Which Yoga Style is Best?

It's a great question and one we hear a lot. To find the answer it's better to ask "which style of yoga is best for me?".

Yoga is a practice that's been around for thousands of years and has evolved into many different styles, each with it's own unique focus and approach. So the best style of yoga for you will depend on your individual goals and needs and may well change over time.

So where to start? Take a few moments and think about your individual needs and goals when it comes to yoga as this will help narrow down the various styles.

Fitness goals: If you're looking for a workout that will build strength and endurance, Ashtanga or Power Yoga may be a good option. If you're looking for a more gentle practice, Hatha or Restorative Yoga may be a better fit.

Physical abilities: If you have any physical limitations or injuries, Iyengar Yoga may be a good option as it emphasises precise alignment and the use of props.

Personal preferences: Some people enjoy the meditative and spiritual aspects of yoga, while others are more interested in the physical practice. Kundalini Yoga focuses heavily on meditation, pranayama and spiritual practices, while Vinyasa Yoga focuses more on the physical practice.

Mental and emotional well-being: If you're looking for a practice that will help you relax and de-stress, Restorative Yoga may be a good option. If you're looking for a practice that will help you build self-confidence and self-awareness, Kundalini Yoga may be a better fit.

It's important to keep in mind that yoga is a personal practice, and it's essential to find the style of yoga that resonates with you and fits your needs. It's also important to remember that you can try different styles and teachers to find what you like best. Look for a qualified and experienced yoga teacher who can guide you through the practice safely and try as many different styles as you want!

Hatha Yoga

This is a traditional style of yoga that emphasises physical postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama). Hatha yoga classes are typically slower-paced, and the focus is on proper alignment and holding the poses for a longer period of time.

Hatha Yoga's primary goal is to balance the body and mind, which is achieved through the practice of postures, breath control and relaxation. Practice helps to increase flexibility, strength and balance, as well as reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Hatha Yoga postures are designed to align and balance the body, and they can be modified to suit different levels of fitness and flexibility. Classes often include basic postures such as downward-facing dog, cobra, and triangle pose, as well as more advanced postures such as headstand and handstand. The combination of postures, breathing, and relaxation helps to bring balance and harmony to the body and mind.

This style of yoga is suitable for beginners as it is a great introduction to the practice of yoga, and it can be adapted to suit people of all ages and fitness levels. Check out the Top 10 Hatha Yoga Retreats in Australia.

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa Yoga, also known as "flow" yoga, is a dynamic style of yoga that emphasises fluid and continuous movement. Classes are usually faster-paced, and the focus is on synchronising movement with breath. The word "vinyasa" can be translated as "to place in a special way," and it refers to the way in which the postures are linked together in a flowing sequence.

One of the main characteristics of Vinyasa Yoga is the use of "Ujjayi" breath, which is a specific breathing technique that involves inhaling and exhaling through the nose while slightly constricting the back of the throat. This technique helps to create heat in the body and to build endurance.

Vinyasa Yoga classes can vary in intensity, from a more gentle and slower-paced flow to more vigorous and athletic sequences. This style of yoga is great for building strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance, as well as to increase energy levels, focus and mental clarity.

Vinyasa Yoga is a popular and dynamic style of yoga, and it's a great option for those looking for a challenging workout. It's also a good way to develop focus, balance and coordination.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional and physically demanding style of yoga that follows a specific sequence of postures. The sequence, called the "Primary Series," consists of 75 postures, and it is designed to systematically work through the body, developing strength, flexibility, and balance. The practice is usually done in a heated room and classes are usually fast-paced and include a lot of movement.

Ashtanga Yoga is often referred to as "power yoga" because of its vigorous and athletic nature. The practice is physically demanding and requires a high level of fitness and flexibility. Each posture is performed in a specific order and linked with the breath, creating a continuous and flowing sequence.

One of the unique features of Ashtanga Yoga is the use of "Ujjayi" breath, which is a specific breathing technique that involves inhaling and exhaling through the nose while slightly constricting the back of the throat. This technique helps to create heat in the body and to build endurance.

Ashtanga Yoga is a challenging and intense practice, and it's not suitable for beginners. It's recommended that students have a good level of fitness and some experience with yoga before starting this style. It's also important to find a qualified and experienced teacher who can guide you through the practice safely.

Ashtanga Yoga is a physically demanding style of yoga that is great for building strength, flexibility, and endurance. It's also a good option for those looking for a challenging workout and to develop focus, balance and coordination. Check out our list of the Top 10 Ashtanga retreats in Australia.

