Selecting a style of yoga can be overwhelming, particularly with so many names and approaches to choose from. Some are gentle and slow, while others are intense and dripping.
The solution? Read a little bit about each, then practice what suits you today.
Here are seven yoga styles described in a simple, friendly manner, with tiny interaction tips to guide you in choosing what could be best for you.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha is where most beginners start. It goes at a slow pace and leaves room to hold a posture, breathe, and pay closer attention to the body. No hurry.
Do Hatha if:
- You’re new to yoga.
- You like gentle, slow classes.
- You want to stretch carefully without stress.
Mini Activity:
When you get stiff or fatigued next time, attempt only three Hatha poses: Mountain, Cat-Cow, and Child’s Pose. See how your breath feels in each.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa is all about flow. All movements link to breath, so it has the sensation of moving meditation. Classes range from fast and speedy to slow and flowing, but always there is a rhythm.
Attempt Vinyasa if you:
- Prefer variety and creativity in your practice.
- Rather have movement than stay still.
- Love matching movement with breath.
Quick Poll: Which sounds more relaxing?
- A peaceful hold in one position.
- Breeze through 5 positions with breath.
Consider it. Your response may reveal if Vinyasa is your vibe.
Ashtanga Yoga
This is a powerful and structured style. The same routine is done each time, and it’s physically demanding. It can be tough, but that’s also why so many enjoy it.
Try Ashtanga if you:
- Like routine, you can learn.
- Enjoy monitoring progress.
- Desire strength and discipline from practice.
Self Check:
| You Like | Ashtanga May Be Right If… |
| Repetition | You find it stabilizing |
| Monitoring goals | You prefer structure |
| Testing boundaries | You like a challenge |
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar is all about detail. Poses are elegant and assisted with props such as blocks or straps. It’s not to dive deeper, it’s to dive safer and wiser.
Experiment with Iyengar if:
- You have joint issues or injuries.
- You appreciate slow, deliberate movement.
- You enjoy learning about how the body works.
Practice Tip:
Pick up a belt or a towel. Attempt a seated forward bend with it wrapped around your feet. Iyengar is all about support.
Kundalini Yoga
This is different. Kundalini incorporates breathwork, sound, repetitive motion, and meditation. It’s not about the poses, it’s about inner energy and awareness.
Give Kundalini a try if you:
- Want to tap into more than the physical.
- Love breath practices or chanting.
- Feel receptive to something new.
Pause:
How do you typically wind down, movement or stillness? If stillness doesn’t relieve tension by itself, Kundalini may be an option.
Yin Yoga
Yin is silent and profound. The poses are held for a few minutes, allowing the deeper tissues to relax. It is still, but it is working strongly in the long run.
Experiment with Yin if:
- You are tense, stressed, or tight.
- You enjoy slow, peaceful settings.
- You want a more meditative experience.
Night Exercise:
Experiment with lying in a reclined butterfly pose for five minutes with soothing music. That’s Yin at its best.
Power Yoga
This is fitness-minded yoga. It’s dynamic, strengthening, and tends to move rapidly. It prioritises challenge over tradition.
Try Power Yoga if you:
- Want to increase endurance.
- Enjoy quick-moving routines.
- Appreciate the concept of yoga as exercise.
Your Move:
If you’re already doing gym exercises, give yourself one gym-free day a week with Power Yoga. Observe how your body reacts in contrast.
Which One Feels Right for You?
Here’s a quick comparison to assist you:
| Your Mood or Goal | Try This |
| Low energy or tired | Hatha or Yin |
| Need movement and variety | Vinyasa |
| Desire strength and routine | Ashtanga |
| Require attention to form with caution | Iyengar |
| Yearn for depth or inner understanding | Kundalini |
| Desire to sweat and tone | Power Yoga |
Interactive Idea:
List which two styles seem most appealing currently. Give one video class of each a try this week. Pay attention to how your body and mind feel afterwards.
Final Thought
No style of yoga is superior to any other. The one that feels right is the one that feels comfortable, alert, or more in touch.
If you want to introduce yourself to consistent practice, the Habuild Free Yoga Challenge is a supportive environment to dangle your feet in at your leisure.
Pick what works for you. Remain curious. Keep moving or remain stationary, simply appear.
