Are you feeling curious about yoga? Most Americans associate yoga with a particular exercise style originating in India. However, there are many different styles of yoga from all over the globe, including China, Indonesia, and Korea.
In the broadest definition, yoga is a series of movements and breathing techniques designed to strengthen the body and calm the mind. We will discuss the different types of yoga, all of which are steeped in ancient tradition and have valuable benefits to the mind and body.
According to the : “The word yoga originally comes from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite.” Yoga practices are designed to unite the body and mind in synergy.
There is more than one type of yoga; however, this definition still stands. All styles of yoga strive to “unite” the body and mind through mindful body motions combined with breathing. If getting in tune with your body’s needs is something that interests you, consider taking a Korean yoga class from a Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi instructor.
While it is impossible to make blanket statements about all forms of yoga, the majority of them contain certain components. These include:
How many types of yoga are there? A lot. Each form of yoga has its origin. The word “yoga” is Indian, but not all types of yoga originate in India. Each style of yoga brings its cultural tradition, its poses, and its own “vibe.” In fact, many of the yoga styles popular in the U.S. have either been substantially modified compared to what was over 100 years ago, or were invented in the U.S.
That being said, they do share a lot of the same goals: a better connection between the brain, the body, and the spirit through breathing techniques, mindful movement, and meditation.
So, what are the 8 main types of yoga practiced in the U.S., and which type is best for you?
Whether you are new to yoga or a long-time yogi, trying something new is always fun!
There are many practiced worldwide than we can cover here, including many different branches and styles.
For the purposes of this article, we are categorizing yoga into 8 main types:
We have broken down these different styles, including their similarities and differences, below.
Korean yoga originated in, you guessed it, Korea. Though it shares the name yoga with its Indian counterpart, Korean yoga is quite different in its physical and mental practice.
A popular form of Korean yoga was created in 1980 by Ilchi Lee, but it is steeped in much older Korean practices of Tai Chi (energy balancing). The result is an amazing hybrid of modern and ancient yoga techniques designed to build a mind-body connection and achieve a better intuition as to what your body may need.
By using stretching, flowing movements, guided breathwork, and meditation, Korean yoga aims to help not only the body but also the brain.
If you are curious about Korean yoga, consider taking a class at Body & Brain Yoga and Tai Chi.
Ashtanga yoga, sometimes called Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, is a physically exacting style of yoga originating in India. It is believed that was originally described in an ancient manuscript called the Yoga Kurunta.
This interpretation of the Yoga Kurunta began to be taught in the early nineteenth century, and it eventually evolved into what we now know as Ashtanga yoga.
Ashtanga yoga is made up of six “series” that have a specific order of poses. These poses are learned gradually until the student can complete the entire series, a process that can take months or years.
Hatha yoga, like so many on this list, has a long history. It goes back to ancient India and Nepal, where monks lived ascetic lives free of all distractions except yoga. Even the name is old – is a combination of two words– “Ha” meaning sun and “Tha” meaning moon, which combined can mean willful or forceful.
These days, Hatha yoga is practiced worldwide for its many benefits. Hatha yoga has traditional yoga poses, but in Hatha, the poses are held for a long time. The movements are slow and deliberate coupled with breathing techniques. Hatha yoga is great for beginners, as it moves at a slower, easily managed pace.
Yoga is an all-encompassing practice. Not all yoga focuses solely on the physical through movements and breath. is a meditation-based yoga, as much a spiritual and mental practice as it is physical.
Kundalini yoga uses meditation, physical movement, chanting, and breathwork to help practitioners reconnect their brains and body. In some ways, Kundalini yoga is one of the least physically taxing forms of yoga, but it provides many benefits for mental and physical well-being.
Many kinds of yoga found in the U.S. are based on the tradition, modernized for practice in health clubs as well as yoga studios.
Vinyasa yoga is the practice of moving your body in time to your breath through a series of positions designed to build strength, stamina, mobility, and balance.
Vinyasa poses include downward dog, mountain pose, and warrior pose. The idea is that by completing these poses, carefully and in order, your body and breath can free your mind, pushing away invasive anxieties and repetitive thoughts.
Yin yoga is named for the Taoist concept of yin and yang, which represents the balance of energy in Nature. According to the interpretation used in Yin Yoga, Yin is supposed to be the unmoving stability while Yang is unavoidable change.
works with stability. It is one of the least physically strenuous forms of yoga, focusing more on breathwork and joint mobility than breaking a sweat.
Of course, that is not to say that Yin yoga lacks benefits. It is designed to move your joints purposefully to encourage gentle stretching and mobility. Yin yoga is great for improving circulation, doing breathwork, and holding physical poses to calm the anxious mind.
is exactly what it sounds like — yoga practiced in a very hot room, usually between 85 and 105 degrees F.
Hot yoga practitioners go through poses as they would in a Vinyasa or Ashtanga yoga class, with the heat adding to the intensity and malleability of muscles. Some claim that the extra sweating adds a “purifying” feeling to the practice, as long as it is coupled with drinking lots of water!
For fitness fanatics, is a great way to enter the world of yoga.
This practice, invented in the U.S., takes aspects of Vinyasa yoga and combines them with cardiovascular exercise to increase practitioners’ heart rate.
Power yoga came about in the fitness craze of the 1990s. While it is not traditional yoga, power yoga uses poses to build strength and balance. It can also incorporate yoga breathing practices to improve stamina.
Traditionally, yoga is not just about fitness, it’s also about developing self-awareness and finding the best ways to attune to your body’s needs.
Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi instructors understand how hard it is to slow down in the modern world. Our classes are designed to help you improve your sense of energy circulation, relax your body and also help calm your mind.
We offer discounted classes for first-time students, as well as private introductory sessions to help you plan to meet your wellness goals. Check out our website to learn more!