A DUMMY’S GUIDE TO YOGA

We decode the different types to find one that suits you best

Vinyasa flow

Made up of a series of smooth and continuous moves, this style is clever at distracting from life’s daily challenges. It’s also a great mood booster.

“Vinyasa is like a form of meditation or mindfulness,” says Fiona Tuck, a Sydney-based yoga teacher. “It will make you feel calmer and stay in the present moment.”

“Vinyasa is also great for those who get bored easily. It has a dance-like quality so you’re made to concentrate on the flow and sequence of movements.”

A dynamic, or fast version, will help boost your circulation and heart rate, and also create lean muscles. But practise the fast style in the daytime only – anything too energetic at night can keep you awake.

Yin

If you like your workouts to be slow and steady, give Yinn a go. “It’s all about ut creating a quiet form of energy,” says Fiona. “Expect to hold poses for up to five minutes to help access deeper layers of muscle tissue.” The poses are based on the body’s meridian systems that stem from Chinese medicine.

Restorative

Restorative is a very slow form of yoga that uses multiple supports such as a bolster and chair. “You might do a downward dog over a chair,” says Fiona. “Or a bridge pose with a bolster under your back.” If you’re focused on stretching and healing from an injury, this is for you.

Iyengar

Iyengar is a regimented form of yoga that involves precision, planned sequencing, timing and the use of props – like blocks and straps – to enhance each pose. If you hold a lot of tension in the muscles and need to stretch out, this variation is made for you.

“It’s the best type for reconnecting with your body if you tend to live in your head,” says Fiona. “Iyengar takes the focus off your own thoughts and redirects them to the alignment of your body.”y.”

Expect a much slowerer form of yoga, where youou can hold a single pose for r up to two minutes at a time. Consistent practiseisee of this style will help youou to deal with physical andndd emotional problems with withh more energy and kindness.ki dness.ss.