Did you know that there are 6 main types of Yoga that beginners can practice? Every year the practice of Yoga has gained more followers, making its benefits for health and body discovered. However, there are still many doubts about this type of exercise. Many people think it’s just for women, others just for those who are flexible, or that it’s a boring static stretching practice. None of this is real. There are actually several types of Yogas.
Despite seeming complex and not very accessible, Yoga is a very complete type of physical exercise that requires a lot of practice and concentration. Because it is such a vast universe, it is essential that practitioners know the different types of Yoga and better understand the advantages of each one.
So, if you’re thinking about starting this activity and don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place! Today we are going to talk about the 6 main types of Yoga that exist, getting to know each one better. Let’s go!
Contents
What types of Yoga are there?
Originally, the so-called “yoga tree” had only a single branch. But, with the passage of time, various types of Yoga emerged, adapting to the needs and evolution of human beings. Often, people more connected to sports or the excitement of physical activities tend to choose a more centered and dynamic style of Yoga. However, those more connected to the spiritual like classes are more focused on meditation and fewer activities. Let’s get to know the 6 main types of Yoga.
1. Anusara Yoga
Anusara combines spiritual and physical aspects, inviting the student to listen to his heart and happiness during practice. There are 3 main points in this style:
- alignment: the student performs the position with maximum attention to body alignment;
- action: each movement is an expression of the heart and, therefore, the practitioner must perceive and feel it in all forms;
- attitude: recognition and awakening of the true being.
2. Ashtanga Yoga
Pattabhi founded this ancient practice of Yoga. This is a more rigorous style with several preset sequences. Likewise, he is known for his positions, always done in the same order and interspersed with a dynamic sequence known as Vinyasa — a popular and modern form of Yoga, with a more dynamic and sporty style.
During these classes, it is not essential to have alignment in the positions but to pay attention to the energy that flows between movements and breathing. It is an intense practice, highly recommended for those who want to sweat and tone their body.
3. Bikram Yoga
This style was patented by an Indian named Bikram Choudhury to recreate the Indian environment in a room, so the class is held in a room heated to 38ºC. The student needs a non-slip mat that is resistant to sweat and likes repetitions, as there are always 26 positions that the student performs in sequence, without changes.
There is a type of Yoga called “Hot Yoga”, which is almost the same thing as Bikram. The difference is that the first one does not have a predetermined sequence, but also has the same warm-up scheme during the class.
4. Hatha Yoga
This style is the foundation on which all the others were built in succession, as it is a more traditional type of Yoga, with attention to postures and respect for the limits of the body. The term Hatha means moon and sun and, therefore, this practice tries to restore, through the positions, the balance in the body of each individual, creating something complete and harmonious.
5. Iyengar Yoga
This is a practice that has its origins in one of the most important yogis in history: BKS Iyengar. In class, you need to pay attention to aligning the positions and maintaining the correct posture for a long time, so that the benefits can be felt. Also, unlike other types of Yoga, here, to allow the student to be comfortable in an asana, the teacher needs to use bricks, ropes, pillows, chairs, belts, and even small benches.
The difficulty in this practice is not in the movement itself but in the required static. So, you have to stay in the same position for a long time, which requires intense physical effort.
6. Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Vinyasa means to flow, making this class something with incessant movement, and asana dynamics with synchronized breathing and harmonic sequences. As a result, with this flow of energy, the practitioner is able to experience sensation throughout the entire body in a fully balanced way. The main difference of this style is that there is no pre-established sequence, being something more sporty and athletic.
What are the main benefits of and how the various types of Yoga can help
To be able to feel all the benefits of Yoga, you need at least 3 regular months of practice, since as long as this consistency exists, it is possible to create greater body awareness and control over the mind. In short, in addition to balancing body and mind, Yoga offers benefits such as:
- helps with weight loss and obesity control ;
- relief of bodily aches;
- physical conditioning;
- blood pressure and heart rate control;
- decreased anxiety and stress;
- sleep improvement;
- reduces inflammation.
We list here only 6 types of Yoga, but there are other styles that combine a little of the traditional version with more innovative footprints. Therefore, before choosing the ideal type for you, you need to understand and evaluate your own needs and goals, recognizing which practice is best suited for your body and goals.