The Most Common Styles of Yoga

Most people tend to have a love-hate relationship with yoga. Some people only practice yoga as a supplement to their fitness routine, while others practice yoga exclusively. Some swear they will never get on a mat as long as they live.

No matter where you fall on that spectrum, it’s important to realize that there are many different types of yoga, and you may prefer some over others. Or maybe you already have a favorite, but could find some excitement in your practice with a new style. We’ve pulled the top four most common styles of yoga, the ones that are easiest to find at any health and fitness club, for you to learn more about and maybe try a class or two!

1. Hatha

Hatha yoga is the style of yoga you are most likely to find in this hemisphere. It is, simply put, a blend of all types of yoga to create a comprehensive, varying practice that never gets old (not that repetitive yoga practices get old, either). This is a great style to start your yoga journey.

2. Vinyasa/Power

This style of yoga moves through poses very quickly to get your heart pumping and your blood flowing. Great for improving your upper body strength, vinyasa will definitely give you a pretty stellar workout.

3. Hot

Hot yoga is pretty self-explanatory. You do yoga in a hot room. You sweat a lot and then you go home.

If you want to get specific, Bikram yoga is performed exclusively in a room heated to 105 degrees, and features 26 poses you go through twice.

4. Kundalini

Kundalini yoga is a great complement to the physical side of yoga. With chanting, yoga poses, breathing techniques and meditation, this type of yoga will leave you feeling inspired and grounded.

Ultimately, loving yoga comes down to many factors. Finding a good teacher at a good facility is important. And, ultimately, having an open mind makes any yoga experience far more rewarding.

Thanks to Absolute Health and Mindbodygreen.