There are many different types of yoga, with new varieties cropping up all of the time. Here are some of the most common forms, offered in many yoga studios, gyms, and through DVD courses, as well.
Hatha Yoga: Hatha yoga is one of the most common types of yoga. It is a gentle form of yoga that concentrates on breath work and slow, focused movements. Hatha yoga is a great place for beginner yoga practitioners to start out: you will learn the basic yoga poses, will come to appreciate and master the art of breathing, and will receive the many physical and mental benefits yoga has to offer.
Restorative Yoga: Restorative Yoga is one of the most restful types of yoga. Like Hatha Yoga, it places a lot of emphasis on breath work. However, Restorative Yoga’s primary focus is helping a person reach a state of complete relaxation through breathing and posturing. Expect to hold poses for a very long time and to come out of a session feeling calm but rejuvenated. This is a great form of yoga for those looking for a physical and mental reprieve from their daily stresses.
Ashtanga Yoga: This is one of the most physically challenging types of yoga. Ashtanga yoga follows a set order of postures that do not change. There are basic sequences, intermediate sequences, and advanced sequences. Ashtanga yoga moves quickly: you will switch poses with an inhale of exhale of breath.
Prenatal Yoga: Just for expecting women, this is a modified form of yoga created especially for pregnant women. Prenatal yoga focuses on breathing and strengthening the muscles used during childbirth. Women who practice prenatal yoga are less likely to need painkillers during labor and may also recover more quickly after childbirth!
Vinyasa Yoga: Vinyasa yoga is known as “flow” yoga. This is one of the faster types of yoga. The poses flow together, choreographed through breath work. Unlike Ashtanga yoga, there is no set sequence of postures, so no new Vinyasa Yoga classes are alike! This is a fun, fast, type of yoga for those who love variety and a physical challenge.
Kundalini Yoga: This type of yoga focuses on your body’s core muscles. This is a great way to promote inner core strength, including a strong lower back and muscular abs. Kundalini Yoga involves a lot of seated postures.
Follow this link for a definition of Yoga and more information about the practice of Yoga.