6 Different Kinds Of Yoga And How To Find The Right Yoga Style For You
Life can be so busy that it’s difficult to stop and slow down! For many of us yoga can be a fantastic way to take time out of our hectic schedules to connect with our bodies and mind.
Once an ancient practice originating from India, yoga has evolved considerably especially over the last 20 years. There are many different styles of yoga out there, and it can be hard to select the type of class that is the best fit for you… so in this article I’m breaking down some of the popular styles, what you can expect during these classes, and how to find the right style of yoga for you.
Health Benefits of Yoga
Before we jump into the styles, it’s worthwhile noting the extensive benefits that yoga holistically can offer for your physical and mental health. These include:
Improved Flexibility
Enhanced Strength
Better Posture
Increased Balance and Stability
Stress Reduction
Enhanced Mental Focus
Stress and Anxiety Management
Improved Respiratory Function
Cardiovascular Health
Pain Relief (including back pain and arthritis)
Better Sleep
Increased Body Awareness & Self-Confidence
Enhanced Emotional Well-Being
Boosted Immune System
Weight Management
Improved Circulation
Popular Types of Yoga
Over time yoga has evolved into various different styles, which will give you a very different experience in a class. The traditional forms of yoga typically have Sanskrit names, for example Hatha and Vinyasa yoga. But yoga classes now have more general titles including restorative, flow or power yoga.
So what’s the difference? Although every yoga class focuses on bringing together the body, mind and breathe - the three core components of yoga - it’s useful to know the key differences between some of the most popular styles so that you can select classes that suit you and what you are looking to get from your yoga practice at this time.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but I’ve focused on the most popular types so you can get a feel for what to expect in these type of classes.
If you are curious about trying a new style of yoga, I invite you to try an online class of any style for free - click here or email hannah@workerbeeyoga.co.uk.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga, rooted in ancient texts, places a spotlight on foundational postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama). In a Hatha class, you can anticipate a gentle pace, with an emphasis on fundamental poses that promote alignment and balance. This makes Hatha yoga an excellent choice for beginners.
In Hatha Yoga classes at Worker Bee Yoga, these are our most ‘beginner friendly’ classes as students are encouraged to take options to suit their unique body and needs. We spend a longer in poses than in a ‘flow’ style class, so there is ample time to adjust your body and find shapes that really suit you. Although these classes are beginner friendly, many of our students choose to stick with this foundational style as it is a great way of building strength and flexibility whilst reducing stress.
Vinyasa
Dynamic and flowing, Vinyasa yoga seamlessly connects breath with movement, which is why it’s often called “Flow”. This style of class unfolds with a rhythmic sequence of poses, encouraging fluid transitions and a focus on building strength and flexibility. Traditionally vinyasa classes coordinate one movement with one breath (e.g. inhale to raise arms, exhale to forward fold). This means that this style can be very physically challenging.
I would say that practicing vinyasa is not suitable for complete beginners. As well as being physically demanding, it requires you to have existing knowledge of the foundational yoga poses. The movement to transition from one pose into another is quick, and there is not much time spent in any one pose, making it difficult to perfect your technique. That said, for those looking to develop a strong physical practice Vinyasa offers a dynamic and energising practice for those seeking a more fast-paced flow.
Slow Flow Yoga
For those seeking a dynamic yet mindful practice, Slow Flow yoga marries breath with movement in a fluid, intentional manner. The class unfolds with graceful transitions between poses, longer holds than traditional vinyasa, and a focus on building strength and flexibility. It’s a happy half-way house between Hatha and Vinyasa - enabling flowing transitions between poses, but often pausing in poses to spend time tweaking alignment.
This style of practice can be both wonderfully energising, whilst very mindful - offering a balanced and accessible approach for students looking to deepen their practice without the intensity of a fast-paced flow.
At Worker Bee Yoga, we offer a 30 minute online Slow Flow class on a Saturday morning, which can be a wonderful way to start your weekend.
Yin/Restorative Yoga:
Yin and Restorative are newer styles of yoga that counterbalance the stresses of modern day life. This style of class is about embracing the art of stillness, providing a sanctuary for deep stretching, relaxation, and healing.
In a Yin class, passive poses, often supported by props, are held for an extended duration. This style of practice works your deep connective tissues, facilitating profound flexibility and stress release. Restorative yoga prioritises deep relaxation, allowing the mind and body to rejuvenate. These poses are combined with a focus on calming breathwork, and are usually accompanied by a longer guided relaxation at the end of the class.
At Worker Bee Yoga we offer a monthly “Relax & Restore” class bringing together yin and restorative poses to calm both the body and the mind.
Yoga Nidra:
Known as the "yogic sleep," Yoga Nidra transports practitioners to a state of deep relaxation and heightened awareness. In a typical class, guided meditation and visualisation techniques induce a profound sense of rest for both body and mind.
Renowned for its stress-reducing benefits, Yoga Nidra promotes improved sleep and overall well-being. A half an hour of this magical practice is said to be the equivalent of four hours of good sleep!
At Worker Bee Yoga our monthly “Relax and Restore” class combines yin/restorative yoga with a yoga nidra to help you find a deep sense of relaxation to help you to boost your immune system and recharge your batteries.
Meditation:
Complementing physical yoga practices, meditation focuses on cultivating mindfulness and inner awareness. In meditation classes, practitioners engage in various techniques, such as breath awareness, mantra repetition, or guided visualisation, to still the mind and promote mental clarity.
Meditation provides a space for introspection, stress reduction, and emotional balance, making it a valuable addition to your holistic yoga practice.
At Worker Bee Yoga, we incorporate meditation into many of our Hatha yoga classes, but also have a separate monthly meditation online session on a Sunday morning. This is a brilliant way to give yourself some self-care on a Sunday.
Choosing the Right Yoga Practice
Selecting the ideal yoga practice involves careful consideration of individual preferences, fitness goals, and lifestyle. It’s worthwhile thinking about what you are trying to get out of your practice. If you are at the beginning of your yoga journey then it’s definitely worthwhile considering Hatha Yoga as your starting point, before exploring other styles.
Your yoga practice should meet your unique needs, so there’s no need to shy away from exploring different styles or combining different class styles to create a well-balanced yoga approach.
At Worker Bee Yoga, we offer a variety of styles of live online yoga classes across the month so that you can cultivate a well-rounded yoga practice. These live classes are complimented by an extensive bank of on-demand classes across all styles, so that you can find practices to suit your needs on any given day.
I encourage all my students to explore a variety of styles, as each brings something different for your body and your mind. What suits you today, may not be what you need tomorrow or next week. It’s always good to listen to your body and allow your yoga practice to be a personal journey that evolves with your changing needs.
If you are curious about trying a new style of yoga, I invite you to try an online class of any style for free - click here or email hannah@workerbeeyoga.co.uk.
Conclusion:
As you navigate the spectrum of yoga practices, from the foundational Hatha to the deep relaxation of Yoga Nidra, recognise that each style offers you something different and can help you with your own self-discovery and growth.
Delve into the details, savour the nuanced experiences in each class, and let your practice be a reflection of your inner self. Whether you seek grounding, dynamic movement, deep relaxation, or conscious awareness, the world of yoga invites you to explore, learn, and find our more about yourself.
