So, you’re willing to venture into the world of yoga, but are feeling a little overwhelmed with where to start? We totally get that it can be confusing to know what type of yoga is going to suit you, with so many different styles out there. Who even knew there were different styles—and now you know there are, there are too many to recall. That’s where we come in—we’ve got you covered from A-Z with the different types of yoga to suit your personality.
You’re basically bouncing off walls
So, you’re the one who’s bouncing into the office on a Monday and feeling like you could run a marathon by Friday. Props to you, the rest of us are envious. When you’ve got a little more energy than the norm, there’s no doubt you’re eager to get your sweat on. We recommend taking a hot yoga class—the heat will provide a great sweat whilst the yoga will help calm down your nervous system (sometimes it’s nice to be tired for bed). Try a few of our faves here.
You feel a deep connection to the universe
Ever get that feeling that there’s so much more out there than just you as a human and all of your problems that come with it? Want to feel a deeper connection to the universe? If this sounds like you, then we think you’ll love a kundalini class. Kundalini is known as ‘the yoga of awareness’, allowing us to awaken to our full potential and to be our true selves. What this looks like in a class is lots of meditation, breathing and mantras. Try a Kundalini at Golden Yogi in Takapuna.
You’re a bit of a perfectionist
Consider yourself a bit of a perfectionist huh? Always like to do things right and understand every little detail? Well have we found the perfect yoga for you—Iyengar. Iyengar yoga has an emphasis on detail, precision and alignment. It’s more of a workshop style yoga where you learn to perfect each posture, so there’s no need to stress out the perfectionism in you. Try the best Iyengar yoga on the shore with Stephanie Hall Yoga.
You’re always mellowed out
Are you considered the ‘chill’ friend in your group? Always a bit mellow, sitting back and relaxing? If so, you’re probably going to love a yoga to suit—we recommend yin, nidra or restorative. All three styles are a slower practise. Yin works on releasing the deep fascia tissue, holding postures for long periods. Whilst restorative holds poses using lots of props to support you, and nidra is a form of meditation where your body is guided by the teacher into a state of ultimate relaxation. Beware, potential to fall asleep is highly likely. Try these styles with our favourite yin and yoga nidra teacher Hannah Yoga and Soul.
You want to understand the traditional side of yoga
Want to know where yoga originated from and what its traditional, physical practise looked like? Look no further than Hatha Yoga. Hatha is the first yoga style that was created in India during the 1800s. Hatha is a bit more orderly than vinyasa flow, and you may hold a pose for longer whilst really connecting with your breath. It’s the perfect place to start in understanding the origins of yoga. Want to try the best Hatha studio? Check out newly opened Flourish Yoga in Takapuna.
You love a challenge
So you may not be always bouncing off walls, but you enjoy building strength and find yoga isn’t very ‘strengthening’ compared to lifting weights at the gym? Let us prove you wrong. Depending on the type of yoga—it can be very physically challenging. If you want to take your practise to the next level, try a vinyasa level two class or power vinyasa—there are variations in the names of these classes but all are guaranteed to put your physical limits to the test. We enjoy a challenging strength focused class at Studio Red or SALA.
Want to know your downward facing dog from your chaturanga? Check out Auckland's best yoga studios here.
Image credit: i yunmai