Which yoga is best for you?

While most people have heard of yoga, few know that there are actually several types of this ancient Asian discipline.

There are basic yoga, hatha, vinyasa and ashtanga, among others. And to practice yoga, you have to know which style is best for your body.

MediCard president and CEO Dr. Nicky Montoya explains, “Each person has a different body and different personal needs. Are you aiming to lose weight? Want to calm your mind and stretch your body? Or you simply want to strengthen your core? Knowing your fitness goals is important in choosing the yoga that suits you.”

Dr. Montoya describes some yoga types to help you decide what is best for you:

• Basic yoga. If you are a beginner, start with basic yoga. It is a gentle type of yoga that almost anyone can do, regardless of age or fitness level. Basic yoga is a great way to relieve stress and develop your body’s flexibility. In a basic yoga class, you will learn certain essential postures that will make you feel comfortable in class or when practicing at home.

• Hatha. Slow, gentle, and more relaxed, hatha yoga teaches poses that are straightforward. Its pace is unhurried. Hatha requires you to hold each pose for a few breaths to align and calm your body, mind, and spirit in preparation for deeper spiritual practices, such as meditation. This type of yoga offers numerous health benefits.

Dr. Montoya says, “Hatha yoga is beneficial especially to the heart, bones, and core. It is also an effective way to treat back pains.”

• Vinyasa. Also known as flow yoga, vinyasa is a dynamic yoga that involves continuous flow from one posture to the next. Unlike in hatha, poses in vinyasa yoga are fast-paced, increasing the heart rate. Best for endurance athletes and runners, vinyasa is an active and athletic style of yoga. It doesn’t stick to the same sequence and sessions are mostly accompanied with lively music.