How to Discover the Style of Yoga That's Best for You
We've recently entered a period of transformation as we say goodbye to summer and step into fall. While seasonal shifts can sometimes feel unsettling, they offer the perfect opportunity for self-reflection and life-evaluation. What worked for you during the summer may not be what you need now as the days get shorter, the weather gets colder, and your schedule becomes busier.
In addition to swapping out your spaghetti straps for chunky sweaters and iced coffees for warm pumpkin spice lattes, it's likely that your yoga practice could use some modifications as well. Try some new yoga styles on for size and have fun discovering the one that's best suited for you! Here's the scoop on five different styles of yoga, each with a free 30-minute yoga class led by celebrated yoga instructor, Brett Larkin. Enjoy exploring each style as you reconnect with yourself, make a fresh commitment to your practice, and flow through fall feeling your best.
Hatha Yoga
Ease into this exploration by dipping your toes into the practice of hatha yoga. This style of yoga is slow and gentle. Each pose is held for several breaths, which keeps you mindful and present while your body is stretched and strengthened. Here is a 30-minute hatha yoga class that's perfect for beginners as well as anyone who wants to move slowly and mindfully.
Vinyasa Yoga
The next stop on our yoga voyage brings us to vinyasa yoga. Characterized by fluid, dance-like movements, vinyasa yoga is a great way to build some heat within your body. Each pose simultaneously moves with each breath and at a faster pace than other styles of yoga. It's a great way get your sweat on, build strength, increase flexibility, and center your mind and spirit all at once. Try it out in this 30-minute, balanced, full-body vinyasa flow, which is great for both beginners and experienced yogis.
Yin Yoga
When you're ready to take a break from building strength and breaking a sweat, say YES to yin yoga and enjoy a refreshing, nourishing practice. It's the perfect compliment to cardio, weight lifting, or HIIT workouts and it replenishes the body and mind after stress or an injury. Through long holds of stretches and deep breaths, yin yoga works with the interconnective tissue and ligaments that surround your joints, which are typically not shown any love in more vigorous exercises. It's recommended that you practice yin yoga twice a week in order to keep your body replenished and increase your flexibility. Here's a relaxing 30-minute yin yoga stretch that you can incorporate into your weekly routine. Dim the lights, let gravity do all the work, and enjoy!
(Tip: This style of yoga is best when your muscles are cold.)
Kundalini Yoga
To keep things fresh, give kundalini yoga a try. This unique style of yoga is just as much of a mental and spiritual practice as it is a physical one. Often called the “yoga of awareness”, kundalini yoga involves precise, repetitive movements with (optional) singing/chanting, which elevates your conscious awareness. These techniques work the core and upper body and end up building some heat. Even though it's heating, kundalini yoga is done seated, which makes it accessible to almost everyone. If you're completely new to kundalini yoga and have never done anything like it, try to keep an open mind. Its profound effects may surprise you! Dive into the kundalini yoga adventure with this 30-minute class.
Restorative Yoga
Ready to rest and unwind? If so, say hello to restorative yoga! It's all about pure relaxation, making it the perfect remedy for when you're feeling overworked, tired, or stressed. The best part? It can easily be done in the comfort of your own home as you don't need any fancy props in order to reap the benefits of the practice. Common household items, such as pillows, couch cushions, and a tightly woven blanket can be used for support. Dim the lights, light a candle, and get ready to feel the bliss in this luxurious 30-minute class of self-care.
Throughout this exploration of yoga styles, you may have found that the style that you initially loved may not be the one that you need, but hopefully it's helped you to discover which one is best for you! Has this helped you find your yoga style soul mate? Tell us in the comments below!