5 Main Yoga Styles

Yoga is one of the healthiest hobbies you can partake in if you want to have a healthy body and mind. But there’s one thing which can put off a lot of people from trying yoga, and that is the abundance of yoga styles. This article will simplify things by introducing you to the five main yoga poses.

5 Main Yoga Poses To Practice

Whether you are new to yoga or more experience, these 5 main yoga poses will help you start your day off right while building a strong foundation.

Vinyasa

The word “vinyasa” means “to place in a special way” in Sanskrit. The “special way” is yoga poses, which are linked with breath and constant transitions between each pose in a seamless manner. This type of yoga is great for those who want to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and strengthen their body, especially core muscles. Vinyasa classes attract people because they are dynamic in nature, and the sequence of poses is different in each session.

Iyengar

This type of yoga requires patience and diligence, as it puts emphasis on correct body alignment while doing poses. If you are interested in slower, yet mentally and physically challenging yoga classes, Iyengar will meet your expectations. It’s especially great for beginners, who will learn all the fundamentals of yoga.

Ashtanga

Brought to the West by K. Pattabhi, this style of yoga can be compared to Vinyasa, as each movement is linked to the breath, but there is one distinct difference: Ashtanga performs poses in the exact same order each class, while Vinyasa changes it up. Partaking in Ashtanga classes you’re guaranteed to learn mental and physical discipline. If you enjoy routine and want to improve your core strength, this type of yoga is for you.

Bikram

This style of yoga was developed and trademarked by C. Choudhury and it’s hallmark is that every yoga classroom is heated, which not only results in strengthening your cardiovascular system, but helps you lose weight. Each class consists of 26 poses completed in the same sequence each time. If you want a more challenging type of yoga to practice, Bikram will surely present you a challenge. In addition, it can be used in place of cardio, as high temperature in class will bring similar benefits as cardio exercise.

Hatha

This type of yoga is almost like an umbrella term to most yoga practices in the West. You will find most classrooms named “Hatha,” as it is great for beginners to learn the fundamentals of yoga. The easy poses and relaxed atmosphere that Hatha offers can become a great after work hobby to partake in or serve as an introduction to other types of yoga. Choose a Hatha classroom if you want to experience basic yoga classes and see whether you like yoga at all.

A Note from GR8NESS

It does not matter which type of yoga you start practicing. While each type has some unique characteristics, the fundamentals are the same. You can try any type and know, whether you’ll fall in love with yoga, or hate it. If you are among the lucky ones who enjoy yoga, then you can start looking for the specific type that best suits your needs.