WHICH YOGA IS RIGHT FOR YOU? TRY OUR QUIZ
SHOULD you try trendy hot yoga? What if you’re not keen on chanting ‘om’? And won’t it be embarrassing if you’re not as bendy as everyone else in your class?
To a yoga beginner, it can seem like a minefield, what with those difficult-to-pronounce names and the range of different poses. Finding the right class can be confusing.
But don’t panic. Firstly, yoga isn’t a competition. You’ll soon find that, at any class you go to, others are too busy focusing on themselves to even notice what you’re doing.
Any good instructor will be able to help a beginner find their feet.
Second, there’s a version of yoga for everyone. You just have to find the one that works for you.
I do recommend taking a Hatha yoga class first as a taster. It’s the style most commonly practised in the West and is ideal for beginners — with a good, simple grounding in the poses, known as asanas.
Once you have the basics, there are so many classes to choose from. Take this simple quiz to help you decide what type of yoga might suit you . . . 1) When you exercise, your main aim is . . . a) simplicity B) stress relief C) weight loss D) Fitness 2) You really want to conquer your . . . a) Laziness B) stress-related anxiety C) aches and pains D) Lack of sleep 3) Your fitness ambition is . . . a) Improved stamina B) More energy C) Greater strength D) Fitness boost 4) Your favourite activity is . . . a) swimming B) walking C) Pilates D) Dancing
ANSWERS:
MOSTLY As: Try Hatha yoga, a slower practice focused on breathing and learning the core yoga postures. Best suited to beginners, this straightforward class will break you into yoga gently.
MOSTLY Bs: Kundalini yoga could be perfect for you, as its more spiritual approach — with chanting, meditation and deep-breathing techniques — will help you relax.
MOSTLY Cs: For those keen to strengthen and tone their bodies, Iyengar can be beneficial. It uses props such as pillows or blocks to fine-tune your alignment. Rather like Hatha yoga, it pays special attention to precision of posture.
MOSTLY Ds: Ashtanga yoga — a non-stop class with continually changing poses — is ideal for those who want a more intense, physically challenging style.