Types of yoga: the 18 variants that you can practice and their benefits

More and more we are fans of working our body, mind and spirit through yoga, an oriental practice of thousands of years ago that today we cannot do without; to such an extent that there is a whole universe of possibilities and a lifestyle built around yoga.

Currently we find many yoga studios and classes that propose different types of yoga, which can confuse us a bit when it comes to choosing the yoga practice we want. That is why today we are going to explain what the 28 different types of yoga that exist are about.

• Related article: "The 7 most common yoga poses and what they are for"

Some Yoga Basics

Yoga is a philosophy of life that emerged in the East more than 5,000 years ago. Today we know it thanks to the teachings transmitted by important yogis, such as B.K.S. Iyengar, who have taken it upon themselves to bring yoga to the whole world.

B.K.S Inyegar teaches us the philosophy of yoga through his books, based on the doctrines of Patanjali. He explains it to us as a tree with 8 branches, in which one of these branches represents yoga as we know it in the West, which are the different asanas or postures that we can put into practice.

In any case, the different types of yoga and its practice invite us to work mind and spirit while strengthening our body, united within a whole that we are.

The 18 different types of yoga to practice

Normally within our yoga practice, regardless of the types of yoga that exist, we use three branches or principles: pranayama, which is the breath; asanas, which are the postures; and vinyasa-krama, which are the sequences of postures. Remember this as you learn the different types of yoga.

1. Hatha yoga

One of the types of yoga that we practice the most in the West is Hatha yoga, which being mainly postures, is what we relate to "yoga". It is a practice in which our physical body is an instrument to achieve meditation and that awakens vital energy (prana).

It is a slow and deep yoga practice, in which the body is strengthened and flexibility is increased through through postures and movements in balance with the breath, while closing and cleaning energetic. If you are new to the world of yoga, we recommend that you choose a Hatha yoga practice, as it is the basis for the other types of yoga.

2. Kundalini yoga

Another of the most popular types of yoga is the yoga practice of the Kundalini discipline. What you are looking for is to awaken the kundalini, that is, the prana or vital energy that is located at the base of the spine.

Some call it the yoga of consciousness, as it is one of the most spiritual and devotional types of yoga there is. Within the practice, pranayama (breathing) exercises predominate in combination with the asanas (postures), seeking to balance the chakras and open them, healing physical ailments and emotional Mantras, candles and incense are also part of the practice.

3. Vinyasa yoga

It is a much more fluid type of yoga and its name refers to the link between breathing and movement. While this link with breath is found in all types of yoga, in vinyasa yoga each Movement is paced with an exhale, inhale, or hold, giving rhythm and fluidity to the movements.

Vinyasa yoga does not represent a specific school and there are those who associate it with Asthanga yoga. However, it is one of the preferred types of yoga in the West, as it is one of the types that works and tones the body the most from a fitness perspective.

4. Ashtanga yoga

Also known as Warrior Yoga, Ashtanga mixes elements of Hatha, Raja and Vinyasa. Its name means "8 steps" and refers to the 8 branches or 8 elements described by Patanjali and that constitute the essence of yoga.

It is a supremely vigorous and demanding practice that works the physical condition with fluid movements as in vinyasa, accompanied by breathing.

5. Iyengar yoga

A discipline of yoga created by the teacher who has brought the philosophy of yoga to the world, B.K.S. Iyengar. This practice essentially takes the Hatha technique and focuses on aligning the body during each pose. The postures and breaths are grouped into categories and sequences, which are executed depending on the level of the person within the practice.

6. Bikram yoga

This is one of the types of yoga that emerged more recently and is named after its creator. This practice uses only 26 asanas or postures executed in sequence, with which the whole body is worked, and two pranayama (breathing) exercises.

7. Kripalu yoga

This is another of the types of yoga that is based on Hatha yoga, but it is performed slowly and much more meditatively. Its objective is contact with the self and self-observation through traditional asanas, to awaken the prana or vital energy.

8. Yoga nidra

Yoga Nidra is very different from other types of yoga, as it does not use asanas (postures) or movements, but rather conscious sleep. Rather, it is a state of deep meditation to achieve physical relaxation and improve rest during sleep, resulting in silence, inner peace, and body relaxation.

9. Bhakti yoga

One of the oldest types of yoga and that is based on devotion, spiritual awakening and our union with God. It is practiced through mantras and other chants.

10. Sivananda yoga

One of the types of yoga that is based on Patanjali and the philosophy of traditional yoga, from the scientific and the spiritual. Under this trend, yoga is not seen as a practice but as a lifestyle for health, spiritual awakening and inner balance, being a type of yoga a little more mystical.

11. Bharata yoga

A somewhat different yoga practice that focuses on precision alignment through a technique called Alignment Criticism. The main focus in this style of yoga is the mobility of the spine.

12. Power yoga

It is derived from Ashtanga yoga, making it one of the types of yoga that have a vigorous and physically demanding practice. The movements are fluid and work on strength, flexibility and endurance. Normally Power yoga practices focus on psychological aspects, to heal, heal, give vitality to the body and transform it from the inside to the environment.

13. Aeroyoga

It is another way of practicing yoga, because as its name suggests, you do it suspended in the air by means of a cloth. Being suspended by a fabric, the postures are more easily maintained, and the stretches and push-ups are much deeper. Aeroyoga is excellent for getting rid of our mental limitations and expanding our physical and creative possibilities.

14. Acroyoga

Another of the most recent types of yoga that is practiced in pairs and / or in a group, is characterized by mixing yoga and acrobatics. During this practice strength and flexibility are worked, but also confidence, work as a team and love, thanks to the combination of asanas with acrobatics and interest spiritual.

15. Hot yoga

Hot yoga is another way to do your yoga practice, regardless of the style you follow. It consists of the practice of yoga in rooms or studios that are at high temperatures, in order to improve flexibility while performing the postures.

This type of yoga promotes relaxation of both the mind and muscles, and helps eliminate toxins through sweating. It is a practice that requires a lot of energy and in which you learn to control your mental power.

16. Restorative yoga

During this yoga practice, mental and physical relaxation is induced in combination with some yoga postures, to recharge the body with energy and regain balance, revitalizing and leaving us with a feeling of harmony.

17. Naked yoga

Naked yoga or naked yoga more than a type of yoga is a way of doing whatever your practice is, but without clothes, being naked. The idea is to eliminate the restrictions that clothing can cause when doing the postures and give the body and mind a greater sense of freedom. It is related to the body positive philosophy and self-esteem.

• Related article: "35 'body positive' phrases to love yourself and your body"

18. Integral yoga

Integral yoga is based primarily on the spiritual teachings and philosophical principles of some yoga practices, seeking to provide well-being at all levels, whether physical, mental, emotional or sensory. It is a practice that seeks spiritual awakening and love.