Yoga is a vast array of styles, ranging from cardio-intense to restorative. Here is a lit of common styles and how they vary. If you're new the practice, you may consider exploring several styles, classes, and teachers and see what resonates with you.
Aerial yoga uses a hammock for support in performing traditional yoga postures. The hammock height and class style can be adjusted for a vinyasa style class or a restorative style class.
Anusara is a hatha-based tradition that focuses on principles of alignment, balance, and principles of an open heart.
Ashtanga is a flow-based class that uses a specific series of postures taught in a strict order to build stamina.
Baptiste Power is vinyasa-style power yoga comprised of 53 linked poses.
Flow-Based Classes:
Gentle – a slower flow-based class with less intense poses.
Hatha – a flow-based class where poses are held for 3-5 breaths. Hatha yoga is considered traditional yoga and is the most widely practiced form. The focus is on stimulating mind-body connection physical strength and mind.
Vinyasa – a fast flow-based class where you smoothly transition between poses in one breath. Vinyasa movements are intended to be very smooth with each pose connecting to the next via the breath. The rapid flow and transitions are repeated several times.
Hot Yoga is performed in a room heated between 80-105 degrees Fahrenheit with the idea of increasing the heart rate and loosening the muscles.
Iyengar style is a form of yoga focused on precise alignment via slower movement and props to build strength, stamina, and flexibility.
Kemetic yoga is inspired by ancient Egyptian techniques involving the rule of four breathing, geometric progression, and connection to ancestors.
Kundalini yoga is focused on repetitive poses that involve chanting, meditating, and breathwork to activate one's spiritual energy.
Power Yoga is similar to Ashtanga in that it is designed to build stamina but does not focus on a particular sequence.
Restorative Yoga is focused on deep relaxation and utilizes props such as blankets, cushions, and eye pillows to support and help you relax into the poses which are held for longer periods.
Sivananda yoga incorporates yoga postures with principles of exercise, breathing, diet, relaxation, and positive thinking.
Tantric Yoga begins with movement and then moves to meditation and breathwork to awaken energy centers and creative forces (shakti).
Yin is focused on engaged stretches that target deep tissues and increase overall flexibility. Poses are held for about 3-5 minutes.
