From Ashtanga to Hatha, Vinyasa to Bikram – yoga isn’t a one practice fits all kind of fitness. Whether you’re looking to clear your mind, stretch it out or torch calories, there’s a yoga style to suit everyone. Consider this your cheat sheet to finding the ultimate way to get your om on.

 

ASHTANGA YOGA

This style of yoga is demanding, as it involves synchronised breathing with a progressive and continuous series of postures. This process produces intense internal heat – and most likely, sweat – which causes the detoxification of muscles and organs. The result? Improved flexibility, stamina, and a calm mind.

BEST SUITED TO:  Those who want a physically challenging practice.

 

HATHA YOGA

Hatha is the foundation of all yoga styles and it’s origins can be dated back to 9000BC. It incorporates different postures, regulated breathing. and meditation. It is all about teaching us how to keep balance in a life full of dualities.

BEST SUITED TO:  Those who are wanting to achieve spiritual enlightenment and self-realisation, a balancing of emotions, and for those who want to de-stress, and create calmness of the mind.

 

 

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IYENGAR YOGA

This is a form of hatha yoga that promotes strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance through coordinated breathing, and poses that require precise body alignment. The poses are held longer than any other style of yoga, and props are commonly used during sessions – including belts and blocks – to assist the student with postures.

BEST SUITED TO:  Those who have, or would like to learn to have, patience, and those who want to unite the mind, body, and spirit, and destress. Because of the use of props, it’s also good for anyone recovering from injury.

 

POWER YOGA

Created in the late 1980s, this discipline combines stretching, strength training, and meditative breathing. Many of the poses are versions of push-ups, toe touches and side bends, and it is extremely fast paced. There is no pause between poses, with each flowing into the next. Be prepared to perspire.

BEST SUITED TO:  Those who want more of an aerobic workout than a calm, relaxing, meditative session. It’s physically demanding, so usually more enjoyable for those who are moderately fit.

 

 

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