Are you interested in starting a yoga practice, but aren’t sure where to actually start? You are not alone! People who are new to yoga are often overwhelmed by the different types and what they mean in terms of ability or proficiency.

If you are just starting out, you want to get a foundation before moving on to more difficult practices. If you are getting back into yoga after a hiatus, you may be wondering where you should start now.

The good news is that no matter where you are in your practice or how flexible and athletic you currently are, there are yoga options that can work for you.

Which Type of Yoga is Right for Me?

If you aren’t sure where to start, we can help! Put together by a yoga studio in Portland, let’s take a look at some of the different types of yoga and why they are beneficial for different types of people.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is one of the most highly recommended types of yoga for beginners. During hatha yoga, you will strike poses and take deep breaths before releasing. It is a practice that combines the body and breath as two energies. These classes are slower paced, which makes them great for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed environment.

Iyengar Yoga

If you are looking for more precision, then iyengar yoga may be a good option for you. This type of yoga is for the perfectionist who wants to learn as much about yoga as they do practice it. Often, your teacher will provide information about anatomy, form, movement, and health. This is a great option for older adults or practitioners of any age. It is commonly used to help rehabilitate people with injuries.

Hot Yoga

Hot yoga is a flexible type of yoga that really gets the heart pumping. During hot yoga, the room is heated to between 80-100 degrees. Classes vary in their sequence and flow, and are generally safe for most skill levels. Hot yoga is great for people who want to detoxify their bodies and experience a workout that is truly unique.

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini yoga is a mentally challenging practice that is best for people who are looking for a spiritual experience. Kundalini yoga combines physical exercises with breathing work, and may also include chants or meditation. This type of yoga is geared toward those who want to tap into themselves, remove internal barriers, and gain a better sense of self-awareness.

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic type of yoga that combines movement and breathing in an almost dance-like way. The pace is faster so you get a higher intensity workout with vinyasa than other types of yoga. Often, vinyasa uses music to flow and match sequences of poses. Vinyasa is a great option for people who want a higher intensity workout or faster pace.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga is a challenging type of yoga that is great for people who like a strict routine. With ashtanga, you move through six specific sequences. These sequences combine movement and breathing to build internal heat. Each class is sequenced in the same way, so you will get to know your poses and breathing and master them to perfection.

Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga is another type that has specific sequences, but this type of yoga is designed to make you sweat. Classes are held in rooms heated to around 105 degrees. There are 90-minute sequences that are repeated at each class, so you will learn the sequence and be able to master it over time. The predictable routine and time is great for people with a busy lifestyle. The temperature and intensity is not for everyone, however.

As you can see, there are many types of yoga that may be appropriate for your goals and skill level. If you are just starting out, or are getting back into a routine, you may want to talk to your doctor before starting an intense yoga workout, such as hot yoga or bikram. Yoga should be something that improves your health and wellbeing, not challenges it.

Shift Frequency © 2020 – Which Type of Yoga is Right for Me?