You may (or may not) know that there are A LOT of different yoga styles. New ones pop up all the time as teachers put their own spin on yoga or combine traditional yoga moves with other styles of movements. There are so many styles you mind find (and more are created all the time), but here are 10 styles that you may see more often.
- Hatha: This is the umbrella term for movement-based yoga – so technically all yoga asana is hatha. But typically you’ll see this style associated with a slower-paced practice. This format may or may not flow from pose to pose and often spends more time on the alignment of each posture. This style can also be particularly helpful for beginners.
- Anusara is similar to vinyasa, but with emphasis on the connection of mind, body, and heart. You may hear of the 3 As: attitude, alignment, and action – as they focus on the heart. This style was created by John Friend and is now led by Desi and Micah Springer.
- Ashtanga: A “set series” practice based on the eight principles of yoga. Each series (or level) is a set sequence of postures and you master one series before moving to the next. It is rooted in vinyasa, so each series is a flow style from posture to posture.
- Bikram (or Hot Yoga) A “set series” of 26 postures practiced in a hot studio (105°F/ 40.5°C). The method was created by Bikram Choudhury and inspired “hot” and “warm” yoga classes. Hot Yoga may or may not follow the same set series posture, so check the class description to learn more about the practice.
- Iyengar: As system developed by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar, based on the traditional eight limbs. It is known for its focus on precision and the use of props, which were designed by to help the practitioner to achieve perfection in any asana based on a standardized system of instruction.
- Kundalini: In contrast to many other styles of yoga asana, this practice is more focused on the spiritual aspect of yoga. The focus is to help you connect with yourself through practice of meditation, mantra, breathing, and postures.
- Rocket: Also called “The Rocket”, this is a dynamic and invigorating style of yoga, mixing progressive Ashtanga with creative vinyasa flow. Created by Larry Schultz (yoga teacher to The Grateful Dead) and named The Rocket by Bob Weir, saying “It gets you there faster”. Props and modifications are welcome through the practice.
- Vinyasa: Movement with breath – this is a style of yoga where you link together multiple poses (or asanas), typically with your breathing. There is a flow to the class, although the poses and pace will vary by teacher or studio. You may also see Power Flow, Creative Asana, Hot Yoga, and many other similar styles.
- Yin: A slow-paced class with seated postures, focusing on using gravity to help target deep connective tissues (like your fascia, ligaments, and joints). You will typically sit in a posture for a longer amount of time, to allow lengthening and opening. You’ll also notice that many postures you recognize from other styles of yoga have different names in Yin – butterfly, dragon, caterpillar, etc.
- Restorative: Similar to Yin, this is a slower paced class – but with a lot more props. This style of class will typically use bolsters, blocks, blankets (or more) to help support your body in a shape for a gentle release. The focus here is relaxation and not effort, allowing your body to release into a pose with plenty of support.
Have you tried all these styles of yoga? If not, consider this your list of styles to explore. You’ll never know if you’re missing a favorite until you’ve tried them all!
