It’s difficult to disentangle all the different types of yoga, even if you’ve been doing yoga for years. It’s especially overwhelming if you’re new to yoga and are trying to decide which type is right for you. With companies like thelamplife which provide beautiful salt lamps and candles to set the mood for your yoga session, doing yoga has now become more of a lifestyle than a way to remain fit. So, here’s the 10 most popular types of yoga according to Google search queries:
1. Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga is the most popular type of yoga according to Google search queries. This would make sense considering that it’s an umbrella term that refers to any type of yoga that teaches postures. However, hatha yoga is typically used to describe a class that gives an introduction into basic yoga poses.
Here‘s a video.
2. Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga is translated as “8-limbed yoga,” which highlights the belief that the path to enlightenment is attained through 8 spiritual practices: (1) moral codes, (2) self-purification and study, (3) posture, (4) breath control, (5) sense control, (6) concentration, (7) meditation, and (8) absorption into the universal. The typical ashtanga routine is 5 sun salutation As, Five sun salutation Bs, a standing sequence, seated postures, and a closing sequence. While this could prove to be a bit intensive and strenuous for beginners, the benefits of this kind of yoga can be huge. To know more about what is ashtanga yoga, you could try looking for detailed information on the forms of yoga on the web.
Here‘s a video.
3. Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is a very spiritual type of yoga. In kundalini yoga enlightenment occurs when energy located at the base of the spine is brought to the crown of the head. This occurs through rapid, repetitive movements, breathing and chanting.
Here‘s a video.
4. Hot Yoga
Hot yoga or Bikrama yoga is one of the more challenging types of yoga. Studios are typically heated to 105 ยบ F with a humidity of 40%. It involves performing a series of 26 postures over 90 minutes. Don’t forget to bring water!
What’s even better is that you can try Hot yoga at home and in the comfort of your own surroundings. You may find that trying this form of yoga at your own pace can provide you with more benefits than what you would gain if you were in a class with other people.
Here‘s a video.
5. Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa is translated as “breath-synchronized movement,” which does a great job of explaining what it is. You sync your breath with a series of poses. It’s sometimes refereed to as flow yoga because you smoothly flow from one exercise to the next.
Here’s a video.
6. Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar yoga focuses on precise performance of poses and breath control, with mistakes actively corrected by instructors. It typically involves the use of props like blocks and blankets.
Here‘s a video.
7. Yin Yoga
Yin yoga is a slower brand of yoga where poses can be held for 5 minutes or longer. It’s great for beginners or if you’re more interested in the meditative aspects of yoga.
Here‘s a video.
8. Power Yoga
If you’re looking for a more intense workout, power yoga is probably for you. It’s rooted in Ashtanga yoga, but moves much faster than the average ashtanga yoga class and is focused more on strength and cardio.
Here‘s a video.
9. Aerial Yoga
Some of the different schools of yoga might be difficult for an observer to tell apart at first glance. But not aerial yoga. Aerial yoga or anti-gravity yoga combines yoga with pilates, dance and the use of a hammock to suspend your weight.
Here‘s a video.
10. Sahaja Yoga
Sahaja yoga doesn’t involve any yoga poses. It focuses entirely on meditation to bring about a state of thoughtless awareness.
Here‘s a guided Sahaja meditation.
Conclusion:
Depending on whether your goals are flexibility, cardio, strength and/or relaxation there’s a type of yoga that’s best fits your needs. So, decide which type of yoga will work best for you and give it a try!
