In the same way that people have different goals and needs when it comes to practicing yoga, there are numerous ways to practice this ancient art. Some styles date back thousands of years ago, while others emerged in the late 20th century. Every yoga style provides the benefit of toning your body while giving you a sense of inner peace and health, but when you’re looking for the right class for you, consider the differences and what you specifically want to get out of your yoga practice.
Hatha Yoga
This is your bread and butter yoga. Just about every yoga class in America incorporates some aspect of hatha yoga. With basic poses at an easy pace, this is the perfect class for beginners or students with injuries. You can expect that a hatha yoga class will improve your flexibility and ease the pain caused by muscular and skeletal ailments.
Ashtanga Yoga
Sometimes referred to as Power Yoga, Ashtanga focuses on strength and stamina to deliver an intense workout. In an Ashtanga class you can expect to flow from pose to pose continually. Ashtanga is great for athletes or people who want to boost their workout to the next level. You’ll feel more flexible while burning away hundreds of calories.
Bikram Yoga
This recent favorite is distinctive in that students practice it in a room heated to 105 degrees. Bikram takes students through the same 26 poses in the exact same sequence at a fairly moderate pace. The heavy sweating in Bikram helps to flush toxins out of the body and working in a heated room elevates the heart rate more than other types of gentle yoga.
Restorative Yoga
This yoga is insanely relaxing and perfect for students who want the benefits of a class without exerting a ton of work. Restorative classes utilize blocks, blankets, and other accessories to hold students up in poses with ease. If your body is aching and needs to feel rejuvenated, a restorative class is right for you.
The main benefit of yoga is staying fit, and each of these types can offer that to you. If you decide on your specific focus, you can make a choice about which type will benefit you the most at your gym.