The most common questions I get from my friends and followers about yoga are about the different styles and which one is right for them. To make it easier, I've compiled a quick list of the different styles you will see on studios' websites and their benefits!
Vinyasa
This is the yoga style I usually teach and my favorite kind of class to take. The vinyasa style was adapted from Iyengar yoga in the 1980s and is one of the most popular styles and most common class types you will see. Vinyasa yoga is about connecting the movement with the breath, and typically involves a lot of "vinyasas" - the movement from downward dog to standing through chaturanga and upward facing dog. I like these classes because they give the teacher space for creativity in their flows because no set poses must be done. Vinyasa can also be taught as an easier slow flow or harder power yoga class. Overall, a vinyasa class is great for people who want to move, stretch, and strengthen their bodies because it is a more energetic style.
Power
Power yoga is a form of vinyasa yoga and is almost always practiced in a hot room. This is one of the physically more difficult yoga practices because it involves a lot of faster movements and incorporates strength training. This is a better practice for more advanced yogis or people really looking to sweat and strengthen!
Hatha
Hatha is the Sanskrit term for the physical movements in yoga. When most people think of yoga they think of the physical postures but yoga encompasses a lot more, including the breath, mind, and our interactions with the world. Hatha yoga is usually slower-paced than a vinyasa class and focuses on holding the postures. There is an emphasis on learning the breath of yoga as well. These are good classes for beginners because of the slower pace or for people who don't want the intensity of a vinyasa class.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga yoga teaches a set sequence. Traditionally in India, people will gather to practice this sequence together without leadership, because they know the sequence. This practice focuses on perfecting each pose in the sequence.
Kundalini
Kundalini is a strong physical practice but also has deep spiritual significance. Kundalini energy is trapped in the base of your spine at the bottom of the chakras. When this energy is released, it travels up the spine unlocking each chakra. The physical part of the practice involves a lot of core and pelvic floor work. Anyone can practice Kundalini yoga - it is definitely more popular among deeply spiritual people and yogis looking for a workout.
Yin
Yin yoga is my favorite kind of class to take. Yin poses are held for 3-5 minutes and go deep into the connective tissues and expand the fascia surrounding the muscles. I think these classes are meditative and restful but still have a lot of benefits in working the tendons and ligaments. Anybody can take a yin class! I think these classes are especially helpful and important for people with busy lifestyles or who are really active to slow down a little.
Restorative
Restorative yoga is another slower-paced practice. This practice involves gentler poses than yin and focuses on relaxing, releasing, and focusing the mind. I like these classes as a way to force myself to slow down and they are especially good for people who want to start a meditation practice. Another practice that is perfect for anyone!
Bikram
The Bikram sequence was designed by Bikram Choudhury and features a set of 26 poses which will be the same at every studio in every class. This is typically practiced in a hot room. It's pretty common for studios to solely be Bikram studios, but some other studios will offer Bikram classes. Oftentimes you will see this listed on a schedule as "Hot 26." This style is for more advanced yogis and people looking for a workout.
Iyengar
B.K.S. Iyengar was a well-known yoga teacher and practitioner in the 20th century. The practice he developed focuses heavily on alignment. Poses are held for a longer time and students are encouraged to practice a very precise alignment. This is a style you won't really see on a schedule, but yoga styles like vinyasa have their roots in Iyengar and some studios will label themselves as Iyengar studios.
Baptiste
Baptiste yoga is another branch that was named after a famous yogi. Baron Baptiste created this style of power yoga to focus on both strength in the asanas as well as breathing and self-reflection. It is more common to find studios that are Baptiste-inspired than to find classes that are labeled as Baptiste classes.
I hope this helps and if you have any questions please reach out! Follow along on my insta and youtube channel as well for all the yoga content!
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