Over 20 million people in the U.S. practice yoga! Discovering the type of yoga that’s right for you depends on what you want to get out of it, how you want your body, mind, and spirit to feel, and what you’re willing to put into it. And once you figure that out, it’s still a good idea to shop around and find a studio that you connect with.
Good thing there are so many types of yoga to choose from.
If you’re curious but don’t know how to get started, we will explain several types of yoga and how to choose which one meets your individual needs.
Keep reading to learn more.
1. What Do You Want from Yoga?
Are you looking for a sweaty, physical workout or an opportunity to expand your flexibility and strength? Do you want to develop a spiritual connection? Is your body or mind in need of healing?
- Ashtanga Yoga will give a great mental and physical workout if that’s what you’re looking for.
- Hatha Yoga is a good choice for someone inexperienced in yoga and who needs lots of instruction.
- Bikram Yoga can be done by anyone at any level, as long as you can stand the heat.
- Kundalini Yoga is your number one choice for a well-rounded and spiritual practice.
2. Body, Mind, and Spirit
No doubt each type of yoga has its benefits and will transform all three, but to varying degrees. It’s important to understand and be honest about your physical limitations. If you haven’t done much in the way of physical activity in awhile, you might want to hold off on jumping into Vinyasa, for instance.
- Vinyasa Yoga is all about breath-movement connection. The poses “flow” fluidly from one to another.
- Iyengar Yoga is great if you want to really get each pose down correctly
- Ashtanga and Bikram Yoga are for Type-As who prefer structure.
- Vinyasa and Kundalini are for those who appreciate spontaneity and to mix it up a bit or a lot. No two classes are the same.
Still unsure and want to learn more about health benefits and yoga, click here for more info.
3. What Are You Willing to Put into It?
Do you have any time restraints? With some yoga practices, it’s okay to attend sporadically, but with others, you should probably be ready to attend several times a week if you want to get the most out of it.
What about financial limitations? Not all yoga classes cost the same. Some have memberships and multiple attendance discounts, and some don’t.
Do you want more from yoga than just a form of exercise, something that offers a spiritual experience?
It’s important to answer all these questions honestly and with an open mind.
- Hatha Yoga can be found literally everyone, from your local YMCA to YouTube videos. It’s a great option if you’re not sure about time commitment or money.
- Ashtanga Yoga requires a serious commitment. Many people practice at least four times a week and often daily.
- Bikram Yoga is addictive, no doubt about it. It’s not usual for people who practice this type of yoga to do it five days a week or more.
4. Shop Around for the Right Type of Yoga Studio
Even after doing the research, it’s still a good idea to try several studios and instructors out for yourself. It’s okay to prefer one instructor’s style of another. And it’s perfectly acceptable to sample several before settling in on one type of yoga or one particular studio.
Final Thoughts
Yoga is all about developing a connection between body, mind, and spirit, and the type you choose has to be just right for you.
Every yoga type is beneficial. If you stick with it, you will build strength and endurance, increase flexibility and improve balance.
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