How to choose the Yoga type that’s right for you

Are you a beginner? With so many yoga styles out there which ones best for you?

VINYASA If you want to practice yoga to sweat and get a full-body workout, this class might be for you. Vinyasa is all about movement and a quick succession of poses. Even though there is quite a bit of variety in poses, there is still much intention behind everything you do (rinsing out the organs, aligning limbs properly, strengthening the core). This class is often done to music and has you repeating sequences of vigorous poses with a lot of core exercises thrown in there (such as the famous body-burning chaturanga). I have been to more than one Vinyasa class where the instructor has the group jam out to a Rihanna remix. It is easy to loose yourself in the fluidity of this practice and you will walk out feeling refreshed and invigorated.

HATHA Hatha yoga really isn’t a particular style of yoga as it is more an all-encompassing yoga of many types. It is what all yoga is derived from and thus has a very rich history dating back to its Hindi beginnings hundreds of years ago. You will see many classes denoted as “Hatha yoga” and this usually indicates a mere beginner class. It is ideal for new yogis because it is where you’ll learn the basics: poses, terminology, breathing techniques and the like. Also, you gotta love the meaning behind the name Hatha: ‘Ha’ is sun and ‘Tha’ is moon in Sanskrit. Get down to the studio and find your inner yin and yang with this beginner-friendly practice. 

YIN Looking to relax and unwind?  Take a Yin yoga class. Better yet, take a Yin yoga class before bedtime or after a stressful day at work. This dreamy practice will surely help entice you into a deep sleep or relieve your mind of the stressors of the day. This type of yoga is restorative and all about making the individual feel refreshed and renewed. Each pose is held for an extended period of time (usually around 5 minutes). The instructor soothingly walks you through how you should be feeling, what you should be feeling, and how to deepen yourself into each pose. This class is usually set to calming music in a dimly or candle-lit room. Props often include blankets, blocks, yoga pillows, and stretching straps to create comfort and deepen postures.