There's more types of yoga than you probably realized. And because of that, it's harder to know which class would suit you best? So, we'll try to give you some guidelines to think about, which should help make your decision.
First, you need to know your fitness level, and your commitment and intentions in starting a class. Is your goal to reduce stress? Get super-fit? Help with back pain? Calm your thoughts? Get in touch with your inner wisdom?
Each yoga school has a different focus - some are more physically demanding, others focus more on meditation and chanting.
TYPES OF YOGA
Ashtanga vinyasa yoga
This can be very energetic and requires physical strength. It also involves a lot of movement, and a good amount of upper body work. You will definitely get a good sweat going!
Recommendation: If you are fit and want to be physically challenged.
Created by Bikram Choudhury in Los Angeles, this style is performed in a heated room to allow the muscles to relax. A bikram class usually consists of twenty six asanas (yoga postures) and two breathing exercises, which maximizes oxygenation and detoxification of the entire body.
Recommendation - This is also if you are very fit and want a vigorous workout.
Dru Yoga
One of the largest yoga training schools in England, offers this graceful form of therapeutic yoga. It's essentially based on soft flowing movements, and a lot of it focuses on your spine, to free the energy within the body.
Recommendation - For all levels of fitness, if you want a deeper approach to health and happiness
Dru Yoga Dance
This is a more upbeat and physically demanding form of Dru Yoga. It takes flowing Dru Yoga sequences and puts them to music, thereby creating a great sense of well-being. It's also a good physical workout.
Recommendation - if you like Dru's heart-based flow, but want to sweat more.
 Hatha Hatha yoga is the generic term for any sort of yoga practice which involves a combination of postures, controlled breathing, and some kind of concentration and relaxation. Recommendation - if you want a safe local yoga class. This is less of a physical workout, and focuses more on peace of mind. |
Iyengar
Iyengar yoga originates from B.K.S. Iyengar. 3 elements distinguish Iyengar from other styles, namely getting the alignment right, sequence, and holding the postures.
Recommendation - if you want to strengthen your body and mind and love attention to detail. It's a good balance of a physical workout and a peace of mind one.
Kundalini
Kundalini Yoga includes a series of classic poses done repeatedly, kriyas, meditation and chanting. Spiritual transformation is the main aim of practice.
Recommendation - if you want more of a spiritual experience.
Sivananda
Sivananda Yoga is a style of traditional yoga practice formulated by yoga masters Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnu-Devananda. Sivananda classes use a set sequence of exercises, always in the same pattern.
Recommendation - if you're interested in learning about a disciplined, yogic lifestyle
Okay, so once you've chosen a type, now here's some questions you should ask your yoga teacher.
1. Are you qualified? Make sure that the teacher has a current qualification, and is registered with the Yoga Alliance or Independent Yoga Network. This may seem obvious, but some teachers out there have bogus qualifications. Also ask if they do regular training to keep their yoga education up to date. Good yoga teachers will do a couple of continued training courses a year to keep their knowledge current.
2. Do you emphasize safety? Safety is very important - many people get injured every year from over stretching when they haven't adequately prepared. Does your teacher do warm-ups and cool-downs? Is there an adequate period of relaxation at the end of the class?
3. Does your teacher walk their talk? Yoga is more than an occasional hobby. It's a way to unite body, mind and soul. To be a good yoga teacher, daily practice is crucial - your teacher should enjoy what they teach - or else you won't! They should also be approachable and get on well with their students. In the ancient tradition of yoga, the relationship between teacher and student was one of the most important - and it's true today as well.
If you're still not sure what type of yoga is best for you, it may be best to try different styles until you find one that works for you. When you do find it, attend classes consistently for maximum benefits.
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