Author: Stacey Marks
Have you ever thought about practicing yoga but felt confused about which type of class to take? As yoga has grown in popularity many different styles of yoga are offered, which may leave you puzzled about where to start. We will break down some of the major types of yoga so you can find the style that meets your needs and start working on your downward dog!
Ashtanga yoga
Ashtanga synchronizes breath with movement to create an inner heat. This movement will cause you to work up a sweat while toning your body and increasing your core strength. Ashtanga classes are the same poses in the same sequence each class working towards mastering poses before going to the next level.
Bikram yoga
Bikram studios are heated to around 105 Fahrenheit to mimic the climate where yoga originated. The philosophy behind Bikram yoga is that the heat allows for improved circulation and the sweat helps to rid the body of toxins. Each class features the same 26 poses practiced in the exact same order in a 90-minute class.
Yin yoga
Yin yoga is a restorative practice. Fewer poses are practiced because they are held for a longer length of time. You can expect to practice different poses at each class which is designed to target a specific area in the body to increase flexibility and reduce stress.
Power yoga
Power yoga is often referred to as a “fitness-based” yoga practice and is designed to create your own heat through movement. Depending on the studio, some classes may be heated. Typically speaking, they are heated to a lower heat than Bikram – normally around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Although the poses will be similar in each class, you can expect the instructors to design new sequences each class. This type of yoga is designed to increase your strength, flexibility, and balance.
Where to practice yoga
There are many benefits to practicing at a yoga studio or gym. If you enjoy social exercise or gain motivation from having an instructor, then a studio or gym may work well for you. Many yoga studios aim to create a community feeling, so if you’re looking to meet others cultivating a healthy lifestyle, this could be an added bonus. Of course, the major benefit of taking a class in person is that you can always ask questions and the yoga teacher is giving instructions to match the people practicing in the room.
Yoga classes online have grown in popularity over the last decade making practicing yoga at home an easy option. Practicing at home can be great if you have a challenging schedule, live in a rural area, or travel frequently. Many online platforms offer different yoga styles and different lengths of classes, so you can find a class that fits your exact needs! It may be helpful to purchase your own yoga mat, block, and strap to practice at home. Here are 2 of our favorite online resources for practicing yoga:
