5 Types of Yoga to Try

Whether you’ve just decided you might give yoga a go or you’ve been doing yoga for some time and you’re looking for new inspiration, we have you covered! Incorporating a variety of types of yoga into your regular practice has many benefits, such as keeping you balanced and also interested in the workout. So let’s talk about various types of yoga, the differences between them and why they might suit you because yoga definitely isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all practice’ either.

Bikram Bikram Yoga consists of a specific series of 26 poses and two breathing exercises. However all of this is done in a room heated to approximately 40°C and 40 percent humidity so be prepared to sweat! The main purpose of bikram yoga is to flush out toxins and deeply stretch the muscles so if that’s something you’re after, this might be for you. It’s also good for both beginners and advanced yogis so don’t be afraid to sign up for a bikram yoga class, just make sure you’re wearing suitable clothes. Bikram yoga clothing should not make you feel any warmer, women usually opt for a sports bra and short leggings in order to stay cool.

Hatha
Hatha is really about the basics and holding each pose for a few breaths. Because of its slower pace, hatha is ideal for beginners and it’s a good way to start your yoga practice.
But it’s not just the beginners who will enjoy hatha. This yoga style focuses on balancing the entire body’s energy and deepening the mind-body connection, which is amazing for stress relief.

Vinyasa
This dynamic practice will get your flow on. Much like Hatha, Vinyasa links breath and movement together, but you won’t linger in each pose for too long and in some classes, the pace can be quite quick. Vinyasa can really help improve strength, flexibility and tone abdominal muscles. If you want to relax, try Hatha yoga but if you love HIIT or just generally enjoy continuous movement, Vinyasa will suit you!

Hot yoga
Hot yoga is quite similar to bikram yoga (both are practiced in a heated room), but hot yoga is not constrained by the 26-pose Bikram sequence and the temperature is usually around 30°C. There’s still enough heat to warm your muscles but the lower temperature means there can be more movement in the class. It’s based on the Vinyasa sequence so if you like a sweaty workout but also need the flow, hot yoga class is probably what you’re looking for. Just make sure you’re wearing clothes that won’t make you feel even warmer, focus on the quality of the fabric and the fit, there is a lot to choose from when it comes to hot yoga wear. You can opt for example for hot yoga shorts and bra, which is what .

Restorative
Restorative yoga emphasizes deep breathing, supported stretches and allows you to experience deeper relaxation. Although it might feel like you’re not doing much, that’ exactly the point of this yoga style. The teachers also work with a variety of props, including blankets, bolsters and yoga blocks.
The aim is to connect with one’s emotions, to release what’s causing stress and it’s also good for anyone who experienced insomnia or struggles with anxiety. It is the perfect class to visit when you feel like there’s too much going on and you need to take a deep breath and slow down.

And how to decide which type is good for you? Find the right style. Even though they’re all based on the same poses, each style has a particular focus. Literally any type of yoga improves strength, flexibility, and balance, more intense styles might even help you tone your body so it really depends on what your health goals are. So which one will you try?