When you are just starting out in the world of yoga, you may attend different classes to learn a little about the discipline. It is natural to want to see how the teacher works and what kind of practice he or she teaches. I have seen many times that in the end, each student chooses the practice environment they feel most comfortable with, but this can take some time to search.
Beginner’s Mistakes in Choosing Yoga Style
- Attending vinyasa classes in a state of poor physical fitness or injury.
- Practicing yoga is too dynamic when it is better to work on a postural correction.
- Attending very spiritual yoga classes when you want to sweat and feel the physical intensity.
- Doing very active sessions when you need to relieve your anxiety and relax.
- You want to recover from a major injury and attend standardized classes.
- You start doing yoga at 60 at the gym where they practice power or ashtanga yoga.
- You initiate yourself in the energetic practices of yoga without a previous meditation discipline.
For you to understand the importance of getting started in the discipline of yoga step by step and on the right foot, you need to know that yoga is a way of life, with a multitude of psycho-physical techniques that work on the mind-body connection.
Starting prematurely in certain practices, may not only not bring any benefit, but further, enhance any internal imbalance. That is why at the end of this post I leave you 7 keys to know how to choose the type of yoga that suits you, depending on your physical condition and your physical condition and vital moment.
The Different Types of Yoga according to Tradition
The original yoga is a compendium of practices and teachings that pursues the union between universal and individual consciousness; the integration of body, mind, and spirit. The word yoga means union, or connection, in Sanskrit. In this outline I show you the classical yoga paths that have been developed in the millenary Indian tradition:
The Yoga Paths
- Raja yoga: the Royal yoga that emphasizes meditation.
- Jnana yoga: the yoga of wisdom applied to the study of sacred texts.
- Karma yoga: the yoga of action that leads us to fulfill our mission in this life.
- Bhakti Yoga: the yoga of complete devotion to the supreme consciousness of God.
- Tantra Yoga: the yoga that channels the creative power of universal polarity.
- Hatha Yoga: the path of energy and the yoga of asanas.
The Most Common Types of Yoga Practiced in the West
The different styles of yoga have emerged in this contemporary period in the West, where Yoga has been associated mainly with physical exercise and asanas. Its focus, rather distant from the transcendental, has allowed the proliferation of many varieties that are practiced in gyms and centers where many people want to de-stress and feel the benefits on a physical and mental level. These are the most popular styles today:
Contemporary Yoga Styles
Hatha yoga
The practice of asanas – yogic postures – pranayama – breathing techniques – and meditation are powerful means of transformation associated with hatha yoga, which is often considered the type of yoga for beginners.
Hatha yoga postures maintain the balance and health of the spine and the practice leads to stretching of the muscles, strength, and firmness of the bones.
This practice makes the back more flexible and purifies all the systems of the body, preparing the mind for the more advanced techniques of Raja Yoga and breathing.
This yoga of a more traditional nature pursues balance and purification of all body systems, preparing the mind for the advanced techniques of Raja Yoga. It is widely practiced in group yoga classes and can be done by anyone in good health and mobility and is therefore suitable for beginners who have not done much exercise or bodywork in their lives.
Iyengar Yoga
Established by master B.K.S. Iyengar, this is one of the most practiced types of yoga in the West. The methodology developed by this rigorous master is based on musculoskeletal alignment so that each posture is performed with the maximum possible precision.
Iyengar Yoga teachers are known for their high level of training and qualification to work with ailments such as back pain, hypertension, insomnia, depression, menstrual disorders, and stress, among many others.
Attention to detail, precision, and alignment is the focus of Iyengar.
The use of blocks, belts, blankets, and ropes facilitates the practice of asanas for all types of people, regardless of age or physical condition.
If you choose Iyengar yoga for beginners, you will discover a rigorous practice but adapted to any physical condition. The use of props gives this method a great therapeutic scope. You will discover the secrets of alignment to adjust your spine, thus alleviating many conditions and ailments.