5 Different Types of Yoga and Their Benefits

Namaste, beautiful! Looking to dive into the wonderful world of yoga but feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the choices? Not sure which type is right for you? Honestly, yoga has so many different types, you may find it hard to choose!

 

But don’t worry because we got you!


Whether you’re looking for a full-body workout, a calm way to learn to breathe deeply and slowly tone your body, or something in between, there’s definitely a form of yoga that will work for you. Here we cover a few of the different types of yoga and their benefits! 


Hatha yoga


The term hatha yoga traditionally referred to any type of yoga that involved breathing techniques and poses. These days, it’s taken on a more specific meaning: a slow-paced form of yoga that places an emphasis on correct positioning. 


Basically what this means is that during a hatha yoga class, you’ll spend time perfecting the way you hold each pose. The key is to hold the position as best as you can. This is a great way to improve your sense of balance and stability!


Vinyasa yoga


When you see those flowy, almost-seamless moves from one pose into the next… That’s vinyasa yoga! Just like hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga places emphasis on proper breathing. You’ll learn general deep breathing as well as how to properly breathe as you go from one pose to the next. However, with vinyasa yoga, each pose flows into the next instead of stopping one pose completely and then moving into the next pose like with hatha yoga. 


The poses vary each class and cover a wide range of pose styles each class, so if you’re looking for something a little different every session, and a dynamic vibe, vinyasa yoga may be your thing.


 

 

 

Kundalini yoga


Looking to connect with your spiritual side? Kundalini yoga may be just your jam. This type focuses on releasing and awakening something called kundalini energy from the lumbar spine (the lower spine). This practice incorporates meditation, singing, and other spiritual aspects as well. It builds muscle, helps hone your sense of focus, and gives your mental health a boost too!


Bikram yoga


Sweat it out! This form of yoga is done under hot, humid conditions. This helps loosen up those muscles, making them feel light and limber and ultimately better able to stretch. This form of yoga also helps to increase blood flow, release toxins through sweat, and burn more calories than doing the same routine under cooler conditions.


You’ve probably heard hot yoga being used as if it’s the same thing as bikram yoga, but that’s a common misconception. Bikram yoga has specific sequences (26 specific postures, to be exact), whereas hot yoga can involve any variety of poses simply performed in a hot, humid room. 

 

 

 

 

Ashtanga yoga


This practice is perfect for those who want a more intense workout and are looking to break a sweat during their yoga routine. This form of yoga will definitely help you torch some serious calories while still offering the usual benefits of yoga. You need a certain level of strength and flexibility for ashtanga yoga, so it’s often done by more advanced yogis, although beginners can definitely work their way up to it!


This is by no means a full list of all the types of yoga, but we figure you at least have a sense of what some of the most popular versions are. We encourage you to check out your local gym or even standalone yoga center to find out what’s offered and maybe take a trial class or two! Whatever yoga type you end up going with, you’ll feel the benefits, including strength, stamina, endurance, better cardiovascular health, mental clarity, calmness, and more. 


Psst… Don’t forget to arrive in style with your Stratosphere41 towel!