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga is a style of yoga that emphasises proper alignment and the use of props, such as blocks, straps, blankets, and bolsters, to assist in achieving the correct form in the postures (asanas). The focus is on precision and attention to detail, rather than speed or flow. Iyengar Yoga classes are usually slower-paced and the postures are held for a longer period of time.

Iyengar Yoga is named after its founder, B.K.S. Iyengar, who developed this method of yoga and wrote several books on the subject. He is known for his emphasis on proper alignment, and the use of props to help students achieve the correct form in the postures.

Iyengar Yoga is a great option for people with injuries or limited mobility, as the use of props allows students to modify the postures to suit their individual needs. The practice also helps to improve balance, coordination, and flexibility, as well as to reduce stress and tension.

Iyengar Yoga classes are suitable for all levels of students, from beginners to advanced practitioners. The use of props makes it accessible to people of all ages and abilities, and it's also a great way to deepen your understanding of the postures and to develop your practice.

Overall, Iyengar Yoga is a therapeutic and alignment-based style of yoga that is great for people with injuries or limited mobility, as well as for those who want to improve their alignment and deepen their understanding of the postures. It's also a good option for those who want to develop focus, balance and coordination.

Restorative Yoga

Restorative Yoga is a gentle and relaxing style of yoga that emphasises the use of props to support the body in passive and relaxed poses. The use of props, such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks, help the body to fully relax and release tension. The postures are held for extended periods of time, typically 5-15 minutes, allowing the body to fully release into the pose and the mind to fully relax.

Restorative Yoga is a therapeutic practice that aims to reduce stress, anxiety and tension. The practice of restorative yoga helps to balance the nervous system, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. It also helps to improve sleep, digestion, and the immune system.

Classes are suitable for all levels of students, from beginners to advanced practitioners. It's a great option for those who are looking to reduce stress and tension, as well as for those who want to improve their overall well-being.

Restorative Yoga is also a good option for people recovering from an injury or illness, as well as for athletes looking to balance the body after intense physical activity.

Overall, Restorative Yoga is a gentle and relaxing style of yoga that emphasises the use of props to support the body in passive and relaxed poses. The practice is great for reducing stress and tension, improving overall well-being, and promoting relaxation.

Bikram Yoga

Bikram Yoga is a style of yoga that is practiced in a room heated to 40°C with a humidity of 40%. The practice involves a series of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. It was created by Bikram Choudhury, who founded the Bikram Yoga College of India.

The heated room is intended to warm the muscles and joints, making them more pliable and allowing for deeper stretches. The heat also causes the body to sweat, which is believed to help detoxify the body and improve circulation.

The series of postures is designed to systematically work through the body, developing strength, flexibility, and balance. Each posture is performed twice, and the practice takes 90 minutes.

Bikram Yoga is a physically demanding practice, and it's not suitable for beginners or people with medical conditions. It's recommended that students have a good level of fitness and some experience with yoga before starting this style. It's also important to find a qualified and experienced teacher who can guide you through the practice safely.

Bikram Yoga is a challenging and intense practice and it's not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart disease or pregnancy. Also, it's important to keep hydrated and to not push yourself beyond your limits.

Overall, Bikram Yoga is a challenging and intense style of yoga that is practiced in a heated room. It's great for building strength, flexibility, and endurance, and is not suitable for beginners or people with medical conditions. It's important to be aware of your limits and listen to your body during the practice.

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga is a style of yoga that focuses on the awakening of kundalini energy, which is believed to be located at the base of the spine. The practice involves a combination of physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), mantras, and meditation. The goal is to release the kundalini energy and to bring balance to the body, mind and spirit.

The practice of Kundalini Yoga is designed to be a holistic and spiritual experience, and it's often accompanied by music and chanting.

The postures in Kundalini Yoga are often dynamic and involve movement, as well as breath control, and they are designed to stimulate and balance the chakras (energy centers) in the body. The breath work is also an important aspect of the practice, and it's used to clear the energy channels, balance the nervous system and to prepare the mind for meditation.

Kundalini Yoga also includes the use of mantras, which are sacred sounds or words that are repeated during meditation or in between postures. These mantras help to focus the mind, and to bring balance and harmony to the body and mind.

Kundalini Yoga is suitable for all levels of students, from beginners to advanced practitioners. It's a great option for those looking to improve their overall well-being and to deepen their spiritual practice.

