Which Style of Yoga is Best for You

The word yoga means union or to join. So though yoga is a series of exercises, its main aim is to connect mind, body and soul, thus bringing about an inner awareness in you. Practicing yoga not only helps you counteract diseases, but also tones your body, lowers stress levels, improves flexibility and relaxes you.So with many different styles of yoga which one is the best for you?
Let us check out the four most common yoga styles.

Vinyasa: This yoga style gives emphasis on postures and breathing techniques. Series of exercises are taught with special emphasis on breath. Sun salutations are common in such classes.

It is most suitable for people who love movement and flow. The yoga classes are fast, moving and are adaptable to both beginner and experienced students, as it can be adjusted to one’s experience and energy level.

Iyengar: This yoga style uses a variety of props like blocks, bricks, straps etc to do the various stretching exercises. Developed by B.K.S Iyengar, this yoga emphasizes on body placement and alignment. This type of yoga is slower and gives a lot of focus on details of each posture.

This type of yoga training is most suitable for old people and people who have sustained injuries as it uses props to help you in doing exercises. It can also be exciting, if you are a person who loves to do challenging exercises. Iyengar yoga also helps in improving balance and aids the body to recover from injuries easily.

Ashtanga: This style of yoga is also known as power yoga and is a very strenuous form of yoga. The poses are dynamic and intense and the rapid flow of movement creates intense heat to purge out the toxins in the body.

As you may have guessed it is most preferred by athletes or people who love intense, physically demanding exercises. It focuses on eight limbs and helps build strength. Ashtanga Yoga is also believed to help you get in touch with your spiritual self.

Bikram: Also known as hot yoga this style of yoga is very intense and focused. Developed by Bikram Choudhary, the hot yoga does not use any props and uses yoga studios heated at 95 to 105 degrees of temperature.  The heat allows loosening of muscles and sweating of the body.

Beginners interested in focused and disciplined classes, and a craving for action can go for Bikram yoga.

So choose the appropriate style of yoga school depending on your goals, physical lifestyle and your temperament. You are more likely to stick to yoga class if you understand what the yoga style offers.