You have heard all about the benefits of yoga – increased flexibility, increased muscle tone and weight loss – and now you have decided to give it a try. But when you look for a local class, you realize there are many different types of yoga to choose from. Which one is right for you?
The best way to decide which style of yoga is right for you is to try a few different yoga studios and stick with the one that feels right. Here are a few descriptions of the nine types of yoga to help you narrow down your search.
Hatha
This is great for beginners because it has a slow pace and focuses on holding poses for a long time. It is considered a gentler form of yoga and a good place to start your yoga journey.
Iyengar
If you are a detailed oriented person, this is the yoga type for you. Here you will focus on precision poses and body alignment. Most Iyengar instructors will share lots of information during class so you will become an educated yogi in no time.
Ashtanga
Here you will be performing six series of specific yoga poses so you will know exactly what comes next in each class. You will focus on perfecting each pose.
Bikram
Some critics call this the McDonald’s of yoga as each studio (or franchise) teaches the exact same 26 poses. The room is heated to 105 degrees and 40 percent humidity. This is another good place to start for beginners.
Hot Yoga
The name pretty much describes itself. Like Bikram yoga, the room is heated, however, the instructors are not confined to only 26 poses. If you love to sweat, this is for you.
Kundalini
This type of yoga incorporates chanting, singing and meditating. Many consider it a more spiritual form of yoga.
Yin Yoga
Want to calm your mind and experience inner peace? Then Yin Yoga is for you. Poses are held for several minutes and it has a meditative component to it. This yoga type allows you to stretch out and unwind.
Restorative
This is for those who want a mellow yoga workout. Its slow movement allows you to experience a deep relaxation and will help you unwind from a stressful day.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa is a faster-paced yoga practice. It incorporates breathing and movement together in an almost dance-like practice. It’s great for beginners as it moves from pose to pose quickly. You will not be bored here.
The Downtown Athletic Club offers Flow Yoga classes with a Vinyasa bend that are perfect for anyone, whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi. Stop by and check out a class today.
The best way to decide which style of yoga is right for you is to try a few different yoga studios and stick with the one that feels right. Here are a few descriptions of the nine types of yoga to help you narrow down your search.
Hatha
This is great for beginners because it has a slow pace and focuses on holding poses for a long time. It is considered a gentler form of yoga and a good place to start your yoga journey.
Iyengar
If you are a detailed oriented person, this is the yoga type for you. Here you will focus on precision poses and body alignment. Most Iyengar instructors will share lots of information during class so you will become an educated yogi in no time.
Ashtanga
Here you will be performing six series of specific yoga poses so you will know exactly what comes next in each class. You will focus on perfecting each pose.
Bikram
Some critics call this the McDonald’s of yoga as each studio (or franchise) teaches the exact same 26 poses. The room is heated to 105 degrees and 40 percent humidity. This is another good place to start for beginners.
Hot Yoga
The name pretty much describes itself. Like Bikram yoga, the room is heated, however, the instructors are not confined to only 26 poses. If you love to sweat, this is for you.
Kundalini
This type of yoga incorporates chanting, singing and meditating. Many consider it a more spiritual form of yoga.
Yin Yoga
Want to calm your mind and experience inner peace? Then Yin Yoga is for you. Poses are held for several minutes and it has a meditative component to it. This yoga type allows you to stretch out and unwind.
Restorative
This is for those who want a mellow yoga workout. Its slow movement allows you to experience a deep relaxation and will help you unwind from a stressful day.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa is a faster-paced yoga practice. It incorporates breathing and movement together in an almost dance-like practice. It’s great for beginners as it moves from pose to pose quickly. You will not be bored here.
The Downtown Athletic Club offers Flow Yoga classes with a Vinyasa bend that are perfect for anyone, whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi. Stop by and check out a class today.
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