Have you ever gone to a yoga studio, energized and excited about learning yoga and then ended up being confused about the different types of yoga available?  No need to get frustrated. There are two things you need to do before joining a yoga class.  One: read this article about the different types of yoga.  Two: consult your doctor or physician.  Some types of yoga might not be suitable for you depending on your health conditions.  Having said that, let’s move on to learning about different types of yoga.

We’ll begin with two very general yoga related terms.  All other specific types of yoga fall under these categories.  The first one is Hatha, which is most widely practiced in the United States.  Suitable for beginners, this yoga type focuses on gentle, slow-paced movements performed to soothing music.  Another one is Vinyasa, which intends to synchronize movements with breathing.  A Vinyasa class begins with “Sun Salutations” a as warm up and ends with strenuous stretching movements.  Vinyasa yoga can prove to be physically and mentally challenging for the beginners.  If you’re new to yoga,  you are highly recommended to start with Hatha.

While there are more than five specific types of yoga, we’ll will be discussing only the five most popular ones in this article.  Bikram yoga, also called hot yoga, is done in a room heated to about 105 degree Fahrenheit.  It involves a series of 26 moves that allows for a cleansing sweat and relaxation of the muscles.  Individuals with existing heart problem and high blood pressure are suggested not to practice this type as they involve health risks for them.  Another type is Ashtanga which is quick-flowing, intense and physically demanding. In Ashtanga yoga, the same movements are always performed in the same order.  Power yoga is a variation derived from Ashtanga.  If you want to lose weight, Ashtanga is definitely the one for you.  You could also consider learning Kundalini yoga. This Vinyasa type of yoga includes quick repeated movements and may even include chanting.  In this yoga type, it is essential to control breath during postures to make sure energy moves from lower body to the upper.  Iyengar yoga, unlike Kundalini, focuses on long holds of postures.  The main objective of Iyengar is to keep the body in proper alignment and props such as blankets and straps are used for that.  If you are looking for a yoga type that emphasizes other aspects besides exercise, you should choose Sivananda yoga which not only focuses on exercising but also on proper breathing, diet, positive thoughts and meditation.

No matter what yoga type you choose, make sure it’s the right one for you and practice it regularly. This 5000-year-old alternative to medical care will definitely bring a beneficial change in your life.