Practiced by people throughout the world for centuries, yoga is both a physical and spiritual exercise. From developing muscular endurance to improving balance and posture, the practice of yoga can reap many rewards. But did you know there are different types of yoga to choose from, depending on what you would like to achieve?
Below we have identified the most commonly practiced forms of yoga. Read on to learn more to determine which format is right for you.
Hatha Yoga
One of the most common forms of yoga, Hatha Yoga, is practiced just about everywhere. Beginner friendly, this type of yoga class involves slow and gentle transitions between each pose, making it easier for even novices to perfect. It is a great all-around stress-relieving exercise though. However, some advanced yoga practitioners find the pace too slow.
Hot Yoga and Bikram
If you are a seasoned yogi, it may be time to try Hot Yoga or Bikram. This type of yoga is completely at the other end of the spectrum from Hatha, as it is more physically intensive. But be aware, this type of yoga is NOT for the faint of heart. During these classes, a specific set of poses to be completed in a heated room. It is not uncommon for the room to be heated to a balmy 100+ degrees to encourage your body to sweat out all the toxins it has been collecting over the course of a day.
Kundalini Yoga
If someone asked you to describe what yoga is to someone else, the image that comes to mind is Kundalini Yoga. Often practiced more for a spiritual experience, Kundalini includes constant breath awareness, chanting and proper alignment of your chakras. Casual practicians may be turned off by this classic form of yoga, but Kundalini’s emphasis on meditation is a great treatment option for stress relief.
Restorative Yoga
Recovering from a recent injury or just getting started and need a form of yoga that is relatively easy to complete, then look no further than restorative yoga. Designed to manage stress and quiet your anxious mind, this form of yoga makes practicing very easy and slow.
Vinyasa Yoga
Similar to hatha yoga, this form of yoga incorporates all the same postures, but the movement from pose to pose is done much more quickly. This quicker transition or flow gives practitioners more of a cardio workout than with many other types of yoga. This is a favorite form of yoga for many runners, cyclists and other endurance athletes. The basic pattern or sun salutations are a great mind clearing exercise as well; making it ideal as a stress management tool.
Bottom line: Any of these types of yoga will be beneficial to your health and help you manage your stress. Just be patient as results will vary depending on how much and how often you practice. Check out one of our yoga classes today to get started.