There are many styles of yoga to choose from these days, so let this article serve as a research boost to help you decide which yoga class is right for you.
To start with, you should examine what other activities you enjoy. If you like activities that keep you moving and keep your attention at all times (running, pickleball, dance classes), you will want to find a more rigorous and slightly spicy yoga class. Vinyasa, Power Yoga, Strength, or Sculpt classes are probably the right choice for your yoga personality. Vinyasa and Power Yoga are a more “cardio” style of yoga. While no yoga class should move too fast to allow for proper breath, these two styles can move with each phase of the breath (inhale and exhale) as well as sprinkle in some longer holds and balance poses to challenge the student. Strength and Sculpt classes tend to appeal to those who want to add resistance to their movement classes.
If you like slower activities (walking, tae kwon do, art classes), you may want to try some slower yoga classes such as yoga flow classes. The names of classes will vary from studio to studio, so be sure to read class descriptions and look for phrases like “longer holds”, “slower pace,” and the like. Yoga Flow classes will also incorporate a balance section as well to challenge students.
If you like repetition, familiarity, and a class where gauging your progress is apparent, Ashtanga is the class for you! The practice is the same every time…ish. Western Ashtanga classes come from the Primary Series, which is about a 90-minute practice. Most studios offer a shortened version (60 minutes), and for the most part, they are similar from studio to studio. Ashtanga offers strength, cardio, flexibility, as well as balance. It’s a rigorous but very satisfying yoga style. This class is great for everyone, of course, but might appeal best to those who don’t like change or surprises and like to know exactly what they are getting into when they walk into class.
If you have a very busy lifestyle and maybe feel a little overwhelmed and crave slowing down and connecting to your breath and quieting the noise in your world, a Yin or Restorative class will serve you well. In a Yin class, you may explore only about 6 poses and hold them for a long time (3-5 mins). They are not as physically challenging as other styles of yoga classes, but for some, just the slowing down is challenging enough.
Restorative yoga is all about rest. No challenge in the poses (shapes really) for a Restorative class at all. The class centers around quieting the nervous system to release tension and promote calm and inner peace. As a side note, Yin and Restorative are excellent choices for a beginner!
When I first started practicing yoga, I started with the spicy classes and then eventually branched out and tried the other styles, and my favorite class these days is the one that fits my physical mood as well as my emotional mood. I love mixing it up according to how I’m feeling. I tend to hit 2-3 different styles each week. If you still have trouble choosing what style of yoga you’d like, start with what class fits into your schedule and start there. It might be just the right choice!
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