One of the many things to love about yoga is that there are so many different types. That means you can find a class to suit your needs, mood and goals on any given day, whether you’re looking to build strength, relax or work on your flexibility. But as a newcomer to yoga, that also means it’s not always easy to decide which type of class to go to.
Some types of yoga are fast-paced and vigorous, while others are slow and methodical; some are more focused on physical poses, while others put the emphasis on philosophy or spirituality.
You’ll find that some types of yoga are very relaxed and open to interpretation, while others are stricter and follow a pattern or routine. With all these variations of yoga available, how are you to know which class will work best for you?
Well, that’s where we come in. To give you some direction, we’ve put together this guide to help you pick the right practice for your body and its needs.
Hatha yoga
Hatha Yoga is the traditional Sanskrit name used to describe a set of practices that are intended to prevent physical problems, heal existing ones and maintain overall health and wellbeing. It aims to achieve balance between the body and the mind through the use of physical poses, breathing techniques and meditation.
These classes are all about the basics and are fairly slow-paced, requiring you to hold each pose for a few breaths. Generally considered a gentler form of yoga, Hatha can still be surprisingly challenging, as you build resilience and strength by holding poses.
Good for: That being said, Hatha classes are usually recommended for a beginner to try out first, particularly if you’re starting yoga over 50.
Vinyasa yoga
Vinyasa yoga is not only meditative but also physically challenging. You’ll move though a dynamic sequence of postures, focusing on correct breath control as you work – it’s often referred to as flow yoga.
Good for: In most Vinyasa classes you move fairly swiftly through the postures, so get ready to sweat as your heart rate rises. With faster movement and a continuous pace, Vinyasa yoga is good for those who want a physical workout that will get the heart pumping.
Ashtanga yoga
This form of yoga has eight components: morality; ethics; posture; breath control; sense control; concentration; meditation and absorption. It consists of six series of specifically sequenced yoga poses.
Good for: This is a great class for people who like to follow guidelines and a set routine, as you tend to perform the same poses in the exact same order in each class.
Hot yoga
Hot yoga takes place in a heated studio, helping to provide a deeper muscular workout. As the body is warmer, you should be able to go deeper into poses – just don’t take it too far and give yourself an injury. A fast-paced class combined with extra heat might be a bit intense for some, so take it easy and remember to stay well hydrated.
Good for: Hot yoga is said to help to boost the immune system, encourage relaxation and correct posture alignment, and is perfect for those looking for an intense sweat session.
Iyengar yoga
This type of yoga is known for its use of props – including belts, blocks, and blankets – as aids in performing postures, helping you work within a safe and effective range of motion.
Iyengar is characterised by great attention to detail and precise focus on body alignment in each pose. Unlike in Vinyasa, each posture is held for a long period of time.
Good for: Slower and more focused on the detail, it’s a good class for those who like to understand the body and get a good grasp of technique. This class is recommended for those who are more experienced.
Core yoga
A playful and tough class, core yoga isn’t one of the traditional types of yoga – it’s a newer style that focuses on core strength. It has all the elements of a normal yoga class, but here the focus is on strengthening your core: the abs, back, waist and buttocks.
Good for: Those with specific injuries looking to strengthen their core muscles.
Power yoga
In this class you’ll experience a powerful and dynamic type of yoga. Positions are short and powerful enabling you to improve cardio endurance and your ability to focus on one activity for longer periods of time.
Good for: Anyone looking to build strength and tone the body.
Fitness yoga
Fitness yoga is another new type, concentrating on movement, breathing and transitions from one posture to another and progression. Moves and postures are often sequenced together to music, making transitions seamless and graceful.
Good for: This is the ideal class for those looking to increase their cardiovascular fitness while getting a sweat on.
Try out a range of different types of yoga at your nearest David Lloyd Club and find the one that works best for you!
