What Style of Yoga is Right for Me?

Yoga is one of the most rapidly-growing industries in the country, and there are plenty of reasons why! From the health benefits to the sense of community, yoga has something to offer everyone. However, If you're anything like me, you have tried yoga once or twice and decided it wasn't for you. It's either too slow, too fast, too weird, or too hard! It wasn't until I learned the difference between each style of yoga that I was able to find a style I enjoyed and incorporate a yoga practice into my daily self-care routine. With over 6 styles of yoga, there's sure to be a style that fits every-body. Whether you're looking to relax and de-stress or get an intense workout, there's a yoga style for everyone. Below is a brief description of the four most common styles of yoga: Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative, and Kundalini. Each one has its benefits and techniques and will help guide you in choosing the best style for your body.

What is Hatha Yoga?

Hatha yoga is one of the most popular styles of yoga, with a long history dating back to at least 5,000 years ago. Many popular styles of yoga such as Vinyasa and Restorative originated from Hatha. A Hatha yoga sequence is slow-paced with a focus on proper alignment and breathwork. Each pose is held for a series of breaths, typically 3-5 breaths for each pose, giving you the time to breathe and feel into your body and make any adjustments needed for proper alignment. Hatha yoga is perfect for beginners due to its slow and steady nature. Allowing an opportunity to develop proper alignment and linking breath with movement.

What is Vinyasa Yoga?

Vinyasa yoga is a more active form of yoga, involving flowing movements that link with each breath. There is usually no break in between poses, and you will flow dynamically from one pose to the next. A Vinyasa flow can move at a slow pace or a much faster pace but always involves linking breath with movement. Most Vinyasa sequences will frame poses upon each other building up to a peak pose and then winding down to a more relaxing flow to prep for Savasana. Vinyasa yoga is great for athletes, helping to build strength and flexibility. A fast-paced flow can also provide a cardio workout. Depending on the pace of a Vinyasa yoga flow it may not be suitable for beginners.

What is Restorative Yoga?

Restorative yoga is a relaxing and therapeutic form of yoga. It involves gentle stretching and poses that are held for a longer period of time. Holding each pose for an extended period allows the mind to focus on the breath, promoting mindfulness and relieving tension from the body. Sequences usually involve props of some sort including, straps, blocks, and bolsters, giving the body permission to come into the most comfortable and supportive position. Restorative yoga is known to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can help slow the heart rate, regulate blood pressure, and relax the body. This makes restorative yoga an excellent choice for those suffering from anxiety, insomnia, headaches, or other stress-related conditions.

What is Kundalini Yoga?

Kundalini yoga is a more mystical form of yoga, involving breath and movement but also includes, chanting, meditation, and singing. Kundalini is an ancient practice and it is believed to be a form of energy that is stored at the base of the spine. Through the practice of Kundalini, this energy is said to be able to travel up the spine and through the seven chakras, eventually exiting through the crown of the head. Kundalini increases your self-awareness by silencing your mind and unblocking your chakras so that your vital energy can flow freely. Challenging breath exercises, known as Kriyas, paired with challenging poses are practiced for long periods to move energy around in the body. This style of yoga is good for anyone who is looking to deepen their spiritual practice, as it emphasizes chanting and meditation. However, it is recommended to practice with an experienced teacher as Kundalini can cause negative side effects.

The bottom line is to choose a yoga practice that feels good to you. Ask yourself what your body needs at the moment. Do you need to learn proper alignment and how to link breath with movement as in Hatha yoga? Is your body looking for a cardio workout like Vinyasa yoga offers? Or maybe you need a restorative practice to completely surrender and allow your mind and body to remove any tension that may be present. Are you looking to strengthen your connection to Source? Then a Kundalini practice is a great option. Whatever your mind, body, or spirit needs at the moment there is a yoga style for every-body. Practicing yoga at home is a good way to build confidence before practicing in a studio with other people..and yes studio's without gigantic mirrors on the walls do exist! Just remember your yoga practice is YOUR yoga practice. Listening to your body and doing what's best for you in the now moment is one of the many lessons yoga teaches us about ourselves.