can you explain the different styles/types of yoga? i've tried looking up the differences, but the yogi language is hard to understand for us newbies.
hello! sorry for the late reply, i put off answering this for awhile because i needed some time to think it through before answering you <: i am not a yoga teacher, and neither am i well versed in the different styles of yoga. i’m just gonna tell you my experiences with the different styles of yoga and how they feel like <:
1. bikram yoga: this is done in a hot room, normally around 37 - 39 degrees celsius, and there is a total of 26 poses that you have to accomplish in an hour’s time. these 26 poses are set poses, that challenge your balance, strength, and flexibility <:
2. hatha yoga: the style is pretty much similar to bikram yoga, but without the heat. it is a great start for beginners who have not tried out yoga yet. my experience with hatha yoga is not very much different from bikram yoga actually, with regards to the kind of poses attempted.
3. ashtanga yoga: ashtanga yoga is a pretty challenging style of yoga that includes poses such as king pigeon pose, advanced arm balances as well as inversions. personally, i wouldn’t recommend this to a beginner. but if you have been practicing for awhile now and looking for something to spice up your routine, this may be it! it is a very intense style of yoga that builds up your strength effectively <:
4. vinyasa flow yoga: this is a very dynamic style of yoga that helps you to integrate your breath with your movements. you start off with sun salutations, using these routines and gradually adding more poses into the sun salutations. in between sets of routines, chaturanga will help you reset your body and your mind. this really helps to work your core strength, your upper and lower body. your first vinyasa flow class is going to be confusing because sometimes the class tends to move quickly from pose to pose because it’s very fluid. but it’s totally normal. once you get the hang of it, you’ll fall in love with it. it is personally my favourite style of yoga <:
5. yin yoga: this is a very different style of yoga as opposed to other styles mentioned above. this is a restorative yoga, that aids tremendously in your flexibility. normally you stay in a certain pose (either hip opener, heart opener, etc) for 1 to 2 minutes, focusing on your breath. it’s pretty meditative, and a great way to wind down your fitness or yoga routine <: it is a very challenging style of yoga because you are really required to quieten your mind and just be. <:
there are many more styles of yoga out there, but i can’t give you a comprehensive explanation to it because i have not personally experienced it yet. the ones mentioned above are one of the more common styles of yoga <: i hope this helped! xx
