Find your perfect match on the mat
There are so many different types of yoga out there, it can be hard to know what kind of practice will work best for you – especially if you’re a beginner! The good news is that there really is something for everyone.
If you’re new to yoga and want to find your fit, or even if you have tried out a few kinds of classes but they didn’t do it for you, FIT have created this no-fuss guide to getting your perfect yoga match to take the trial and error out of it.
You want: to wind down
Try: Hatha Yoga
Hatha is a style of yoga that is focused on slow and gentle movements, usually combining a mixture of floor and balance work. It’s a great way to stretch and the perfect way to wind down from a busy day or week. Also recommended for beginners to yoga, as the slow pace is great for learning the different pose
You want: to be active
Try: Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga is also referred to as “Vinyasa flow” or simply “flow” yoga. As the name suggests, you’ll be literally flowing from pose to pose. It’s an active and diverse yoga form as you move through different “asana” series (pose sequences] usually with no two classes the same. Great for building strength while stretching the whole body.
You want: an intense workout
Try: Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga is commonly called “power yoga” for good reason. This is arguably the most physically demanding form of yoga, based around vigorous sequences. It is best suited to those with a very high fitness level and those who want to push their body to the max with yoga… Definitely not for the faint hearted!
You want: to sweat and detox
Try: Bikram Yoga
Bikram yoga is a 90 minute class following the same precise formula of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises every time, all performed in a sauna-hot room. It’s sticky and yes, you will sweat a lot, but you will feel amazing afterwards. One thing’s for sure; all that sweating will certainly help detoxify your body! The heat is also great for limbering up the body so you can stretch more deeply.
You want: to use props
Try: Ivengar Yoga
Ivengar yoga uses a lot of yoga props, such as blocks, harnesses, straps, and cushions. It’s a great way to support your poses and focus on correct alignment.
You want: to heal and repair
Try: Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is the most gentle and nurturing form of yoga, aimed as the name suggests, on restoring the mind and body. Expect to hold the poses for a long time and allow your mind to go into a deeply relaxed state whilst doing it. This kind of yoga is highly therapeutic, both physically and mentally.
You want: pregnancy support
Try: Prenatal Yoga
Prenatal yoga is an incredible form of exercise for expecting mothers. With a focus around breathing and core work to specifically help pregnant bodies and preparing women for childbirth, it’s also the perfect place to connect with other soon-to-be mums.
You want: to try something new
Try: Aerial Yoga
Aerial yoga leaves the normal constraints of gravity at the classroom door, letting you achieve a new kind of access to your body as you use a hammock like sling to support your weight. You are literally suspended in the air. It is especially beneficial for improving your posture and stability, due to its focus on the core.
You want: lots of fun!
Try: Acro Yoga
Acro yoga is done with a partner and is basically a fun combination of yoga and acrobatics. There will be lots of laughs but it can also offer some really challenging poses that require real teamwork with your partner, making it great for connecting with new friends or loved ones.