Do you want to start a yoga practice, but don't really know which type of yoga is right for you? That is understandable. Because there are many different types of yoga. Accordingly, it can be quite difficult for beginners to find their way through the yoga jungle. This article presents the currently most popular and well-known directions to give you an overview. But remember: yoga is 99% practice and 1% theory. Therefore, try out different styles and find out which of the yoga types are good for you.
Bikram Yoga
If you like sauna, you will love Bikram Yoga! Bikram Yoga (also called Hot Yoga ) is practiced at a room temperature of 40 degrees Celsius and 40% humidity. So get ready for an intense sweat session with a strong cleansing effect. Bikram consists of only 26 yoga poses, but they are repeated twice and emphasis is placed on correct posture. For this reason, this style is super suitable for beginners!
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is the origin of the various styles of yoga. Most forms of yoga that exist today are derived from Hatha Yoga. It is a classical approach to yoga practice and often serves as a foundation before moving in a particular direction for more in-depth study. In a class with "Hatha Yoga" you will be introduced to many asanas (yoga poses) that you will need to hold a little longer. And the transition between exercises is gentle and slow. It's an all in all calm practice that is great if you want to wind down in the evening. Definitely one of the most relaxing types of yoga
Anusara Yoga
Anusara Yoga was founded in 1997 by John Friend in the USA. It is therefore a young and very popular current among yoga practitioners. This school - like Iyengar Yoga - belongs to the purist form of yoga. Anusara Yoga differs from the other styles in its focus on the heart. Therefore, many "heart-opening" asanas are performed. These include especially backbends, such as the camel, the cobra, the bow and many more. The effect: Anusara brings self-love, charity and acceptance into your everyday life!
Jivamukti Yoga
Jivamukti Yoga was founded in New York in 1984 by Sharon Gannon and David Life. This style also belongs to the young currents and just in the last few years found more and more appeal in the yoga community. The term "Jivamukti" means something like "liberation while living". This type of yoga belongs to the school of Vinyasa Yoga and is correspondingly dynamic and physically demanding. In addition, Jivamukti is very spiritual. Therefore, in such a yoga class you may encounter both mantra chanting or scripture reading. It really is a yoga style for the heart!
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga (or Flow Yoga or Vinyasa Flow) is one of the most popular types of yoga. Why? Because no two yoga sessions are exactly alike. You learn different sequences with each teacher.
This style is very dynamic and physically demanding. You will be constantly in motion, gliding from one pose to the next. You will synchronize your breath with each movement, creating a flow that brings you mentally and physically out of the stressful everyday life and into the here and now.
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga is a school of yoga founded by B.K.S. Iyengar. In an Iyengar class, you will learn to pay strong attention to your posture. This is because no other style of yoga is as focused on posture as Iyengar. You will practice with many supports, such as yoga blocks, cushions, straps and belts. This provides ideal support and relief for the body. This style is therefore very suitable for people with physical ailments.
Ashtanga Yoga
Usually this style is also called Power Yoga. Ideal for advanced students, this yoga school is physically very demanding. Ashtanga consists of six very strenuous yoga sequences. The practitioner first practices the first sequence and progresses to the next as he or she progresses. The movements are performed dynamically and in rhythm with the breath, creating a so-called "flow". Do you want to push your body to limits you haven't yet known? Then Power Yoga is exactly what you need!
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini practice consists of many dynamic and invigorating poses. These are aimed at awakening the Kundalini energy that each person has in their body. Just think of Kundalini as a source of power that slumbers coiled up like a snake in the lower part of your spine. Through yoga practice, this energy is meant to awaken and rise up the spine to the crown and be released. Kundalini practice has an immediate and powerful effect on your well-being. Just one class can have a wonderful, positive effect on your mental and physical well-being.
Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is a calm and meditative form of yoga. It is often referred to as Taoist yoga. This style focuses on deeply stretching your body and is meant to balance yang yoga, muscle-building forms of yoga such as Anusara, Ashtanga, Iyengar and others. What makes it special: Yin poses are passive. That means you get into an asana and completely relax and let go. Gravity does the rest. A welcome side effect: Since the exercises are very long, you learn patience!
As you can see, there are many different types of yoga. Also with us there are different yoga programs. Just take a look around and see which program would be most suitable for you. We wish you a lot of fun with your yoga practice!
