5 Most Popular Yoga Styles & Which One is for You

The yoga landscape can be an absolute minefield and for a newbie it can be quite daunting seeing all the varying styles of classes. Which one should I choose?! Sometimes if we have too much choice, we can end up dipping into choice paralysis and avoid making any choice at all. 

However, if there's one choice I am grateful for in my life, it’s the choice to start doing yoga. Now that you’re here, I hope you’ll make that amazing choice as well. 

In this blog I will lay out all the most popular yoga styles that you’re likely to come across at local studios/gyms/retreats.

If you’re just getting familiar with yoga, you may not realise that it doesn’t involve just the physical practice (the postures/classes). Yoga is in fact a whole way of life and covers many things from meditation to studying, to diet and kindness. But that doesn’t need to overwhelm you. Starting with the physical practice is a beautiful way to guide you towards the other aspects. Or you may start with breathwork or meditation or learning how to rest! There's no one size fits all with yoga, but I can guarantee you it holds something for everybody. 

Hatha Yoga 

The foundations of yoga. Where it all came from really. 

You may hear some people say that there’s only one style of yoga, because the roots of all yoga stem from this traditional style of hatha. 

At a class expect: 

A focus on individual postures and holding them for around 30 seconds - 3minutes (max).

Savasana (rests) between postures 

Breathwork 

Strong focus on breathing throughout class

Juicy relaxation at the end of the class

Hatha Yoga is perfect for people who want to practice the traditional style of yoga. A strong emphasis on improving individual postures which can help you build a strong foundation. Hatha classes are generally slower, less ‘exercise-y’ and can be more spiritually inclined. 

Vinyasa yoga 

A focus on synchronizing movement with breath. More of a flowing yoga sequence, adapting fluid movements between postures. Tends to be a faster moving class than traditional hatha. You’ll likely see creative transitions between postures.

At a class expect:

Fluid movement

More postures that challenge your balance 

Energetic

For people who like dynamic more fluid movement. 

Ashtanga

Ashtanga came to fruition by teacher and guru T. Krishnamacharya in the early 1900s. This inspired other yoga forms like Vinyasa flow. There are 6 sequences which you progress through when you master the previous one. This is a great style for building strength and precision. 

At a class expect:

Vigorous, demanding practice
A specific sequence of postures repeated
Focused on strength and precision

For people who want a challenge, to sweat and to see step by step progress. If you’re a beginner, I’d suggest seeking out a beginner’s Ashtanga class to get you familiar with the sequence. 

Yin Yoga

Yin, the other half of yang, represents feminine energy. Whilst Yang is fiery and energetic like the sun, Yin is slower, gentler energy associated with the moon. Don’t let the slowness fool you though, Yin yoga can be especially challenging for the mind. It’s a style that encourages surrender and acceptance. It is a great style to practice in the evening to wind down and let go. 

Sometimes you may come across a ‘Yin/Yang Yoga’ which is basically a class which infuses a more energetic Yang style of yoga with that calming, relaxing Yin style. 

At a class expect:

Slower Pace

Holding postures from 3-10 minutes

Restorative Practice

For people who want a slower, grounding practice and to work on focusing inward. 

Hot Yoga 

An intense yoga in a humid space which has been heated to temperatures from 26°C - 40°C. Essentially an intense, sweaty workout! Designed to get your heart pumping and your muscles loose. 

At a class expect:

To sweat, a lot

Energetic

Demanding practice

For people who want a yoga workout! Don’t forget your water bottle. 

Is one yoga better than another?

The short answer is no. All yoga styles provide different benefits for your body and often which style is best will depend on your mood. 

If you are feeling sluggish and unmotivated for example, vinyasa could be a great way to boost creativity and build energy. If you’re having erratic anxious thoughts on the other hand, yin yoga before bed could calm your mind and help you to become centred. 

That’s the amazing thing about yoga, it works for every mood, every time of the day and in so many forms. Maybe you would rather meditate than doing exercise, that’s still yoga. Or maybe you’d prefer to focus solely on breathwork, that’s yoga too. Or maybe you’d even rather go volunteer at a local charity, that’s yoga too! But that’s a whole other blog waiting to be written… 

If you’re still not sure which one to try, taste them all! Just look out for classes which say beginner or all levels, and it’ll not be too daunting. It’s fun to dive in and even if you fall over or get lost in the middle - it happens to everyone, trust me. 

If you’re looking for a sign to start. This is it. 

And if you have more questions, message me over at @inthesky.yoga on instagram