Yoga is one of those disciplines that most people either love or hate. While some attend classes and get into flows regularly, others seem to laugh at (or have a disdain for) rolling out their mat and contorting into a slew of convoluted poses and stretches.
But rather than writing off this ancient practice for good, consider the possibility that you just haven’t found the right style for your needs. After all, yoga is based in intention — if you’re looking to gain a spiritual awakening, rehabbed joints or other end goals, the style you pursue should cater to these wants.
Thankfully, there’s no shortage of yoga styles to choose from, so those willing to give the discipline another shot have plenty of options. Below are a few of our favorites that can be excellent picks for those struggling to find solace in your typical Hatha course or Vinyasa flow. We’ve broken them down by specific intentions, so there’s no question as to which one you should try first.
But before we get into these other yoga styles worth trying, let's take a step back and actually identify some upsides to yoga as a whole.
The Benefits of Yoga
There are many perks that come with practicing yoga, spanning both your mind and body. Naturally, getting into deep poses and holding them for a set amount of time can help improve balance, flexibility and strength. You’re working muscles and joints in a low-impact manner, which causes them to grow and prosper without the intensity you’d find in other disciplines like running or strength training. Additionally, the breathing techniques and emphasis on composure can be a solid boost to your circulatory system. All that blood flow and developmental flexion can lead to improvements with pain management, too.
From a cognitive standpoint, yoga can be an excellent pre-slumber practice, as the slow and soothing flows can help put you in the right mindset for sound sleep. Additionally, more active sessions can be beacons of energy for your day-to-day thanks to the increased blood flow and awakened joints. Finally, getting into a yoga flow can be great for managing stress. As your focus shifts to maintaining alignment and balance in certain poses, your worries can begin to fade away. Also, there’s no added stressors in the form of split times or weight totals, so your workouts cannot add any anxiety to your day unless you let them.
Best for Coming Back from Injury: Iyengar Yoga
Rather than taking a quick, “flowing” journey through poses, Iyengar yoga is more static, placing heightened emphasis on alignment and precision rather than movement and transition.
Poses are held for longer durations, and props like yoga blocks, chairs and other structures are often used to help facilitate these holds. As a result, Iyengar yoga is ideal for those looking to safely and systematically cultivate their strength, flexibility and stability. Plus, instructors of this meticulous yoga style are required to complete high levels of training before leading others, so if you fare well with detailed instruction, this could be a winning pick.
Best for Targeting Joints and Connective Tissue: Yin Yoga
Similar to Iyengar yoga, Yin yoga also places an emphasis on slower flows and sessions, with poses being held for upwards of five minutes. This approach is designed to focus your attention toward your circulation across the joints, as well as key areas ranging from your hips and hamstrings to shoulders and more.
Additionally, while other yoga styles focus on larger muscle groups, Yin yoga takes aim at the body’s connective tissue. This emphasis can be excellent for post-workout recovery, and the time spent in extended stances can be great for clearing your mind and nervous system, almost serving as a calming agent or sorts.
Best for Expelling Negative Energy: Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini translates to “Life force energy,” considered to be a coiled collection at the base of the spine. As such, the premise of this yoga discipline is to unlock energy stores through the combination of breath work, movement and sounds. Kundalini you can include a lot of core work, as well, in an effort to transfer that energy from your spine through the seven chakras up to the top of your head.
The notion behind this energetic (literally) yoga style is to elevate your consciousness and expel all negative vibes harbored within the body. For example, it’s common to see dedicated practitioners adorned in all white apparel, an aesthetic believed to deflect negative energy and increase personal auras. For those in search of somewhat metaphysical yoga style, this is it.
Best for Spiritual and Mental Transformations: Kripalu Yoga
Kripalu yoga places emphasis on the mind, body and spirit and is based on the notion of compassion. This more gentle practice encourages self progress as you move through different poses and holds at your own pace, adapting your session to your personal needs at the moment. In turn, you should begin to apply this same “daily needs” approach to life itself, which can give way to understanding what’s important and worthwhile with each passing day.
Kripalu yoga is one of the most welcoming styles available thanks to this emphasis on thought observation, acceptance and loving yourself as is. While you move and gain the flexion and balance present in other yoga disciplines, this style places a heavy focus on the mental and spiritual side of the discipline, which can lead to newfound lifestyles and takes on environments far beyond fitness.
Essential Yoga Gear
Of course, you'll need some equipment to take on these newfound disciplines full of energy, improvement and mindfulness. Below are a few must-haves to help you make the most of every session.
