Yoga for Every Body

If you’re familiar with yoga I’m sure you’ve heard of a dozen or so different types of yoga classes. Restorative. Yin. Vinyasa. Hatha… There are many. At first it can seem confusing to know which yoga class is right for you. But trust me, there’s beauty in having so many options!

A core theme in yoga is the mind-body connection and listening to your body’s needs, limits and strengths. Well, as we all know, those factors can differ on any given day, am I right? One day may call for rest and introspection, another more slow and juicy movement, while another is craving heat and intensity. Variety in yoga classes means you have the flexibility in choosing how you want to move and connect with your body on any given day.

Variety also means perspective and growth. Many of us are creatures of habit and it can be easy to stick to the same routines. Guilty. But there’s beauty and fun in trying something different, in moving your body in different ways, and learning a different way of doing something. Yoga can be deep inner work, and it can be a time of exploration and adventure.

Common Yoga Class Formats

Let’s break down six common yoga class types, what they focus on, and the benefits you can receive with each. You discern which type would best suit you, and it’s always okay if that changes. Have fun with it!

1.) Hatha

Hatha yoga is a large umbrella in yoga, originally meaning all yoga postures. Simplified, Hatha yoga is typically slower in movement with a heightened awareness of body alignment. A Hatha sequence can differ from class to class and there is no traditional sequencing. Hatha classes may or may not include sun salutations, depending on the class. Breath is also a key focus as postures are usually held a bit longer.

So if you’re wanting to move slowly and really feel into the poses, while also working deeper into the muscles, increasing flexibility and body awareness, try a Hatha class.

2.) Vinyasa

Another large umbrella is Vinyasa yoga. Vinyasa classes are probably one of the more common classes offered in studios. They tend to move more quickly than Hatha classes and build heat in the body more rapidly as well. Vinyasa links each breath to each movement so there is an increased focus on breath control. Vinyasa classes also typically follow a traditional and repetitive sequence. Class usually begins with a warm up, sun salutations following for building heat, the main sequence, and then cool down and savasana to end.Taking a Vinyasa class is great if you’re looking to build lots of heat and want a more traditional class, check out Vinyasa. Benefits also include increased awareness of breathing and breath control, increased flexibility and cardiovascular health.

3.) Restorative

Restorative yoga has a focus on relaxation and uses props almost exclusively… my kind of yoga. Props are included to help you settle into the pose without strain or tension, encouraging relaxation. Props can include blankets, blocks, bolster, and eye pillow. There are only a handful of poses in the entire class as each posture is held for a longer amount of time.If you want to reduce stress, calm your nervous system, and get a restful sleep, Restorative yoga is your class.

4.) Yin

Yin yoga can often be confused with Restorative yoga. While restorative yoga aims for relaxation, Yin yoga aims to deepen each pose, focusing on alignment, getting to the deeper connective tissues and joints as well as the meridian system. Rather than props being used, Yin yoga encourages you to allow gravity to sink you deeper into the posture. Sounds challenging? It is. Poses are held for upwards of 5 minutes each, asking you to use the power and control of your breath to help you to maintain the pose for so long. This allows for a deeper sense of calm to be achieved.Yin yoga is amazing for challenging your mind and body in a meditative way. Benefits include reduced tension in muscles and joints, calm nervous system and increased mind-body connection.

5.) Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra is referred to as “yogic sleep.” Seriously. There’s a class for sleeping. I’m in. The entire class is spent in savasana as you are guided into a deep meditative state, or yogic sleep. Blankets, pillows, eye pillows and whatever else you need to relax can be used to help you relax. The instructor may use visualizations, music, breathwork, and affirmations, with the goal of opening the unconscious and subconscious mind.For a deeper sense of connection within, reduced anxiety and stress, and an amazing night’s sleep, give Yoga Nidra a try.

6.) Kundalini

Kundalini yoga can be disciplined and rigorous. If you’re seeking discipline and a deeper connection within, Kundalini yoga may help. Kundalini yoga also aids in decreasing depression and anxiety, lowering inflammation, and creating balance.Kundalini yoga is unique in that there are six unique components to a class: asanas, mantra, bandhas, pranayama, mudras, and meditation. The goal of Kundalini yoga is to move the energy within our bodies up and through the chakras with the use of movement, sound vibration, breathwork, and stillness. This combination is said to work on the endocrine system, stimulating the pituitary and pineal glands.

Within each of these types of yoga, there are even more branches within each, and there are still more being created! Yoga is ever-expanding as each person tailors their practice to their individual needs. That is the greatest beauty of all in yoga - it is truly for everyone because you make it whatever you need it to be. And it can still change after that!

Sol Luna Yoga aims to help you explore and discover your body, mind and spirit. We offer a variety of different classes with the understanding that you are unique and always changing. And we’d love to hear more about what it is you’re wanting in a class, or what you continue to enjoy at Sol Luna Yoga. To share with us, you can fill out [ this survey ].