Finding Your Flow: A Guide to Yoga Styles
New to yoga and wondering what all the different names on the studio timetable mean? We get it. With so many styles out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Here’s your ultimate guide to help you find the yoga style that suits you best, with insights into what each class might bring to your mat.
Hatha Yoga
Good for: Beginners, people seeking balance and grounding.
Hatha is a gentle, foundational style that focuses on simple, traditional postures and breathing. It’s a slower-paced class, perfect if you’re just getting into yoga or want to connect with the basics. Expect steady, controlled movements and poses that help you develop strength, flexibility, and mindful awareness of each part of the body.
Vinyasa Flow
Good for: Those who love movement, creative flows, and a little challenge.
Vinyasa is like a dance, linking breath to movement in a flowing sequence of poses. It’s a more dynamic style, often set to music, where each movement transitions smoothly into the next. You’ll build heat, release energy, and feel a sense of rhythm that lets you forget the world outside. Think of Vinyasa as a moving meditation, where the flow keeps you fully present.
Yin Yoga
Good for: Deep relaxation, flexibility, meditation.
Yin is the ultimate practice in slowing down. This style involves holding poses for several minutes to deeply stretch and release tension from the connective tissues. With longer holds and fewer poses, Yin is ideal if you’re looking to unwind, improve flexibility, and tap into stillness. Grab a blanket or bolster, close your eyes, and let go of any tension—it’s a mini-vacation on your mat.
Ashtanga Yoga
Good for: Structure, discipline, and building strength.
Ashtanga is a structured practice with a set sequence of poses, meaning each class follows the same pattern. It’s more physically demanding and involves breath control, bandhas (internal locks), and dynamic movement. If you enjoy structure, repetition, and progression, Ashtanga might be your match. The series takes you deeper with practice, helping you develop both mental focus and physical strength.
Restorative Yoga
Good for: Stress relief, healing, recovery
Restorative yoga is all about rest and renewal. With a handful of supportive poses, held for long periods with props like bolsters, blankets, and blocks, you’ll gently open your body without effort. It’s like pressing pause on a busy day, allowing your nervous system to fully relax and unwind. Restorative yoga is a wonderful choice if you’re healing from injury or just in need of a moment to reset.
Power Yoga
Good for: Energizing workout, strength building
Power yoga brings intensity to the mat, offering a vigorous, fitness-based practice that’s rooted in Vinyasa flow. With an emphasis on strength and stamina, this style is more fast-paced and physically challenging. If you’re looking to break a sweat and feel strong in each pose, Power Yoga provides the boost you’re looking for.
Kundalini Yoga
Good for: Energising breathwork, spiritual practice.
Kundalini is all about awakening energy within the body through breathwork (pranayama), postures, chanting, and meditation. It’s a deeply energizing practice that can feel transformative, focusing on clearing blocks and connecting with inner awareness. It’s a bit different from your typical yoga class, but for those drawn to energy work and self-discovery, Kundalini can be incredibly rewarding.
Iyengar Yoga
Good for: Precision, alignment, and injury recovery.
Iyengar yoga is known for its emphasis on alignment and detail, often using props like blocks, straps, and chairs to support each pose. The movements are slower and highly focused, ideal for those interested in understanding how each pose should feel in the body. Iyengar is wonderful for both beginners and advanced practitioners looking to deepen their practice safely and effectively.
Hot Yoga
Good for: Deep stretch, detox, and heat lovers
Hot Yoga is typically practiced in a room heated to around 35-40°C, which can help increase flexibility and encourage detoxification. The heat allows muscles to release more deeply, though it can be intense if you’re not accustomed to it. Be ready to sweat, stay hydrated, and embrace the heat for a revitalising experience.
No matter what style you choose, the most important thing is to explore what feels right for you. Each practice has its own benefits, and yoga is an evolving journey. Try a few styles and see which ones resonate. At Fable Yoga, we’re here to support you wherever you are on your path.
Why not give one of our YouTube classes a try? Happy flowing!