Yoga Bliss: The many different styles of yoga explained

Dione Chen

06 Jun 2016

updated the 7 July 2016 à 16:43

1/11
Anusara
Anusara translates to "following your heart", and is a relatively new yoga style that focuses on enjoying the yoga process, in a bid to celebrate life and health. Instead of correcting students' yoga poses, instructors tend to teach the principles of alignment and allow students to develop their own poses in accordance with these principles.
2/11
Ashtanga
Ashtanga literally translates to "eight-limbed", and Ashtanga yoga consists of eight spiritual practices in the process towards internal purification, including six different series of postures and synchronised breathing systems. This is a great option for people looking for a physically demanding and fixed exercise.
3/11
Bikram
Bikram is basically a hot yoga style, practised in a room heated to 40 degrees Celsius and a humidity level of 40%. It consists of 26 different poses over 90 minutes, and is a great way to improve strength and flexibility for beginners. It is also extremely popular, so you won't have to worry about finding yoga studios that teach this style.
4/11
Hatha
Hatha yoga is a general term that encompasses all types of yoga involving physical yoga poses. Today, a class that introduces itself as Hatha yoga is probably one that teaches basic and gentle yoga poses and movements, perfect for absolute beginners to this popular exercise.
5/11
Iyengar
What differentiates Iyengar yoga from other types of Hatha yoga is its use of props in order to help students find the right alignment when doing a pose. Highly meticulous and physically challenging, this is a unique option if you're looking for a fulfilling workout.
6/11
Jivamukti
Jivamukti yoga centres on five main tenets - scripture, devotion, non-violence, music and meditation. Founded in NYC in 1984, it is a very spiritual and ethical type of yoga, and is very popular among celebrities.
7/11
Kundalini
Kundalini yoga focuses on "awaking the kundalini energy" in the body through meditation, mantra and different yoga postures. Since you'll constantly be moving, classes can be challenging, but definitely beneficial for working your core muscles.
8/11
Prenatal
The title is pretty self-explanatory. Prenatal yoga is designed especially for pregnant women and even those who intend to get back in shape after birth. It is one of the best forms of exercise for moms-to-be as it helps to develop core strength without the vigorous exercise.
9/11
Restorative
This style of yoga is perfect to unwind with after a hard week of work. Said to be more rejuvenating than a nap, Restorative yoga focuses on helping people to relax using props like pillows and blankets to support you in passive poses. Just make sure you don't fall asleep!
10/11
Vinyasa
Also known as 'Vinyasa flow', Vinyasa yoga is a style of yoga incorporating many different movements in one smooth transition. No two Vinyasa classes are the same, and instructors are free to change things up if they want to. It is certainly challenging, and one of the most popular forms of yoga that pushes you to your limits.
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Yin
This is a very slow-paced yoga style that was initially designed to complement more vigorous styles of yoga and exercise. Focusing on meditation and lengthening of connective tissues, you'll feel more relaxed after every class.

Don’t worry, we’re here to relieve your confusion and help you discover the best yoga style for you.

You know how, when you look at a yoga class schedule, you notice lots of exotic and unfamiliar titles you’ve never seen before? Or, perhaps, you’re looking for a yoga studio but the ones available offer so many different styles of yoga that confuse you. Not to worry, we’ve done the research for you, and we can assure you that making a decision is simpler than you think.

Whether you’re looking for an exercise that turns on the heat, or a more relaxing one just to unwind after the working day, yoga helps with all your needs. You’ve just got to know which style suits your purpose in the best way. Head up to our gallery to check out 11 of the top yoga styles available in this modern age and take your pick.

Dione Chen

Photos: Getty Images

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