Overall, Kundalini Yoga is a holistic and spiritual practice that focuses on the awakening of the kundalini energy and the balance of the body, mind and spirit. It's a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, mantras and meditation, and it's suitable for all levels of students, who are looking to improve their overall well-being and to deepen their spiritual practice.

Power Yoga

Power Yoga is a fitness-based style of yoga that is similar to Ashtanga Yoga. It's a more vigorous and athletic practice that emphasises strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Power Yoga classes are typically fast-paced, and the focus is on building heat and energy in the body.

Power Yoga classes often include sun salutations, a series of postures that are performed in a specific order, and they are usually accompanied by upbeat and energizing music. The postures are often linked with the breath and flow from one to another in a dynamic and continuous sequence.

Power Yoga classes can vary in intensity, from a more vigorous and athletic practice to a slower and more gentle flow. It's important to find a class and teacher that aligns with your fitness level and goals.

Power Yoga is a popular style of yoga and it's great for building strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. It's also a good option for those looking for a challenging workout, and to improve focus, balance and coordination.

It's important to note that Power Yoga is not an official yoga style and it can vary greatly depending on the teacher and the studio. Some teachers might call their classes "Power Yoga" but they might be teaching a different style, so it's important to check with the teacher and the studio before attending a class.

Overall, Power Yoga is a vigorous and athletic style of yoga that emphasises strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. It's a great option for those looking for a challenging workout and to improve focus, balance and coordination.

Aerial Yoga

Aerial Yoga, also known as "Anti-gravity Yoga," is a style of yoga that combines traditional yoga poses with the use of a hammock or aerial silk suspended from the ceiling. The hammock supports the body in various postures, allowing for deeper stretches and a greater range of motion. It also provides a sense of weightlessness and allows for a playful and fun practice.

Aerial Yoga classes typically include a warm-up, followed by a series of postures that are performed in the hammock. The hammock can be used as a prop to support the body in various postures, or it can be used to perform inversions and other aerial movements.

The use of the hammock can help to improve flexibility, balance and core strength, as well as to reduce stress and tension. It also allows for a fun and playful practice, and it's a great way to add variety to your yoga practice.

Aerial Yoga is suitable for most people, but it's important to check with your doctor before starting the practice if you have any medical conditions or injuries. It's also important to find a qualified and experienced teacher who can guide you through the practice safely.

Overall, Aerial Yoga is a fun and playful style of yoga that combines traditional yoga poses with the use of a hammock or aerial silk suspended from the ceiling. It can help to improve flexibility, balance and core strength, as well as to reduce stress and tension. It's important to find a qualified and experienced teacher who can guide you through the practice safely.

Lesser Known Yoga Styles

There are many styles of yoga, some of which are more well-known than others. Here are a few lesser-known styles of yoga that you may not have heard of:

Jivamukti Yoga: This style of yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and spiritual teachings. The focus is on developing a strong physical practice while also incorporating ethical principles and spiritual teachings.

Moksha Yoga: Also known as "Modo Yoga," this style of yoga is similar to Hot Yoga and it's practiced in a heated room. The practice is designed to be accessible to all levels of students and it emphasises alignment, strength and flexibility.

Scaravelli Yoga: This style of yoga emphasises the natural movements of the spine, and it's designed to help practitioners to find their own unique movements. It's a gentle and therapeutic practice that focuses on releasing tension and promoting relaxation.

Anusara Yoga: This style of yoga emphasises alignment and opening the heart. It is based on a set of principles called the "Universal Principles of Alignment," which focus on finding alignment in the body and connecting to the natural energy of the body.

Dharma Yoga: This style of yoga is based on the teachings of Sri Dharma Mittra, and it emphasises traditional yoga postures and breathing exercises. The practice is designed to help practitioners to develop strength, flexibility, and balance, as well as to reduce stress and tension.

Laughter Yoga: This style of yoga combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing techniques. It's based on the idea that laughter is a natural form of medicine, and it's a fun and lighthearted practice that's designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Whatever style of yoga you practice it's important to remember that every person is different and has their own unique needs, so what might be suitable for one person might not be suitable for another.

It's also important to find a teacher that makes you feel comfortable and safe, regardless of your preferred style. Some teachers might be more experienced in teaching certain styles of yoga and some styles might be more suitable for certain people, but ultimately, it's important to find a teacher that makes you feel comfortable and safe.