What Style of Yoga do you do?

This is a question that I often get asked...

When I first started to take an interest in yoga, I wasn’t sure about the different styles and what they meant. As a result, I tried several classes and they just weren't for me. The teachers were always lovely, as were the other yogis (i.e.- participants), but there was just something missing. I got a little disheartened and started to think that maybe my hopes for yoga were too great.

I started to do my research and was lucky enough to find a style and teacher that suited me. My advice to you is to think about what you want from yoga... is it about flexibility, mobility, breath control, strength, meditation, time for yourself, meeting new friends, or even a combination? Essentially you will need to explore the different yoga styles to find the one that clicks for you.

So what yoga styles are out there?

Hatha, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Kundalini, Bikram - that’s a lot right?! Well that’s just to name a few and it can all be a little confusing… That's why you need to ask yourself what do I want and need from my practice? Once you answer this question, you will be able to find the class for you. Remember, one size doesn’t fit all.

Personally I found Vinyasa yoga was my style and had everything that I was looking for. I selected this style or, in other words, it selected me. Vinyasa yoga incorporated all the elements that I wanted from my yoga practice. You might be thinking what does Vinyasa yoga mean? Well let me tell you....

Vinyasa means "to place in a special way"

Each movement is a gradual progression from one to the next and movement is aligned and linked to the breath, so you move with your inhale and exhale. This style can be slow or fast paced and helps to build strength, increase mobility and flexibility and at the same time, you get the added bonus of calorie burning… it almost sounds too good to be true!

Following on from the point that I raised about meditation in my I Can't Do Yoga Because I'm Not Flexible - Why Should I Give It a Go? blog, I look forward to arriving on my mat, deepening my breath, clearing my mind and forgetting about my day, worries, problems and challenges and for that hour class, I focus on me and it feels great!

Once class is finished and I leave, I feel more in control, energised and motivated for whatever life has in store for me.

So go on, give yoga a try and I promise, once you find your style and teacher, you will be hooked!

I will look forward to meeting you on the mat...