Types of Yoga: Discover the Most Popular Styles, Their Differences, and Class Formats
Exploring the Different Paths of Yoga
Over time, yoga has gained popularity in various styles, offering options for anyone looking to begin their practice. To help you choose the most suitable modality for your journey, we’ve compiled information about the most popular types of yoga. This way, you can make a more informed decision and engage with the practice consciously and meaningfully.
A few weeks ago, we shared a post about the philosophical and original aspects of yoga. The habit of practicing yoga benefits the whole self—mind, body, and spirit—providing a healthier lifestyle for those seeking well-being and a balanced routine.
The foundation of yoga lies in breathing, presence, and movement, adapting to different rhythms across all practices. Among the most well-known styles in Brazil are Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, and Yin Yoga.
Understanding the basics of each style can help clarify doubts and guide you toward the one that resonates with you the most. Even better, yoga invites us to try new practices and rhythms—a passionate and powerful journey. Allow yourself to explore!
1. Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is one of the most popular styles in the West. Known as classic yoga, it is a gentle practice ideal for beginners or those seeking to improve flexibility and balance.
This millennia-old Indian practice does not follow a fixed sequence of postures. Instead, the instructor introduces each pose, allowing for extended time in one posture before transitioning to the next, always considering the student’s pace and progress. Classes typically include warm-ups, basic and challenging postures, inversions, pranayama (breathing exercises), and savasana (relaxation).
Practicing Hatha Yoga regularly can improve flexibility, posture, breathing, and concentration while helping reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is a more intense style that involves a specific sequence of postures performed in progression, depending on the practitioner’s level. This practice combines continuous movements with a focused breathing rhythm.
Ashtanga is ideal for those seeking a more physically and mentally demanding practice. Benefits include improved strength, flexibility, balance, and, notably, enhanced focus and concentration.
Classes are typically self-led in silence, with students performing their individual sequences at their own pace while the instructor provides guidance and support for challenging postures. Advancement to the next level is only allowed after mastering the current stage, evaluated by the teacher.
Although it can be challenging for beginners, a dedicated instructor and willingness to learn can make this style accessible and rewarding.
3. Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga is teacher-led, with instructors often practicing alongside students to demonstrate postures throughout the session. The pace can range from gentle to intense, or even a mix of both, making it accessible for newcomers.
This style combines the intensity of Ashtanga with a more fluid, non-fixed sequence of postures. Movements are synchronized with breath, creating a dynamic and rhythmic flow. Postures are held for shorter durations than in Hatha Yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga promotes strength, flexibility, balance, and focus, offering a moderate-intensity practice that is both energizing and adaptable.
4. Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga emphasizes deep, meditative stretches to enhance bodily awareness. Postures are held for longer periods, aiming to open the body and mind while providing a calm contrast to a hectic routine.
Rooted in the yin-yang philosophy, this practice focuses on the calm and passive yin energy, complementing the fast-paced and active yang energy. It targets deep muscles, tendons, and ligaments, improving flexibility, joint mobility, circulation, and connective tissue health.
Other Yoga Styles
Beyond these popular practices, many others await exploration—such as Power Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Acro Yoga, and Iyengar Yoga. Each style offers a unique experience and distinct benefits for the body and mind.
At its core, yoga is a journey inward, fostering self-discovery and redefining our relationship with the world. Passed down through generations, this ancient philosophy holds the power to transform lives.
Don’t hesitate to experiment and find the practice that best suits you. Remember, yoga is a journey, not a destination. Keep an open mind, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the path to greater balance and well-being.
We part today with high spirits, grateful for the chance to share experiences and insights about yoga. If you’d like to add anything, share your journey, or offer tips, feel at home and write below!
Together, we aim to inspire more people to embrace this path of self-development through yoga.
We are one, and we are all.
With love,
Team Iná