There are so many different types of yoga, and each one has its benefits and challenges.

In this article, we will discuss the four most popular types of yoga for beginners: Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Bikram Yoga. 

 

1. Hatha Yoga

Hatha Yoga is one of the most popular types of yoga for beginners.

The practice of Hatha Yoga is thought to date back to the 11th century CE, making it one of the oldest branches of yoga. The word "hatha" comes from the Sanskrit words "ha" and "tha", meaning "sun" and "moon". This refers to the balance of opposing forces in the body, such as hot and cold, or positive and negative. Hatha Yoga seeks to bring these opposing forces into harmony within the individual.

There are many different styles of Hatha Yoga, but all share a common goal: to still the fluctuations of the mind and achieve inner peace. Through the practice of physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana), practitioners of Hatha Yoga hope to purify the body and mind, eventually leading to self-realization.

It is a slow and gentle form of yoga, and it focuses on proper alignment of the body. If you're new to yoga, Hatha Yoga is a great place to start. The benefits of Hatha Yoga include improved flexibility, increased strength, and improved balance. Some of the challenges that you may encounter with Hatha Yoga include boredom (due to the slow pace) and frustration (due to the difficulty in mastering some of the poses).

 

2. Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa Yoga is a more active form of yoga, and it is often referred to as "flow" yoga. The word “vinyasa” can be translated to mean “linking” or “connection.” This type of yoga was popularized in the West by Pattabhi Jois, who founded the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India.

Vinyasa yoga is often referred to as “flow” yoga because of the continuous flow of movement that is linked with breath. Vinyasa classes typically feature sun salutations, which are a series of postures that are performed in sequence.

In Vinyasa Yoga, you will move from one pose to the next in a fluid, continuous motion. The benefits of Vinyasa Yoga include improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength and tone, and improved flexibility. Some of the challenges that you may encounter with Vinyasa Yoga include fatigue (due to the constant movement) and injuries (due to the lack of rest between poses).

 

3. Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga is a more spiritual form of yoga, and it focuses on awakening the energy centers of the body. It is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years.

It is said to be the most powerful and transformational form of yoga. Kundalini yoga is a spiritual practice that helps to awaken the energy within us and bring us into a state of higher consciousness. The word ‘kundalini’ comes from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘coiled’ or ‘circular’, which refers to the energy that lies dormant at the base of our spine.

When this energy is awakened, it starts to move up through the chakras, or energy centers, in our body and eventually reaches the crown chakra, giving us a sense of oneness with the universe.

The benefits of Kundalini Yoga include increased self-awareness, improved mental clarity, and enhanced physical well-being. Some of the challenges that you may encounter with Kundalini Yoga include anxiety (due to the intense focus on the breath) and dizziness (due to the rapid movement of energy through the body).

Kundalini yoga is a practice that can be done by anyone, regardless of their physical fitness level or yoga experience. It is a powerful tool that can help us to heal on all levels - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

 

4. Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga is a system of 26 hatha yoga postures and two breathing exercises. It is a 90-minute class, practiced in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.55 degrees Celsius) with 40 percent humidity.

The series of postures was created by Bikram Choudhury in the early 1970s. He claimed that the sequence of postures, performed in a heated room, was based on Hatha Yoga as taught by his guru, Bishnu Ghosh, brother of Paramahansa Yogananda (author of Autobiography of a Yogi).

Choudhury brought his brand of yoga to the United States in 1973 and opened his first studio in San Francisco. Bikram Yoga quickly gained popularity in the US, and by the early 2000s, there were over 600 studios worldwide.

The practice has come under criticism in recent years, with some people claiming that the heated room is unsafe and that Choudhury is a cult leader. Despite this, Bikram Yoga remains one of the most popular forms of yoga in the world.

 

5. Fly Yoga

Fly Yoga is a type of yoga that has been practiced for centuries. In recent years, Fly Yoga has become increasingly popular, as people from all walks of life have discovered its many benefits.

It is said to be one of the most difficult types of yoga, as it requires immense concentration and focus. Fly Yoga practitioners believe that this type of yoga helps to cleanse the body and mind, and provides a deep sense of peace and tranquility.

Fly Yoga has its roots in India, where it was first developed by yogis who were seeking to find a way to levitate their bodies. The practice quickly spread to other parts of Asia and eventually made its way to the West. Whether you are looking to improve your physical health or your mental well-being, Fly Yoga may be the perfect practice for you.

With its ability to calm the mind and strengthen the body, Fly Yoga is an excellent way to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

 

Best Yoga Style

Now that you know more about the four most popular types of yoga for beginners, it's time to choose which one is right for you.

If you're looking for a slow and gentle form of yoga, Hatha Yoga is a great option. If you're looking for a more active form of yoga, Vinyasa Yoga may be right for you. If you're looking for a more spiritual form of yoga, Kundalini Yoga may be the right choice, if you're looking for hot yoga, Bikram Yoga may be the best option.

Or if you’re looking for yoga that will improve your concentration, Fly Yoga is the best choice. No matter which type of yoga you choose, remember to breathe and relax into the poses. 

If none of these types of yoga sound like they would be a good fit for you, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Some other popular types of yoga include Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Power Yoga, and Yin Yoga.

 

 

Start Practising Yoga Today

You can probably fine yoga courses near where you live, plan a trip to take part in the best yoga retreats in Ibiza - one of the most highly rated yoga destinations or you can also try yoga at home by following a Welltech app or YouTube tutorial.

If you're new to yoga, it's best to start with a beginner's class or private lesson so that you can learn the proper techniques.

Once you've learned the basics, you can then move on to more advanced classes. There is a type of yoga out there for everyone, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find the one that's right for you. Namaste!