Spoiled For Choice

There are so many different styles of yoga and there seems to be more diversity and variety every year. With so many choice it can seem impossible to find a style that’s right for you.

Luckily, you know how to divide them all up into four easily manageable categories (or you soon will). Note: This rule of thumb is only going to work with Modern Postural Yoga (The kind you see in gyms and studios)

How It Works

All types of Modern Postural Yoga are basically different ways of working with the body, the breath and the attention. To better organize all the different styles, we ask two essential questions.

1) Does this practice develop greater strength or greater flexibility?

2) Is this practice more active or more passive?

Note that the answers to these questions will be subjective. Most classes have both elements that build strength and flexibility, that are both passive and active. These questions are intended to give you the tools you need to determine what type of yoga is right for you.

Four Types of Yoga

Fire Type Yoga

Fire type styles of yoga are active practices that build strength. If you’re repeating movements to exhaustion you know you’re doing a Fire Type yoga.

Some examples might include: Power Yoga, HIIT Yoga (also Pilates)

Air Type Yoga

Air type styles of yoga are dynamic practices that develop flexibility. These types of yoga focus on fluid graceful movements that require a full range of motion. They often place an emphasis on synchronizing with the breath.

Examples might include Vinyasa or Ashtanga Yoga

Stone Type Yoga

Stone type styles of yoga are passive practices that develop strength. Holding postures for an extended period of time builds strength in a way that dynamic movement does not. It also gives an opportunity to focus on proper alignment and balance.

Some examples might be Iyengar Yoga, Traditional Hatha Yoga or Hot Yoga

Water Type Yoga

Water type styles of yoga are passive practices that develop flexibility. They ask us to relax into long, deep stretches or release held tension using props and self-massage.

Examples of water type yoga include Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Myofascial Release