Salute the sun and say goodbye to stress, fatigue and the fuzzies. From Hot to Hatha, and Vinyasa to Astanga, we’ve got the lowdown on our top seven yoga styles to help you find a style that’s right for you.
Hatha Yoga
What is it? Though the word ‘Hatha’ technically describes any of the physical practices of yoga, if a class is described strictly as Hatha Yoga–it’ll most likely be a slow-paced class, focusing largely on breathing exercises, while introducing a variety of poses and slow, fluid movements.
Best suited to: Yoga newbies–as it’s a great introduction to learning the standard poses and relaxation techniques, as well as those wishing to unwind after a stressful day (sans getting super sweaty).
Iyengar Yoga
What is it? Iyengar yoga incorporates props such as wooden blocks, cushions and harnesses when performing asanas (yoga poses) and focuses on the structural alignment of the body.
Best suited to: those who prefer a yoga style that’s more methodical, structured and targeted. It’s great for those needing physical therapy for body aches and injuries, and is especially good for improving posture.
Vinyasa
What is it? Vinyasa (which means breath-synchronised movement) is a faster-paced, vigorous sequence of movement that interlinks asanas, synchronised with the breath, to form a continuous flow. Vinyasa yoga classes vary widely from teacher to teacher.
Best suited to: the fitter among us, and those wanting more cardio, less chanting and yoga meditation. Vinyasa involves more movement than traditional forms of yoga, so it’s great for increasing muscle strength, endurance and flexibility.
Ashtanga
What is it? Ashtanga is a traditional Vinyasa yoga style (interlinking postures synchronised with the breath) that follows a strict sequence of poses (referred to as Primary Series), but is even quicker and more physically demanding.
Best suited to: those with a high fitness level, who are used to fast-paced movement, and looking for a strict, methodical, full body cardio workout.
Power Yoga
What is it? Power yoga is a modern form of Vinyasa yoga, which evolved from Ashtanga, though isn’t taught as a fixed series of poses and sequences, which means postures are less repetitive, and classes vary from instructor to instructor.
Best suited to: advanced yoga students, who understand how to properly align their bodies, and can keep up with a fast-paced class and varied postures, or those who want an intensive workout.
Bikram Yoga (or Hot Yoga)
What is it? Not for the faint hearted (or light headed) Bikram comprises a series of 26 traditional yoga asanas and breathing exercises in a sweltering studio with the temperature set to 38 degrees celsius (with 40 percent humidity).
Best suited to: those who like it HOT! The heat helps to burn up to 2500kj in one 90-minute session, and is great for those who want to systematically target every part of the body. It’s also great for beginners as there are only 26 poses. But you know what they say–can’t stand the heat? Get out of the Bikram!
Expert advice
“Find the right yoga teacher and practice regularly”, says Nikola Ellis, Director of Adore Yoga Mosman “There are lots of yoga styles so it’s important to do your research and find the one that suits your needs. After regular practice, you’ll notice your body will become stronger and more flexible, but best of all–yoga teaches you to let go of stress and, through breathing and concentration exercises, makes you feel more relaxed, focused and energised,” she says.
To find a yoga studio near you, check out the Rescu. health directory, which features a comprehensive list of yoga studios nationally…
