Different types of yoga 

There are a myriad of benefits of yoga – including lower blood pressure, increased strength and bone density and reduced anxiety – should be enough to get anyone on the mat. However, I meet many people who hesitate to try yoga due to some pervasive myths. Yoga is too slow and boring; it's practised in stuffy, incense-filled rooms – or in 90C heat; it's just for girls and people who are into chanting. And – most misguided of all – yoga is only for the flexible.

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The truth is that there is a class to suit everyone whatever body type or temperament.

Yoga develops strength and balance as well as flexibility – the latter is a consequence of practising yoga, not a prerequisite. No one has turned up to their first yoga class (unless they were a dancer or a gymnast) able to execute advanced yoga poses.

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All yoga styles create a feeling of lightness, ease and relaxation. But to get the most benefit and the most enjoyment, you need to find a yoga style that suits you.

For example, if someone is doing lots of strength training, the best choice is likely to be a yoga style that focuses more on flexibility. That way, they can balance their fitness routine. Perhaps a Yin or Hatha yoga. 

Those who have an injury or live with a chronic medical condition such as arthritis might want to try Iyengar yoga, or one-to-one sessions where they will be able to focus on alignment and their unique needs. 

And for those who are relatively healthy and want a challenge, Ashtanga Vinyasa or Vinyasa flow might be a good choice.

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Iyengar yoga 

Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga come from the same lineage – the teachers who developed these styles (BKS Iyengar and the late Pattabhi Jois) were both taught by Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. Many of the asanas (postures) are the same, but the approach is different. Iyengar yoga is great for learning the subtleties of correct alignment. Props – belts, blocks and pillow-like bolsters – help beginners get into poses with correct alignment, even when they're new to them, injured or simply stiff.

Ashtanga yoga - this is my preferred style)

Ashtanga is a more vigorous style of yoga. It offers a series of poses, each held for only five breaths and punctuated by a half sun salutation to keep up the pace. It follows the same sequence so that students can quickly know what is coming next and can see their progression.The standing postures (Asanas) develop concentration and strength, the seated postures work on suppleness and flexibility developing a sense of calm and the finishing sequence helps to clear the mind to achieve an internal balance , leading to a meditative state. 

Vinyasa flow

This is a high impact practise that flows from one pose to the next. That way, students come away with a good workout as well as a yoga experience.

Vinyasa flow is really an umbrella term for many other styles.

Slow flow ( slower pace)

Power yoga ( stronger pace working on the core)

Kundalini yoga 

Kundalini yoga was designed to awaken energy in the spine. Kundalini yoga classes include meditation, breathing techniques such as alternate nostril breathing, and chanting, as well as yoga postures.

Hatha yoga 

Hatha yoga really just means the physical practice of yoga (asanas as opposed to, say, chanting). Hatha yoga now commonly refers to a class that is not so flowing and bypasses the various traditions of yoga to focus on the asanas that are common to all. It is often a gentle yoga class and a good introduction to yoga.

Yin yoga 

Yin yoga comes from the Taoist tradition and focuses on passive, seated postures that target the connective tissues in the hips, pelvis and lower spine. Poses are held for anywhere between one and 5 minutes. The aim is to increase flexibility and encourage a feeling of release and letting go - working on releasing energy in the meridian lines. It is a wonderful way to learn the basics of meditation and stilling the mind. As such, it is ideal for athletic types who need to release tension in overworked joints, and it is also good for those who need to relax.

Restorative yoga – Lovely as an evening class for all – no experience needed

Restorative yoga is all about healing the mind and body through simple poses often held for as long as 10 minutes, with the help of props such as bolsters, pillows and straps. It is similar to yin yoga, but with less emphasis on flexibility and more on relaxing.

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I am qualified to teach most of the above except Iyenger and Kundalini yoga - but i do include these in my retreats inviting guest teachers to join me.

If you'd like any more information please don't hesitate to contact me @myoga-newcastle.co.uk

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