Popular Yoga Styles

Over time, the classical direction developed, many gurus contributed something of their own, and new types of yoga gradually appeared. However, among them there are many styles that are considered varieties of hatha yoga, although they have some differences and features:

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga – this style has a fixed sequence of exercises for beginners and for more advanced practitioners. There are 6 such complexes with special vinyasa combinations. It is believed that the difficulties that arise during training strengthen the spirit.

Who is it for: This direction will appeal to lovers of active activities, during which sweating increases and physical exertion is felt;

Iyengar Yoga – special attention in this type of yoga is paid to the correct position of the body. Various devices help to support it: pillows, belts, blocks. All movements are performed slowly, smoothly, with a gradual study of more complex poses. Asanas must be held for quite a long time.

Who is it for: The classes have a therapeutic effect, so they are suitable for people with diseases of the spine, joints and even for pregnant women. You should consult a doctor first;

Iyengar Yoga

Yoga 23 is a direction that includes strength exercises, and breathing is adjusted to the metronome. The load is quite intense, and the classes are more like sports training. Asanas are performed in a certain sequence, pranayama is an obligatory part of the practice. 

Who is it for: A good option for those who want to keep their body in good shape, get rid of extra pounds, and strengthen their muscle corset;

Jivamukti yoga is an interesting practice that includes smooth execution of vinyasas. It looks very much like a dance. The classes are aimed at improving the body and mind, and include singing mantras. The style itself is quite difficult for beginners, requires a certain amount of experience, mental and physical strength, and adherence to the principles of vegetarianism.

Who is it for: The classes will help eliminate posture defects, make your gait beautiful, relieve pain associated with various factors, and ultimately achieve enlightenment;

Sivananda Yoga – this style is aimed at relaxing the body and mind, which allows you to quickly restore strength. Particular attention is paid to deep breathing, saturating the blood with oxygen and providing control over vital energy (prana). Asanas are performed in a certain sequence.

Who is it for: This direction is suitable for absolutely everyone, it can be a good choice of yoga for beginners, since special skills and special training are not required here.

All of the above mentioned areas are popular, so finding a suitable yoga school will not be difficult. You can practice at home, but if you are taking your first steps in the practices or have decided to change the type of yoga, it is better to do this with an experienced instructor.

Yoga with an instructor

Unusual types of yoga

Yoga is a fairly traditional teaching with a set of certain elements. However, there are quite interesting directions that are also worth trying:

Bikram yoga – its highlight is maintaining the temperature during classes at 40 ° C. In such conditions, muscles and ligaments become more flexible. The training usually lasts an hour and a half and consists of strictly defined asanas, as well as breathing exercises. Hot yoga allows you to get rid of toxins and excess weight.

Who it is suitable for: A good option for those who want to strengthen the tone of muscles and skin, try something new. But it is worth remembering that the load in this style is quite intense, and it is quite difficult to exercise at such a temperature;

Fly yoga or yoga in hammocks is one of the most popular types now. Asanas are performed in a hovering position, the body is supported in the air by a special hammock. The practice includes many inverted poses, indispensable for the prevention and treatment of pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, recovery from injuries. 

Who is it for: This type of yoga is suitable for people suffering from tendon problems and migraines, as well as those who spend most of the day sitting;

Nidra is a very unique direction. During classes, you need to take relaxation poses (mainly shavasana), listen to the instructor and your own body, move your attention to different points of the body. The goal is to achieve a borderline state between sleep and wakefulness.

Who is it for: This type of yoga is useful for people who have problems with sleep and the nervous system, high levels of anxiety, as well as those who cannot cope with stress.

There is another interesting direction – Osho Dynamics. In fact, it is a meditation consisting of 5 stages; chaotic breathing, any movements that you want to make, jumping, stillness and dancing. Such exercises help to reduce the level of anger, get rid of psychological tension and negative emotions. 

How to choose your direction?

Yoga classes are useful, regardless of the chosen direction. To make training enjoyable, it is worth trying several styles and listening to yourself, because it is in the ability to listen to your body that one of the key principles of yoga lies.