Which Yoga Practise Is Right For Me?

Looking at a yoga class schedule can sometimes feel like you’re looking at a menu in a fancy restaurant. It all sounds and looks yummy but what is it exactly?!

There are many varying forms of yoga taught throughout the world. All are based on traditional yoga practice but some have been adapted to focus on specific movements or specific areas, so for someone who is new to the practice all this choice may seem a little bit daunting.

I’ve always found that it helps to try out different forms of yoga so you can assess which yoga practice is right for you. Some are gentle while others are free flowing. Some use props to support movement or help keep you in a pose for longer while others are just hot!

When you try different classes it also gives you the opportunity to try classes taught by different teachers. Although all teachers teach yoga they all bring their own individuality and personality to their style of teaching.

So, which yoga practice is right for you? You’ll find that most yoga centres have a summary of the type of classes on offer but I thought it might be helpful to give you a brief description of the different types of yoga classes available in most yoga centres today.

Hatha
Hatha yoga is a gentle, slow paced form of yoga. It is perfect for beginners as it provides a sound introduction to the basic yoga poses.

Vinyasa
Also known as flow yoga Vinyasa involves a series of poses in which movement is matched to breath. As the movement is flowing there aren’t many breaks between the poses so you get a good cardio workout too.

Ashtanga
Ashtanga is an energetic form of yoga, involving fast paced, continuous movement. It is often referred to as Power Yoga.

Iyengar
Based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar this practice focuses on alignment and involves holding poses for longer periods of time. It is a form of flow yoga and involves the use of props.

Bikram Yoga
More commonly referred to as Hot Yoga, Bikram yoga was pioneered by Bikram Choudhury. Practiced in a very hot room it loosens the muscles and induces sweating which is thought to be cleansing.

Kundalini
Based on the teachings of Yogi Bhajan, Kundalini yoga focuses on breath with movement and explores the effects of the breath (prana) on each posture.

Anusura
Anusura is based on the tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness. Founded by John Friend in 1997 it is not as common as the other forms of yoga mentioned here but Anusura yoga classes are making their way to most yoga centres.

Restorative
Restorative yoga uses a variety of props to support the body during practice enabling the body to relax into the poses. The poses are held to encourage stretching. A great form of yoga if you spend a lot of time in the gym as the stretching helps you loosen the muscles and relieve tension in the body.

Scaravelli
Pioneered by Vanda Scaravelli, Scaravelli yoga focuses on developing core strength through releasing tension and creating length in the spine.