Types of Yoga

A breakdown of the different types of yoga! You can divide Yoga into 8 different types. The basics are the same however; these differ in intensity and difficulty levels. Some concentrate on the spiritual being of humans whereas some concentrate on physical well being. Some new forms of yoga are a combination of spiritual Yoga and the physical Yoga.

1. Hatha Yoga: This form of yoga concentrates on physical aspects. Hatha yoga is the most practiced form of Yoga. There are several other forms of Hatha yoga, the Asthanga and the Iyengar yoga are forms of Hatha Yoga. You will find the Hatha yoga class proceeds at a slow pace. It is ideal for beginners, the class starts from the basic asanas and stretching. This Yoga is excellent for learning different relaxation techniques and breathing exercises.
2. Kundalini Yoga: This type of yoga is one of the most ancient forms of Yoga. Kundalini yoga concentrates on spirituality and physical aspects of Yoga. You will find meditation, chanting and breathing exercises done predominantly in Kundalini yoga, you will also get to learn different poses in type of Yoga.
3. Bikrama Yoga: Another form of the Hatha Yoga, this yoga has been well known in the west. This yoga type is also known as the ‘hot yoga’ because it is to be done in warm rooms.
4. Power Yoga: Power yoga is an energetic type of yoga. This yoga combines all the Yoga poses, yet differs from basic yoga in vigorousness with which it is practiced. People who want to benefit faster from Yoga, choose Power Yoga.
5. Vinyasa Yoga: A beautiful and rhythmic form of yoga, where you will be taught to change poses when inhaling or exhaling. This yoga is almost like a dance to do, however the movements are much slower. You will feel a lot of peace with this yoga. One of the most famous examples of the Vinyasa yoga is the Sun Salutation Pose sequence or the Surya Namaskara.
6. Bhakti Yoga: This yoga calls for surrender of oneself to the divine being. This yoga has the capacity of providing you with eternal peace and teaches you to refrain from materialism.
7. Ashtanga Yoga: This is a physical form of yoga, where the movements are powerful and have the ability of increasing stamina and concentration. This yoga is useful for sports persons and youngsters. Iyengar Yoga is also one of the types of Ashtanga Yoga.
8. Mantra Yoga: This yoga concentrates on sound and its ability to provide complete peace. You are taught to say mantras or simply chant the word ‘Aum’ so you feel the vibrations of your chanting throughout the body and benefit from it.

There are some more types of Yoga the Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga, Patanjal Yoga, etc. All these types can guide you towards complete spirituality, provided you can dedicate yourself to each type.