Believe us when we say that there is a style of yoga to suit everybody! If you’re new to the practice this is a great place to start. If you’re already experienced in yoga, you may discover a new style here that will add a new element to your time on the mat.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa is commonly referred to as a “moving meditation” and is one of the most popular forms of yoga in modern practice.
Every transition is accompanied by an inhale or exhale, meaning that you spend the whole class flowing through seated and standing movements following the pace of your breath.
Some teachers may choose to hold certain positions for longer to work on strength and flexibility. But the class will mostly consist of a fast-paced yoga practice designed to get the heart rate up and your body moving.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga is an intense style of yoga mostly reserved for those who have at least some experience with the names of yoga poses and how to practice them safely.
Each ashtanga yoga class follows a predetermined sequence of yoga poses including seated asanas (or poses), sun salutations, standing/balancing asanas, and a cool-down.
The practice is fast-paced and will work on your cardio and strength whilst increasing your flexibility. Typically, it is recommended that when practicing ashtanga yoga, you do so 6 times per week to make the most of the intense practice.
Yin
Yin yoga is what many people choose to practice when looking to increase their flexibility, but it can also be a very calming practice for the mind and the nervous system.
Classes are floor-based and slow – with poses being held for between 2-5 minutes, and anywhere up to 10 minutes depending on the class, the teacher, and the pose.
During yin classes, teachers will often work with the principles of Chinese medicine, designing a class that encourages energy to be channeled through the “meridians” of your body.
Restorative
Restorative yoga is the ideal practice for those looking to spend time in ultimate relaxation. The focus of restorative poses is not on stretching, but on softening, with poses being held from anywhere between 5 minutes and 25 minutes.
Classes are designed as a way for you to move away from a stress (or fight/flight/freeze) response, into relaxation and calm (or rest and digest).
This style of yoga is particularly beneficial for those suffering from anxiety, depression, and stress.
Hot
Hot yoga is performed in a room that is heated to 105 degrees and set to 40% humidity.
This style of yoga is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to make you feel as though you are detoxing. Expect to sweat a lot in this class, and though we can’t physically “detox” our internal organs through practicing certain yoga positions, you’re sure to leave with fresh and clear skin!
Practicing yoga in intense heat can improve concentration and encourage you to turn inwards during your practice, making it easier to let stress subside.
Experiment with different styles of yoga, and know that you can be passionate about more than one style! If you’re used to practicing vinyasa yoga, why not slide into a little yin to explore your movement in a different way? And if you spend all of your studio time in hot yoga, have you considered releasing even more stress with a restorative class?
