Yoga is a great way to relax, get fit, and tap into your inner bliss. Yoga is an ancient practice that has evolved over centuries, and today there are dozens of styles practitioners can explore. Below you'll find the most popular styles so that you can determine which is best for you!
Hatha yoga
Hatha yoga is the most popular type of yoga practice in the United States. This exercise consists of moving slowly and deliberately through a series of gentle stretches and poses, all the while linking movement with breath. This style of yoga is ideal for beginners, for those seeking to relax, and for those with injuries or fitness limitations, as it's a gentle and restorative practice.
Bikram yoga
Also known as “hot yoga,” bikram yoga is a somewhat challenging practice that involves engaging in a series of 26 poses in a room that has been heated to over 100 degrees. This practice is best for experienced yogis, and for hardcore exercisers who are looking for a serious challenge. Be sure to arrive hydrated, drink water throughout, and rehydrate after your practice.
Kundalini yoga
Although somewhat similar to hatha yoga, kundalini yoga emphasizes more rapid movements and also places a premium on meditation and breathing exercises. Because of the coordination issues that are involved, Kundalini yoga is best for intermediate yoga practitioners who already have a firm grasp of the basic hatha yoga poses.
Vinyasa yoga
Another popular style found in many yoga studios across the country, vinyasa – or flow – yoga links movement with breath. Practitioners move through series such as sun salutations and standing and sitting postures as they seek to align both the inner and outer body.
Ashtanga yoga
Sometimes referred to as “power yoga,” ashtanga yoga is more vigorous and challenging than other types of yoga. If you’re looking for a way to build your strength, flexibility, and endurance, and you don’t mind a workout challenge, give ashtanga yoga a try.
