Types of Yoga

There are many types of Yoga, but here I will focus on introducing you to seven of these, including Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa, Bikram, Yin, Restorative, & Yoga Nidra.

Ashtanga Yoga, the physical Asana practice, follows a specific series of poses in a specific order. The order never changes, and Ashtanga Yogis always practice while using the Ujjayi breathing technique. Serious Ashtanga studios are very strict. If a Yogi cannot perform a specific Pose, they are to stop their practice and try again next time. Less Strict studios will allow Yogis to continue their practicing using modifications where needed. Ashtanga is the most difficult series of Poses in Yoga.

Hatha Yoga, the physical practice, is defined by slower transitions and holding poses for longer periods of times. Hatha means Sun & Moon in Sanskrit and is supposed to help balance the sun and moon (male and female) parts of ourselves. Hatha Yoga is excellent for beginner Yogis as it allows them time to adjust and create muscle memory for the poses.