Fitness
Find Your Flow: Which Yoga Style is Right For You?
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Yoga is an ancient practice believed to help unify the body, mind, and spirit. Over the years, we’ve seen more styles of yoga than Game of Thrones storylines, so we know it can be pretty overwhelming to try and differentiate them all. Just like searching for the perfect pair of jeans, you may have to try out many different yoga classes before finding the one. So, we’ve created the ultimate guide to yoga styles to help you find the right fit for you.
Hatha
Translated to ‘sun and moon,’ Hatha yoga is the entry point for physical and mental balance.
What to expect:
The foundations. Hatha classes are typically structured classical postures, focusing on the breath, proper alignment, and slow transitions. All movement is completed on both sides so you can walk away feeling blissfully balanced.
Vinyasa
Flow and let it go. Vinyasa is the kombucha of yoga, it’s pretty much available on every corner in a variety of flavors.
What to expect:
A creative, flowy, physically demanding class, Vinyasa lets you move through postures at a steady pace that matches the rhythm of your breath. Since each class is creatively crafted by its teacher, no two classes will be the same. Though one thing you can rely on time after time is the sanctuary of savasana or “corpse pose” (which is exactly what it sounds like—a reclined meditation to end class).
Power Yoga/Sculpt
If you’ve ever thought, yoga isn’t a workout, think again. Power yoga is Vinyasa’s marathon-running friend.
What to expect:
A focus on strength training, possibly with the addition of weights. This energetic style of yoga is meant for those who want to incorporate strength training on the mat.
Aerial
On par with a Cirque-du-Soleil showcase, aerial yoga will elevate your practice—and we’re not speaking metaphorically.
What to expect:
You’ll climb into a hammock that’s suspended from the ceiling to get into juicier postures without all that joint pressure. Some describe the feeling as being in a cocoon, which can be especially healing for trauma survivors seeking a more protective space to practice.
Yin
Dreaming of the day you can seamlessly slip into a full split? Yang’s other half brings you a smooth way to increase your flexibility by getting you into the deeper layers of connective tissue.
What to expect:
Long holds and a very grounded practice. Make sure to grab some props, like blocks, blankets, bolsters, and straps—they are your most fashionable toolset to finding more space! Yin postures are held for 3-5 minutes each, creating a greater depth of physical and mental stillness. Pro Tip: If you’re a fitness junkie, check out a Yin class once per week as a counterbalance to all of that built-up muscle tension.
Bikram
Are you someone that gets lunch from the same place every day? Creatures of habit, this one’s for you. The yoga system developed by Bikram Choudhury in the 20th century is made up of 26 postures and two breath techniques (AKA 26+2).
What to expect:
Sweat. You’ll practice in a carpeted, mirrored room heated to 105. Not to be confused with ‘hot power yoga,’ these 26 poses are always taught sequentially, and instructors don’t have creative freedom.
Ashtanga
As if yoga didn’t already require enough self-discipline, K. Pattabhi Jois leveled up with his modern system of Ashtanga yoga. This physically demanding method requires yogis to practice a progressively structured series of postures.
What to expect:
Independence, baby! If it’s your first time, you’ll want to register for a ‘led’ class, as the series are typically practiced in silent, un-guided spaces where you can come and go as you please. Each pose is held for five breaths to cultivate strength in the discomfort.
Kundalini
Kundalini is the loveable, eccentric aunt, dressed in all white and inviting more than just physical modalities of yoga to activate the sacred, spiritual energy located at the base of your spine.
What to expect:
Kundalini classes are sequenced based on what is known as a kriya—a series of postures, breathing methods, or chants practiced for minutes at a time. Be prepared to use your voice and fire up that core! This one is stealthy in bringing on the soreness.
Iyengar
B.K.S. Iyengar was a dude all about that alignment. And could you blame him? No one is looking to get hurt doing yoga!
What to expect:
Props, props, props! Grab those blocks, straps, blankets, even chairs (yes, the ones you sit in) on the way in. Some studios even have a wall configured with props to help you enter postures in the proper alignment. Offerings are typically classified by level, so if you’re new, start with Level I and work your way up as you become more comfortable.
