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14 Types of Yoga: Which is the Best Fit for You?

by Tatiana Alcazar

February 23, 2021

Two women practicing yoga
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So, you’ve finally decided to start yoga after endless weeks of procrastination. Whatever your needs are, whether meditation, or just a relaxing and easy routine, or want to be a pro yogi, there are many types of yoga to choose from.

Don’t let the numerous types of yoga scare you away and trying out a few of these styles is how you’ll learn and settle on your favorite.

Break out of your comfort zone with either of these to enhance your flexibility, and If you’ve always wondered which style fits you best, come along and learn as I take you through the different types of yoga.

Iyengar Yoga

Pronounced as eye-yen-gar, originates from B.K.S Iyengar. It pays attention to precise poses and alignments.

With the help yoga props, you are able to strike proper alignments while controlling your breathing. 

Though there is a little movement that keeps your heart rate on a normal level, however, you will find how challenging it is to your mental and physical strength.

When done, it leaves you completely relaxed and with a clear mind. This is for you if your energy levels are low.

Ashtanga Yoga

Translated as “the eighth limb”, Ashtanga requires a precise sequence of poses, in which each posture movement links to your breathing.

However, if you’re a beginner, it will take time for you to master Ashtanga as it demands you to perform the precise poses in the same precise order.

Anusara Yoga

Next, Anusara yoga is a good fit to introduce you to the world of yoga. It is sequence toward alignments that focus on your mind, body, and heart.

And, It pays attention to the postures and how your body parts should move.

Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga performed in heated rooms mirroring saunas (mostly slightly above 100 degrees with 40% humidity) will get you all sweaty.

Moreover, If you want to open up those pores and release the toxins, this is definitely for you.

In addition, this is one of the types of yoga that features a series of twenty-six basic poses all performed twice.

Restorative Yoga

Also identified as yin yoga, it makes the use of props, such as bolsters, and blankets, etc. It focuses on relaxation and soothing of your nerves.

It’s perfect for you as a beginner since it requires few poses that can be tailored to be more relaxing.

Hot Yoga

This is more like Bikram yoga, meaning you’ll need to have plenty of water, a fresh towel, and a good mat.

It is perfect for beginners since it’s slow paced as compared to other styles. 

And, It has many benefits, one of which is that it leaves you feeling more relaxed and cleansed.

Hantha Yoga

Hantha Yoga refers to the other styles that are based on physical practices.

In fact, It’s the best type of yoga to introduce you to the world of yoga as it teaches the most basic yoga postures. 

With little movement, it leaves you feeling calm and relaxed.

Vinyasa Yoga

Of all the others, vinyasa yoga is the most intense style of yoga. It will require you to smoothly shift from one posture to another, linking your breathing to the movement.

It’s also nice to have some music playing while striking the poses—it adds some spice to the movements.

Yin Yoga

This practice is established in ancient Chinese Philosophies and Taoist principles. They believe that pathways of Qi energies run through our bodies. By stretching you are opening the blockage and freely release the energy.

The yin yoga focuses in your deep connective tissues, such as ligaments, joints, fascia and bones. This type of yoga helps to stretch and lengthen those rarely used tissues, allowing to breathe out discomfort and release your thoughts while sitting.

Prenatal Yoga

If you are pregnant and wondering, what are the ways to relax and stay fit, try prenatal yoga. This type of yoga can be a great way to prepare for childbirth. This practice can also help to ease back pain, constipation, swelling and fatigue. However, before you start prenatal yoga, you have to understand the possible benefits, and of course safety tips. 

The prenatal yoga is a form of exercise and meditation, where breath and specific poses for pregnant women help to connect mind and body. 

Talk to your doctor before starting any yoga.

Jivamukti Yoga

The Jivamukti yoga benefits you physically and spiritually. The benefits are also similar to vigorous yoga practice; it improves your strength, balance and flexibility. Spiritually, it will benefit your mind by nourishes the self by establishing the connection and discover lasting happiness.

Aerial Yoga

The Aerial yoga is almost similar to traditional yoga. However, there is a big difference. In aerial yoga classes, a hammock support the weight of your body. That means you will be suspended in the air but gives you more space to move! It will definitely stretch your muscles and tendons. 

According to a study, Aerial yoga offers more than just relaxation. It can also lose weight and burn calories.

Sivananda Yoga

Most people are aware of different types of yoga. But Sivananda yoga is uncertain to a lot of people. It includes physical postures, breathing, and relaxation. It also aims to achieve spiritual growth and increase conciousness by developing body and mind. 

Acro Yoga

This practice is a combination of yoga, acrobatics and Thai massage. The Acro yoga cultivates awareness, breath, and connection. Acrobatic practices, such as lifting and supporting your partner, are powerful and playful. It digs your trust, joy and empowerment. On the other hand, Thai massage cultivates listening, loving and letting go.

Types of Yoga

With these different types of yoga, you will easily learn and settle on a favorite that you’ll master to the best of your ability.

Yoga will help in different aspects of your life while helping you build strength, awareness, and harmony in your body.

If this sounds good, read more articles in our blog as you set on your journey to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Sources:

  1. Julies Corliss, "More than a stretch: Yoga's benefits may extend to heart." Harvard Health Publishing, 28 Feb. 2017, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/more-than-a-stretch-yogas-benefits-may-extend-to-the-heart-201504157868
  2. Anusara Yoga, https://www.anusarayoga.com/
  3. B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga, http://bksiyengar.com/
  4. Güitrón, González Alberto. "Vinyasa Yoga; What You Need To Know Before You First Practice." 28 Oct. 2016, HuffPost News, https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/alberto-gonzalez-gaitran/vinyasa-yoga_b_12676460.html
  5. "What are the benefits of hot yoga?" The New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/ask/answers/benefits-of-hot-yoga
  6. Carrico, Mara, "A Beginner's Guide to Meditation." Yoga Journal, 6 April 2017, https://www.yogajournal.com/meditation/let-s-meditate

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About the author 

Tatiana Alcazar  -  A software engineer, former IBMer, co-founder of Naravis Corporation and a mom, with a passion for finding the solution and root cause to everything that comes across, including health. It has been a long journey since founding Naravis and trying to find solutions to my leaky gut syndrome and pursue natural health. Throughout this journey I have learned an enormous amount of information (acquired knowledge) and I feel it's my duty to share my knowledge and my experience with you.

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