So, you made up your mind to enroll in a yoga class. However, one Google search later your head is spinning from all the information available on this ancient art. Yes. With time, yoga has evolved into a number of different forms each of which has its own set of benefits and techniques of practice. Now, the confusion is about choosing between Ashtanga and Vinyasa, Hot and Hatha yoga. As a beginner, this can overwhelm even those with a firm resolve to join yoga. No need to worry. Yoga experts have come up a list consisting of the best yoga forms which you can try as a beginner.
7 Yoga Styles you Should know as a Beginner
Keep in mind that yoga is not a “one size fits all” type of exercise. Different yoga styles are suited to the needs of different people with different needs.
That said, given below are the seven best yoga styles for yoga beginners.
1. Hatha Yoga
The classic form of yoga which involves slow moving classes and requires you to hold each pose for a few deep breaths. Hatha yoga offers some of the best beginner yoga stretches which are a gentle form of yoga. It is one of the best yoga styles you can learn and practice as a beginner.
It serves as a foundation for many other yoga styles, focusing on the alignment of the body and the cultivation of mindfulness. Practitioners engage in a series of poses, or asanas, designed to enhance flexibility, strength, and balance, while also fostering a deeper connection between the mind and body. Through regular practice, individuals may experience reduced stress levels, improved mental clarity, and a greater sense of inner peace.
2. Vinyasa Yoga
A dynamic yoga style which combines body movement and deep breathing in a dance-like manner. In the majority of Vinyasa classes, you do not need to hold onto a yoga pose for longer period and the pace varies according to what the teacher has in mind.
However, this is an excellent yoga style to raise your heart rate and maintain excellent cardiovascular health. Therefore, if you are someone who enjoys HIIT or intense exercise sessions, this is the yoga style for you.
Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic practice that emphasizes the seamless flow between postures, synchronizing breath with movement. This style encourages practitioners to cultivate mindfulness and awareness, allowing for a deeper connection to both body and mind. Each session typically features a series of poses linked together in a fluid sequence, promoting strength, flexibility, and balance. As practitioners progress, they often experience enhanced physical fitness and mental clarity, making Vinyasa Yoga a holistic approach to well-being.
3. Chair Yoga
As the name suggests, you practice this style of yoga by sitting in a chair or with its help. It is the best yoga style for elderly and those with mobility issues. Chair Yoga is also a great option to choose if you want to practice yoga without risk of injury. There are many chair yoga for beginners asanas which can help you stay physically and mentally fit and healthy.
Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced while seated in a chair or using a chair for support. This accessible practice is designed to enhance flexibility, strength, and relaxation, making it suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels, particularly those with mobility challenges. By incorporating various poses and breathing techniques, Chair Yoga promotes physical well-being and mental clarity, allowing participants to experience the benefits of yoga without the need for traditional floor exercises.
4. Ashtanga Yoga
If you want to enroll in a challenging yoga style for practice, choose Ashtanga yoga. This yoga style comprises of six series of yoga poses sequenced in a particular manner. The practice requires you to transition from one pose to the next to generate internal heat.
One major difference in this yoga style is you practice the same yoga poses in the same sequence in every class. Choose Ashtanga yoga if you want a yoga style which offers a healthy challenge to your body and mind.
Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and structured form of yoga that emphasizes a specific sequence of postures, synchronized with breath. This practice is characterized by its rigorous approach, where practitioners move through a series of poses in a flowing manner, known as vinyasa. Each session typically begins with a set of sun salutations, followed by standing and seated postures, culminating in a closing sequence. The method not only enhances physical strength and flexibility but also fosters mental focus and discipline, making it a holistic approach to well-being.
5. Hot Yoga
As the name suggests, you practice Hot yoga in a room with high temperatures. This style of yoga is similar to Bikram yoga which is also practiced in a heated room. One thing you should keep in mind with this yoga style is the heat might help you move deeper but do not push the body beyond its capacity. Hot Yoga has some beginner yoga stretches to help you kickstart and stick to the yoga practice.
Hot yoga is a dynamic practice that combines traditional yoga poses with a heated environment, typically set between 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This elevated temperature aims to enhance flexibility, promote detoxification through sweating, and improve overall cardiovascular health. Participants often find that the heat allows for deeper stretches and a more intense workout, which can lead to increased strength and endurance over time. Additionally, the practice fosters mental clarity and focus, making it a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being.
6. Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is a challenging practice and very different from a typical yoga session. Here you learn to perform Kriyas with deep breathing. This helps you unlock the dormant Kundalini energy located at the base of your spine. In the long run, this helps you gain a deeper level of self-awareness.
This ancient discipline aims to enhance self-awareness, promote spiritual growth, and improve overall well-being. By engaging in specific techniques, practitioners seek to elevate their consciousness and achieve a deeper connection with themselves and the universe. The holistic approach of Kundalini Yoga not only fosters physical strength and flexibility but also cultivates mental clarity and emotional balance, making it a comprehensive system for personal development.
7. Yin Yoga
Do you want to keep your mind and body in a calm state? Yin yoga is the complete opposite of faster moving yoga style, Ashtanga. This yoga style works on your deeper connective tissues and fascia to restores their length and elasticity.
Yin yoga requires the use of yoga props to help your body release all tension during the posture instead of flexing and engaging the muscles. It is a restorative yoga style which feels like meditation and offers your mind and body complete relaxation. It has some of the best beginner yoga stretches to help you feel calm and relaxed.
Yin Yoga is a practice that emphasizes long-held, passive stretches to target deep connective tissues and promote relaxation. This style of yoga encourages practitioners to hold poses for extended periods, typically ranging from three to five minutes, allowing for a meditative experience that fosters mindfulness and introspection. By focusing on the breath and the sensations within the body, Yin Yoga cultivates a sense of inner peace and enhances flexibility, making it a valuable complement to more dynamic forms of exercise. Through its slow-paced approach, practitioners can develop greater awareness of their physical and emotional states, ultimately leading to improved overall well-being.
These are the 7 yoga styles which you can choose from to practice as a beginner.
Conclusion
Starting a yoga practice is a rewarding journey that enhances physical health, mental well-being, and inner peace. By understanding the basics, choosing the right style, and practicing consistently, beginners can cultivate a lifelong love for yoga. The key is to approach the practice with patience, self-compassion, and an open mind. Want to kickstart the yoga journey but confused about what style to choose? The guide above has seven of the best yoga styles for complete beginners. Each of these contain the best beginner yoga stretches to help you get into the habit of daily yoga practice.
