Common types of Yoga include Hatha, Vinyasa, and  Ashtanga. Determining which type of Yoga is for you requires some background knowledge and is based on your level of fitness. Compare your exercise preferences with each type before making a decision. Take into consideration the levels of each. These range from Beginner to Advanced based on level of difficulty.

Keep in mind that Yoga allows you to achieve holistic health. So, whether maintaining an achieved state or working towards a holistic health goal, the common types of Yoga are common methods incorporated into a fitness program.

Starting Out

If you are practicing Yoga for the first time be sure to find out which types fit your requirements. Your fitness level is one of the most important factors to be addressed before any exercise is started. Consult with your physician to determine your best plan.

Seven Common Types of Yoga

Hatha Yoga

Beginner to Advanced level.

Hatha Yoga is the most known among the common types of Yoga. When Yoga is mentioned, it is usually the one that comes to mind.

It involves breathing, body, and mind. Hatha is simply any style of Yoga that involves movement, combining Asanas and pranayama breathing to create a meditative state. Once completed, it typically leaves you in an ideal mind and body harmony that is both relaxing and euphoric.

Hatha Yoga is a physical practice combined with balance. Therefore, it is one of the best for beginners. Learn postures and practice poses to rinse out the body and build physical strength and endurance for long periods of time in meditation.

Iyengar Yoga

Beginner to Advanced level.

Iyengar Yoga is based solely on alignment and accuracy of movement. This aids in deepening self-awareness.

For beginners, who are not as flexible, props are used such as straps and blocks when working out. These props help relax and give comfort. Therefore, beneficial results are more likely to come easily. Once you achieve higher levels and more flexibility you no longer need to use these props.

Iyengar Yoga practice holds a sequence of standing and seated Asanas for several breaths. This is one of the best types of Yoga for beginners giving a sense of how to properly work each pose.

Bhakti Yoga

Beginner to Advanced level with a high degree of Religious devotion.

Bhakti Yoga is a devotional yoga where all participants focus on self surrender and unconditional love. It focuses on loving devotion towards a personal god.

By practicing the 9 traditional ways, you learn to become unselfish towards others, to redirect your emotions to devotion, and to realize God according to the teachings of Bhakti Yoga. For more information about Bhakti Yoga check out this post.

Raja Yoga

Beginner to Advanced level.

Raja Yoga is the path of self-discipline and practice. A content mind denotes a content body and soul. It meets contentment by implementing liberation through meditation. Concentration is the key factor.

Raja Yoga when performed properly allows you to achieve the state of total bliss where you are not disturbed by your surroundings. You are in a natural state of calm, peace, and serenity, feeling communion within and total contentment. “One with yourself” is the result.

Vinyasa Yoga

Intermediate to Advanced level.

Vinyasa Yoga is a postural practice characterized by stringing postures together so you move from one to another, seamlessly, while using breathing to initiate the movement. Commonly referred to as the Yoga of  flow.

Transitions connect one posture to another. They are the “in-between” associated with each Asana.  These transitions are postures themselves. And to move in a more graceful, connected way, you allot equal time to developing skill in the transitions as in the asana.

Vinyasa is performed by inhaling and exhaling in a rhythmic manner through the nose.  The overall sensation is one of relaxation. The symbolism of the breathing connects every action of our life with the intention of moving towards what is sacred or most important to us.

This practice, while creating a sense of relaxation, also generates heat and adds cardiovascular which is not always present in other forms of postural practice. You must have a high level of fitness. Therefore, take into consideration health factors like cardio vascular disease and high blood pressure. Consult with your physician before practicing this Vinyasa Yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga

Intermediate to Advanced level.

Ashtanga Yoga (the eight limbs of yoga) combines synchronized breathing with a progressive series of  postures. This series produces intense internal heat and an abundant, purifying sweat that detoxifies organs and muscles. It results in a calm mind, a light and strong body, and improved circulation.

The powerful movements are push ups and lunges improving strength and stamina. These are challenging moves and your fitness level must be up to it.

Ashtanga Yoga is not for the beginner, unless you are an athlete – gymnast, cyclist, runner, etc – already accustomed to the fitness regime. Many are looking to add more balance, maintain fitness through a less strenuous method of exercise, and even gain strength and stamina, possibly to add an edge to win the gold!

Ashtanga Yoga is referred to a the “Eight Limbs of Yoga”. If you are interested in more information about this, check out Healthy Living Bud-e.

Bikram Yoga

Intermediate to Advanced level with consideration given to degree of health.

Bikram Yoga, hot yoga, carries out Yoga in a very warm room. Classes consist of a fixed sequence of 26 postures, practiced in a room heated to 105 °F (41 °C) with humidity of 40%. The intent is to replicate the climate of India.

This is an excellent way to increase flexibility since heat stretches body tissue. Sweating expels toxins from the body, cleansing it. However, health factors like cardio vascular disease and high blood pressure makes this type of common Yoga off limits. It is because the vigorous routines practiced in such extreme heat causes body strain, thus increasing the likelihood of triggering a negative effect of the disease.

Summing It Up

Some of these common types of Yoga might sound a little shocking in what is expected of you. However, in order to actually understand the Asanas, carefully consider the different types that might be beneficial to you. Never participate in an exercise routine that harms your body, but also never judge a book by its cover.

Before joining a class, select a few online classes to try out an exercise for your self. Once you are comfortable with a style you can select the type of Yoga and enroll in a group class at a local Yoga center.

For more information about holistic health and better fitness, visit Healthy Living Bud-e.

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NOTE: Please consult with your physician before starting any new exercise routine.