inner peace.

Whether you’re looking to improve your physical fitness, reduce stress, or cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness and inner peace, there’s a type of yoga out there for you. By exploring the different styles of yoga and finding the one that resonates with you, you can unlock the many benefits of this ancient practice.

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