Are you working out, eating healthy and still don’t feel your best? That’s maybe because the state of your mental health isn’t the greatest it could be. Don’t worry we’ve got the right solution for you!
Let us tell you how to achieve the perfect body shape and well mental health in no time! The key is always yoga. Yoga can change your physical and mental state quickly, as it prepares the mind, body, and soul for long-term health and wellness.
Aren’t you excited to enter a room full of young teens, athletes, middle-aged moms, elders, and even body builders? Everyone can feel accepted and included. Unlike other sports or exercise classes that focus on clients with specific body standards, yoga is for everyone.
Here’s the ultimate guide with the best types of yoga for you to choose the one that’s right for you. Let’s get right to it with the beginner types
1- Yin Yoga
If you are not into too many intense activities, then yin yoga is just the practice for you. This slow-paced style lets you hold poses for a longer time; around 45 seconds to two minutes. There are also a lot of seated postures that focus on spirituality, inner peace and relaxation.
By holding poses for a longer time, you stretch your connective tissues and make it more elastic which you will feel for yourself. It also improves blood circulation and the energy in your body. Focus on relaxing while holding a posture instead of keeping your muscles flexed and taut.
Note: You must not try this if you are super flexible as you can get injuries if you over-stretch or have any connective tissue disease.
2- Hatha Yoga
If you’re a yoga beginner, hatha yoga would be great for you. As its focuses on basic postures at a comfortable pace.
The practice involves having to hold a pose for a few breaths and focusing a lot on meditation, correct breathing and postures. Hopefully, you will also learn some essential relaxation techniques too.
3- Iyengar Yoga
This style is really great for people with injuries who need to work slowly and methodically. As It focuses on correct alignment of the body and very precise moves.
These postures are held while holding your breath and the duration of each pose depends on your capability. This practice greatly improves stability, mobility, strength and flexibility.
Let’s spice things up and move to intermediate yoga types!
4- Ashtanga Yoga
It’s the most mainstream type of yoga as many celebrities worldwide regularly practice it. Ashtanga or the “eight limb path” is very physically demanding and recognized as an intense type of workout so you should not do this if you are a beginner or not in great physical shape. It involves doing multiple surya namaskārs (salute to the sun) followed by standing and floor postures. In this style, you start with the primary series and then graduate to the next level when you have mastered it. It takes years of practice to master this form.
5- Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa is the most athletic yoga style. As, it was adapted from ashtanga yoga. Many types of yoga can also be considered vinyasa flows such as ashtanga, power yoga, and prana.
Get this, vinyasa yoga helps improve your blood circulation and effectively increases endurance and stamina. With enhanced flexibility, stability and physical awareness, there’s a less chance of getting injured. It can also help to boost immunity levels and improve the general state of well-being.
6- Anusara Yoga
It’s a modern-day version of hatha yoga, most similar to Vinyasa in that it focuses on alignment but with more focus on the mind-body-heart connection. It focuses on spirals and how each body part should be moving, it’s also known for its emphasis on soul opening.
7- Restorative Yoga
This type of yoga focuses mainly on letting loose after a long day and relaxing your mind. At its core, this style focuses on body relaxation. Restorative yoga also helps to cleanse and free your mind. So it’s really suitable to do after the tough and stressful days in your life.
8- Kundalini Yoga
This is a different yoga practices that is a combination of spiritual and physical activity. This form is physically demanding and mentally challenging and involves a lot of meditation and breathing exercises. The core of this style is to release the ‘Kundalini’ (divine energy) that is curled in our lower spine. You have to do a lot of fast-moving postures with periods of relaxation where you will be taught to pay attention to internal sensations and the flow of creative energy. This style is for those who are looking for more than a workout!
9- Prenatal Yoga
It is a workout that pregnant moms can safely practice without putting their upcoming babies at risk. It is specifically styled for pregnant women in all trimesters. This kind of yoga works the pelvic floor muscles and teaches the breathing exercises that ease the delivery process.
It is also said to be a way of bonding between the mommies and their growing babies.
We hope you found this article beneficial and that we answered all your questions concerning the yoga types and its varieties. Take your time trying the different styles so that you find the perfect one for you. If you feel puzzled or overwhelmed, message us on Instagram or Facebook our own yoga instructor would love to help put you on the right path.
Author: Rowan Essam