If you\u2019re new to the world of yoga and wondering where to start, we\u2019re here to help. Below, fitness experts break down nine different styles of yoga to help you find the right yoga class for you.<\/p>\n
Vinyasa<\/strong> Hatha<\/strong> Ashtanga<\/strong> Iyengar<\/strong> Restorative<\/strong> Yoga Nidra<\/strong>
\nPerhaps the most popular and commonly known form of yoga is vinyasa or vinyasa flow. According to the founders of Grace x Strength<\/a>, vinyasa is the Sanskrit description of yoga that \u201csyncs your breath with your movement.\u201d Lululemon ambassador and registered yoga teacher Becca Zimble<\/a> describes vinyasa as, \u201cperfect for the student who wants to disconnect from the fast pace of life and drop into a space of deep contemplation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nBrad Ormsby, the owner of Freedom Genesis<\/a>, says hatha yoga is the perfect first practice for yoga newcomers. \u201cThis practice focuses on the fundamentals of yoga. During class, your instructor will put a lot of emphasis on your breathing when you do each pose so you become comfortable and relaxed in the pose,” he says. “By starting here, you ensure you build the proper stabilizer muscles, proper flexibility, and strength in your body.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cAshtanga is the oldest developed lineage of vinyasa yoga and the first to be passed down and taught in a class setting,\u201d says yoga instructor\u00a0Layla Negron<\/a>. “Physically, ashtanga is a series of fixed sequences aimed to open up the entire body. It is a strong and challenging practice but suitable for even the most novice of practitioners because poses are not taught to the entire class at once but instead taught one-on-one to each student in a class setting.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nYoga therapist Huma Gruaz<\/a> explains that Iyengar is, \u201ca meticulous style of yoga focusing on alignment.\u201d With a higher focus on form than flow, Iyengar class is usually limited to less than five poses. According to Gruaz, this style is especially good for anyone looking to stretch sore or tight muscles.<\/p>\n
\nIf you\u2019re looking for active recovery, yoga teacher Alex Tran<\/a>\u00a0points\u00a0you here. She explains, \u201cRestorative yoga allows your body to fully relax. You will typically experience six to 10 poses in a restorative class and spend eight to 10 minutes per pose.\u201d For relaxation of the body or mind, restorative yoga may be the remedy.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis is a mentally dynamic meditation that both stimulates and relaxes the brain \u2013 much in the same way the best nap of your life would. The goal is to be still for the duration of the practice,\u201d says Kelsey Ravlich, a certified yoga instructor for Livekick<\/a>. According to Ravlich, one hour of Yoga Nidra can provide as much rest as about four hours of sleep.<\/p>\n