YOGA styles
Seeking enlightenment? Or is fast and sweaty your MO? “Yoga isn’t a one-size-fits-all exercise,” says yoga instructor Kristin McGee. “There’s a type to suit every body and personality.” Here are some styles to try.
BEST FOR
BEGINNERS
Hatha, Iyengar
The foundation for most types of modern yoga, slow-paced Hatha is based on classic poses (asanas) and breath work. “As it’s straightforward, Hatha is great for beginners,” McGee says.
For newbies interested in anatomy and form, try Iyengar. “It puts a heavy emphasis on alignment, using props.”
BEST FOR
INJURY REHAB
Viniyoga
“This therapeutic practice is ideal for rehabilitation and healing because it’s tailored to each person,” McGee says.
Expect one-on-one time with a highly trained instructor who will modify the asanas to any physical limitations you have, whether that’s a sports-related sprain or chronic low-back pain.
BEST FOR STRENGTH TRAINING AND WEIGHT LOSS Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, Power Yoga
If your gym offers one of these classes, prepare for a workout. Designed to generate heat through constant movement, these fast, flowing styles lead you through a series of asanas “Challenging poses up the kilojoule burn,” McGee says.
BEST FOR
SELF-AWARENESS
Anusara
Combine Iyengar’s emphasis on alignment with self-help language and you have Anusara yoga. The slower pace leaves ample time for deep thoughts and soul-searching. “It’s about heart opening and leading with grace,“McGee says. “It has modern spiritual elements and is quite lovey-dovey.”
BEST FOR
CHILLING OUT
Yin, Restorative
Yin yoga takes a more passive approach to stretching, letting your body relax into poses. “Holding postures as you focus on breath allows you to quiet your mind,” McGee says.
Restorative is also calming, minus the focus on flexibility. Impatient people steer clear – poses can last 20 minutes.
BEST FOR
ENHANCING ENERGY
Kundalini
Meditative and spiritual, this branch teams fluid movements with breathing exercises, such as the alternate nostril method (using your thumb to block a nostril as you breathe through the other). “The aim is to release energy from the spine,” McGee says, “so it fights fatigue and can even improve your sex life”.