If you are new to yoga, or would like a change of pace in your practice, there are many different types of yoga to explore. The variety of yoga practices makes it accessible to both those fitness enthusiasts who are accomplished athletes and those who have not exercised in a while and are new to yoga. Depending on where you are in your fitness level and comfort with yoga, you may practice different types at different times.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga is a basic form of yoga that is the base of all yoga styles. It is a system of postures, breath work, meditation and kundalini that helps devotees achieve self-realization and aids in stress management. In Hatha Yoga, the emphasis is on gentle poses that flow into one another at a comfortable pace.
Bikram Yoga
This type of yoga, also called hot yoga, is practiced in a room that is 38 degrees C (100.4 degrees F) and the emphasis is on 26 vigorous athletic postures that are done in a certain order. This type of yoga is for those who are very familiar with yoga and those who are physically fit, because of its intensity. Bikram yoga, founded by Bikram Choudhury, helps to stretch and warm muscles, ligaments and tendons, and has been said to help with chronic diseases and pain in the body.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga, or power yoga, does not focus so much on meditation but rather emphasizes strength and stamina, which makes it very popular with athletes. Due to the physical intensity of this type of yoga, this type is not recommended to those just starting an exercise routine. The poses flow together and breath work is combined with movements like back bends, sun salutations, inversions and twisting poses.
Kundalini Yoga
This kind of yoga incorporates chanting, meditation, guided relaxation and visualizations into the physical yoga practice. The aim is to purify the body and the mind, and activate the kundalini energy which resides in the spine. Yoga poses are done in sync with breath work, hand and finger gestures, chanting and meditations.This kind of yoga has been shown to be beneficial with those dealing with addictions, and many people experience an endorphin rush when practicing kundalini yoga.
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar yoga is a good kind of yoga to start with if you are new to practicing yoga. Created by B.K.S. Iyengar, it uses props like straps, blocks, chairs and pillows to help with flexibility in the poses. This makes it perfect for those with back or joint problems or those who have not exercised in a long time. Iyengar yoga emphasizes form and alignment in the poses, and the props help with this. Meditation and awareness of one's body while in the poses is also emphasized.
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