If you are new to yoga and trying to work out where to start, all the different types of yoga floating around is probably doing your head in (and that's precisely NOT what you want from your yoga practice!). Even researching to write this, I've found types of yoga that I've never heard of before.
So here is a short sharp introduction to the more common types of yoga generally offered here in Australia:
- Hatha: when researching the different types of yoga, I found a site that called Hatha the chicken soup of yoga and I love it! Hatha is the basics '"the bread and butter" of yoga. You learn the foundation, the alignment, you hold each pose for several breaths to give you time to adjust and find your strength and your range. Hatha is perfect if you are new to yoga, new to exercise, or just need to slow down a bit because life itself is crazy busy.
- Bonus: click here to do one of Kim's 30 minute online Hatha Yoga classes!
- Vinyasa: the word Vinyasa basically means flow, so this is a dynamic and slightly faster paced class where the instructor guides you through a sequence of poses. However this type of class can be a tad overwhelming for a beginner as you don't hold the poses for very long - previous awareness of alignment and technique is advised.
- Bikram: created by Bikram Choudry, the studio is heated to 40C and the instructor leads you through a standard sequence of 26 poses. Nice if you really like to sweat, and if you like to know what is coming because the class is the same every time.
- Hot: similar to Bikram, however the instructors are not constrained to the 26 pose sequence. If you are new to Bikram or hot yoga, you need to take it really easy as the heat can make the class seem extra intense. Also exercising in a heated environment can make you feel more limber and you may be tempted to push beyond your edge, putting you at risk of injuries.
- Power: The term Power Yoga emerged in the 1990's and covers any of the more energetic vinyasa-flowing styles of yoga. Power yoga classes may encompass elements of Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Bikram yoga types.
- Iyengar: this is more like a workshop than a yoga class, with the emphasis on precision, sequencing and the use of props to get you into the proper alignment. Created by B.K.S. Iyengar, the postures are held for a longer period of time than other forms of yoga. This encourages the muscles to relax and lengthen, as well as allowing awareness in the pose.
- Ashtanga: similar to Vinyasa, this style of yoga is energetic - synchronising movement with the breath. The individual poses are linked by flowing movements. There is a set sequence of movements, catering for those who like repetition, and is considered a more athletic, dynamic practice.
- Yin: a much slower paced class where poses are held for longer periods, with the aim of targeting not only muscles, but deeper connective tissues and fascia. A perfect recovery session for athletes and those who push themselves hard in other more active intense workouts. Yin is also perfect if your brain is scattered and thoughts are flying all over the place, as this is a more meditative practice that allows you to come out of your head and reconnect with your body.
- Kim has filmed a few gorgeous online Yin classes for us: click here to see more!
- Restorative: if you love the Savasana at the end of a yoga class, then this style is for you! It is a very slow-paced practice designed to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system - your body's rest and digest centre. The main aim is deep relaxation, so you use props such as blankets, bolsters and blocks to ensure you are completely supported as each pose is held for a minimum of 10 minutes. It's actually more challenging than it sounds!
- Kundaline: this practice is more focused on the spiritual aspects of yoga. The combination of poses, singing, chanting, breath work is designed to harness your inner energy to work towards a state of self-awareness.
- Core Yoga: also know as Yogalates or Piloga, is a fusion of Pilates and Yoga. Combining the strength and flexibility focus of yoga with the core and posture emphasis of Pilates, this brings the best of both worlds together in one challenging but relaxing class.
Kim has filmed a little 'teaser' of one of her online Yoga workouts - click here to see it!
Kim breaks down a common Yoga myth for us in a past blog post: Yoga isn't just for the bendy.
Kim also sheds a positive light on why online Yoga may be your best chance to start yoga!
