What is the Best Type of Yoga for Me?

What comes to mind when you hear the word “yoga?” You might think it’s just a fancy form of meditation or maybe you picture rows of people doing handstands. Neither one of these ideas is completely wrong, but there’s a lot more to it than that.

If you do a quick Google search for “yoga classes near me,” you’ll likely find a bunch of studios that all offer different styles of yoga. This can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’ve never tried yoga before. So, let’s dive into all the different types to help you choose the best type of yoga for you!

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Best for Beginners: Hatha Yoga

Hatha is kind of a broad term used in the yoga world, but it refers to the physical yoga poses (asanas). This kind of yoga is excellent for beginners because it is slow-paced and focuses on traditional poses like plank, downward-facing dog, and forward fold.

Each of the poses in a hatha class is held longer, giving you more time to learn and focus on correct body alignment. Note that many studios don’t call these classes the traditional name of hatha – they are usually labeled something more like “beginner flow.”

What to expect in class:

• A slower pace with some meditation included
• Focus on proper alignment and breath awareness
• Gentle stretching and strengthening poses

Who might like it:

• Beginners seeking an introduction to yoga
• Individuals looking to improve balance and flexibility

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Best for a Good Sweat Sesh: Hot Yoga

Hot yoga is practiced in a heated room, usually around 85-100 degrees. The heat helps your muscles warm up faster, which can improve your flexibility while simultaneously burning more calories. Win-win!

What to expect in class:

• Sweaty and intense workout
• Focus on deep stretching and flexibility
• Increased heart rate and calorie burn

Who might like it:

• Individuals who enjoy challenging and intense workouts
• Those seeking to improve flexibility and release tension
• People who are always cold (it’s not as fun as a tropical vacation but it certainly feels good to go somewhere that’s 90 degrees in the dead of winter!)

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Best for Tuning into Your Body: Yin Yoga

While most types of yoga focus on the muscles, yin yoga focuses on the connective tissues that surround the muscles. By targeting these deep tendons and ligaments, the body is fully stretched out. There’s a good chance you’ll leave class feeling like you just got a full body massage, not like you just took a yoga class!

What to expect in class:

• Passive poses held for 1-5 minutes or more
• Gentle stretching and deep relaxation
• Focus on mindfulness and surrender

Who might like it:

• People who want to learn how to “tune in” to their body
• Those looking to increase flexibility and joint mobility
• Anyone interested in cultivating mindfulness and inner peace

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Best for Recovery/Relaxation: Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga is exactly what it sounds like. This kind of yoga restores the body through gentle movements that emphasize rest. Nearly all of this class is done sitting or lying on your mat – and who doesn’t like getting a workout while lying down?! As a bonus, practicing this kind of yoga before bed has been shown to significantly improve sleep.

What to expect in class:

• Passive, supported poses held for several minutes
• Use of props such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks for added comfort
• Focus on deep breathing, rest, and relaxation

Who might like it:

• Anyone looking to reduce stress and anxiety
• Individuals recovering from injury or illness
• Those seeking a gentle practice for relaxation and rejuvenation

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Best for Building Strength: Power Yoga

Power yoga (my personal favorite!) is a dynamic and energetic practice that emphasizes strength and stamina through flowing sequences. This type of yoga is excellent for athletes and runners because it builds strength while also promoting flexibility.

What to expect in class:

• Fast-paced, challenging sequences
• Focus on building heat and stamina
• Dynamic movements synchronized with breath

Who might like it:

• Fitness enthusiasts looking for a vigorous workout
• Individuals seeking to build strength and endurance
• Those drawn to a more athletic and dynamic practice

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Best for an Upper Body Workout: Aerial Yoga

Aerial yoga combines traditional yoga poses with a fabric hammock suspended from the ceiling to support and enhance the practice. This is a great upper-body strength workout and is a super fun way to change up your workout routine!

What to expect in class:

• Playful and creative sequences
• Increased strength, flexibility, and balance
• Inversions and supported poses with the hammock

Who might like it:

• Adventurous individuals looking for a new workout challenge
• Those seeking to deepen an existing yoga practice

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Best for the Easily Distracted: Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic and flowing style of yoga that synchronizes movement with breath to create a continuous and fluid practice. You have to consciously focus on connecting your breathing with your movement, leaving no time for you to think about being bored!

What to expect in class:

• Fluid pose sequences linked together with breaths
• Emphasis on smooth transitions and mindful moving
• Creative and varied sequences depending on the teacher’s style

Who might like it:

• People who enjoy dynamic and energetic workouts
• Individuals looking to build strength, flexibility, and endurance
• Those who want to learn more about the importance of breathing during workouts

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Best for Pregnancy: Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga is specifically designed for pregnant women to support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being during pregnancy. However, this gentle style of yoga is also good for people who want to practice but can’t or don’t want to try some of the more challenging types.

What to expect in class:

• Gentle stretches and poses tailored to pregnancy
• Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques
• Connection with other expectant mothers

Who might like it:

• Pregnant women seeking relief from uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms
• Individuals looking to stay active and healthy during pregnancy
• Those interested in preparing their bodies and minds for childbirth and motherhood

It’s important to recognize that every yoga studio will have its own small variations of each of these styles. So if you’re worried about what to expect, give your studio a call or arrive a few minutes early to your class to ask questions. I have never once met a yoga instructor who wasn’t willing to answer questions for new and aspiring yogis before class.

Each style of yoga offers unique benefits and experiences. Whether you’re looking for a vigorous workout, deep relaxation, or to start a spiritual journey, there’s a yoga style out there waiting for you. So, grab your yoga mat and book a class ASAP! As a bonus, if you’re new to yoga, check out this ultimate packing list for your first yoga class!