5 Yoga Types

Posted On Jun 22, 2022 By Lisa Traugott

Woman doing a one-handed side yoga plank

Commemorated each June 21st, International Yoga Day celebrates the physical and spiritual joy that yoga brings to the world. There are numerous benefits of yoga. Here are just a few:

  • Increases flexibility
  • Relieves stress
  • Increases blood flow
  • Improves posture
  • Boosts metabolism

There are dozens of different types of yoga variations whether you're a beginner or an advanced yogi. Here are five of the main types of yoga classes you might want to try.

  1. Hatha yoga

    Hatha is great for beginners. They incorporate the poses (called asana) you will find in other styles and breathing exercises. The poses tend to be slower paced allowing people at all levels to participate and learn.

  2. Hot yoga

    This yoga is done in a room that feels like a sauna – hot and humid! It's based on Bikram yoga named after Bikram Choudhury. After he faced sexual assault charges and flex to Mexico a few years ago, studios dropped his name and rebranded as hot yoga. They focus on two sets of 26 core poses. If sweating is your thing, this might be right for you.

  3. Prenatal yoga

    Designed for pregnant women, the classic yoga poses are adapted according to each trimester. I went to prenatal yoga for my first pregnancy and found it very relaxing. We focused on mindful breathing that could be used during labor and exercises to strengthen our pelvic muscles. They typically use props, like blocks and pillows, to help you increase flexibility while maintaining proper form.

  4. Vinyasa yoga

    Looking for a great cardio workout? Try Vinyasa. They incorporate classic yoga poses, but instead of staying still you flow through to the next pose. People who connect the movement with their breath find their anxiety levels decrease. Unlike ashtanga, which follows a rigid series, vinyasa will vary each class.

  5. Ashtanga yoga

    Do you enjoy a challenge? Ashtanga yoga is like vinyasa in that there is a flowing movement between the six series of asanas, but it focuses more on mindfulness as you do the poses. Whereas vinyasa can change based on the teacher, ashtanga poses are done in the same order every time. If you are looking for something constant, this is the style for you.

Whether you do yoga for fun, relaxation, or exercise, it's a great workout to add into your rotation. Namaste.