5 Types of yoga to suit any body
Published on Fri Sep 24 2021 in Lifestyle
Ready to give yoga a try, but aren’t sure where to start? With so many types available to aspiring yogis, it may feel intimidating. But no matter your age or fitness level, there’s probably a yoga class that’s right for you!
Here are five types of yoga you may come across:
For beginners: Hatha yoga
Hatha is the starting point for many new yogis. Whilst hatha refers to any yoga that teaches physical postures (called asanas), it’s come to describe a gentler type of yoga in the West. A hatha class is slow paced and focuses on the basics. Here you’ll learn many of the asanas and flows that are used in other forms of yoga.
Hatha also synchs breathing to movement—a common feature to many different types of yoga. Each pose is held for a few breaths, giving you time to adjust and improve your form as you learn.
For those nursing injuries: Iyengar yoga
Iyengar is a more methodical yoga practice that might suit people recovering from some injuries. Each asana is held for a period of time, so you can really focus on alignment and form. Props are used to help students work with their body’s range of motion and hold poses safely.
You may want to talk to your doctor before hopping into an iyengar class (or any type of yoga). They can advise you on how to safely exercise after injury—important information the yoga instructor can use to assist you during class.
For the super-stressed: Yin yoga
Yin yoga could be a great way to find relaxation after a busy day. These classes are very slow paced, focusing on seated asanas that may be held for up to several minutes at a time. Props are often used to help the body release, but much of the time you’ll let gravity do the work rather than actively flexing your muscles.
Whilst yin yoga may sound easy, it can be challenging because of how long poses are sometimes held. As with any yoga, listening to your body is key. The instructor can help you adjust the pose or suggest alternative asanas to help with comfort and to avoid injury.
For exercise lovers: Vinyasa yoga
Vinyasa is a bit faster paced than other forms of yoga. An instructor guides the class through a series of asanas (called a ‘flow’) which are linked to your breathing. You won’t burn as many kilojoules with vinyasa as you would doing serious cardio or weight lifting, but you might feel your heartrate quicken as you move through each flow!
These classes are also great for people who like variety. There are hundreds of traditional vinyasa flows to choose from, and instructors often create their own as well. These can be modified to focus on specific body parts or goals, such as strengthening the core, stretching the back and shoulders or improving balance.
For the experienced yogi: Ashtanga yoga
Ashtanga is a more demanding and rigid form of yoga. An instructor leads the class through one or more of the six ashtanga series, each made up of a set sequence of poses that are always performed in the same order. The movement is fast-paced and nonstop, with each series increasing in difficulty.
This form of yoga suits more practiced yogis because it is so physically demanding. Depending on the type of class, you may be expected to already know each series beforehand, so you can work at your own pace.
Connect with your body
As we’ve already mentioned, yoga is about listening to your body—what it wants, what it needs and when it needs to rest. Though yoga might look easy, it is possible to push yourself too far! This isn’t what yoga is about. Not everyone can do every posture (not even the instructors!), and ‘success’ will look different for each person.
Before beginning any yoga practice, consider speaking with your doctor about your goals, potential risks and any past injuries. It may also be wise to share some of this information with the yoga instructor, as they can suggest alternative poses or adjustments to suit your needs.
When you’re ready, yoga could become a daily or weekly ritual to connect your mind, body and spirit!
Yoga is one way to help relieve stress. Learn nine more ways to relax after a long day.
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