Different Types of Yoga

Yoga has been practiced throughout the world for centuries, and due to its wide range of uses in many cultures there are many different types of yoga. From simple and slow to extremely advanced and challenging, yoga is a great way for anyone to strengthen their minds and their bodies.

Of the many different types of yoga, the most popular and widely practiced include:

Hatha yoga - this form is what most Western people associate with the practice of yoga. Hatha is very slow paced, and centers around on holding a variety of yoga poses to elongate and strengthen muscles while focusing on breathing and concentration.
Prenatal yoga - not an official "type" of yoga, prenatal yoga utilizes many different aspects of popular practices to help mothers keep in shape during pregnancy and teach them useful breathiing and meditation exercises that may benefit them during labor.
Vinyasa yoga - another popular form, this more advanced type of yoga involves vigorous movements that are synchronized with breathing (called sun salutations).
Ashtanga yoga - also known as power yoga or flow yoga, this form is fast paced and focuses on correct form as participants move quickly from one position to another. This type of yoga is considered advanced and requires stamina and strength.
Bikram yoga - also known at hot yoga, this type is practiced in a hot room between 95-100 degrees. This is believed to help relieve toxins due to the heavy sweating that is often experienced with this form.
Iyengar yoga - this advanced type of yoga focuses on correct body alignment to achieve the maximum benefits from the exercise. Poses are often held for longer periods of time, and it often uses props like foam blocks, straps, and yoga blankets to achieve correct form.
Kundalini yoga - a form of flow yoga in which breath and movement are especially important. The focus of this type of yoga is the movement of body energy and its progression from the lower body upward.
Raja yoga - considered to be the original form of yoga, this type is discribed in the ancient Yoga Sutras.

As you can see from this list of just a few of the more popular forms, there are many different types of yoga, including methods suitable for people of nearly any physical ability. If you are considering yoga, consult with your primary care provider to ensure you won't risk injury and to find out which type may benefit you most. While some forms of yoga can be extremely healthy and even good for improving joints and flexibility, there are some cases in which yoga may aggravate or cause illness or injury.