Have you ever asked yourself what kind of yoga should I do? With so many choices and unique styles, beginners often get confused.
Yoga isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of exercise. It might take some time to find the right fit for you. However, the wonderful thing about yoga is that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy it.
If you’re wondering where to start, consider asking yourself a few basic questions. Think about your intention, your experience level, and your fitness level to begin. From Bikram to Hatha, we cover the different types of yoga so you can find the perfect fit for you.
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What Is Your Yoga Experience Level?
When deciding on the best yoga for you, the first step is to consider your experience level.
If you’re a beginner and you’ve never tried yoga before, you should start slow. If you’ve taken a few classes you might be looking to move from a beginner style to a more advanced type of yoga.
Combining several yoga styles may also keep you balanced. So, don’t be afraid to try a few different styles once you gain more experience.
How Fit Are You?
Your overall fitness level plays a part in picking a style as well. Slow and gentle styles of yoga like Hatha are good for people that are new to yoga.
If you’re in good physical shape, you might want to find a yoga style that offers a challenge. Fast-pace styles like Vinyasa are ideal for HIIT lovers and physically fit individuals.
What Do You Expect to Gain?
Are you looking for a style of yoga that you can practice on your own or with your partner? Practicing yoga with your significant other has many benefits and may help bring you two closers together.
See the best yoga poses for couples to discover the benefits and find a style that fits your relationship.
You may also want to practice yoga on your own or take a class to see if it’s right for you. People take yoga for many reasons such as gaining stability and flexibility or to become more centered.
What Does Yoga Mean to You?
When you ask yourself what type of yoga is best for me, consider what yoga means to you personally. With so many styles out there, you might think of your ideal yoga as a style that focuses on the emotional and meditative practices. Or you might prefer a livelier style of yoga that makes you sweat.
Think about what you want to get out of your exercises. Would you benefit more from a style that makes you feel relaxed and at peace or a type that energizes and refreshes you?
Types of Yoga
If you’re reading this article you already know there are many yoga types out there. Do a simple Google search for local classes and you’ll find dozens of results.
We outline some of the popular styles below so you can decide which one is best for you.
Hatha Yoga – The Yoga of Breathing
Hatha is ideal for beginners. If you’ve never taken a class before and you don’t know a thing about yoga, try this style.
Hatha focuses on the basics of yoga. You hold each pose for a few breaths and the pace is generally slow and relaxed. This type is great for anyone on their own but it’s also an ideal place for you and your partner to start learning yoga together.
Bikram Yoga – The Hot Yoga
Bikram yoga takes place in a heated room (105 degrees and 40 percent humidity). Be prepared to sweat a lot with this style of yoga.
Bikram is best for physically fit individuals that can handle the heat and the intense exercise. It’s also ideal for people that like routine, since studios all use the same sequence.
Yin Yoga
Does your ideal yoga put you in a Zen state of mind? Then Yin yoga is for you.
Yin yoga poses are held for a few minutes at a time and target the body’s connective tissues to restore elasticity. It requires balance and flexibility, so this is a good mid-level class. Yin yoga helps relax the mind and unwind the body.
Jock Yoga – The Yoga of Radiance & Glamour
Jock yoga, also known as power yoga, was founded by Michael DeCorte. This full-body workout focuses on strength and endurance. It targets the needs of the athletic body, so it’s great for athletes and ‘jocks’ that want a great cardio routine.
This high sweat and high-energy practice are ideal for people that want an intense yoga workout.
Restorative Yoga – The Yoga of Relaxation
Restorative yoga is all about deep relaxation. It’s a slow-moving style of yoga that focuses on opening your body through stretching. A routine typically only has five or six poses and uses props to help support your body.
Restorative yoga is best for those that want to relax and recharge their bodies.
Which Yoga Is Best for Me?
Now that you know some of the popular yoga types, you should have a better idea of what style fits your needs.
Beginners should try a slower style like Hatha or Restorative yoga if they’re looking for a relaxing and Zen experience. If you want a more intense yoga, look for types that incorporate cardio and are high-intensity.
No matter what style you prefer, try to practice yoga together with your significant other to bring the two of you closer together!
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