Discover yoga styles

There is not just one yoga, there is one for you

When someone tells me “I want to start yoga, but I don’t know where to start.”, I always answer the same: “It depends on what you’re looking for.”
Because one of the beauties of yoga There's no single way to practice it, and there are different styles of yoga, and their benefits vary. There are more physical styles, gentler styles, more meditative styles, more dynamic styles, more energetic styles... and they're all yoga.

Sometimes we think of yoga as just the challenging postures or quick sequences we see on social media, but that's just a small part of it. Each style offers a different path to connecting with you. Discover yoga styles based on your current state, your energy, your body, and your emotional needs.

Maybe you're looking to regain flexibility, relieve anxiety, strengthen your body, release tension, or simply give yourself a space each week to breathe. Whatever your reason, There is a style of yoga that can accompany you.

In this article, I'll tell you about the main styles of yoga you can find, explaining their characteristics, their energy, and what kind of benefits they offer. Not so you can choose "the best," but so you can discover which one resonates with you.

Because in yoga, there are no hierarchies or points for effort. There's only one practice that, when it feels like yours, begins to transform your way of being—body, mind... and life.

Hatha yoga: the balanced foundation

If yoga were a house, Hatha would be the firm ground on which many of the other styles are builtIt is one of the oldest and most comprehensive systems, and at the same time one of the most accessible, both for beginners and for those seeking in-depth practice without having to move quickly.

The word “hatha” It comes from Sanskrit and unites two opposing but complementary energies:

• "Ha" = sun, active energy
• “Tha” = moon, passive energy

So Hatha yoga seeks just that: the balance between strength and softness, effort and rest, body and mind.

What does a Hatha yoga class consist of?

• The postures (asanas) are held for several breathing cycles, allowing for a deeper connection with each form.
• Alignment, stability and concentration are worked on in each posture.
• Breathing techniques (pranayama) are integrated and often a brief meditation or relaxation at the end.
• The rhythm is more leisurely, allowing you to feel and adjust without rushing.

Main benefits:

• Improves flexibility and strength progressively
• Helps calm the mind and reduce stress
• Increases body awareness and posture
• It is ideal for beginners or those returning after a period of inactivity.
• Create a solid foundation if you want to explore other, more dynamic styles later.

Who is it for?

For you if…

• You want to get off to a good start with yoga.
• You prefer a slower but no less deep rhythm
• You are interested in connecting with your body without exhausting yourself.
• You are looking for a balanced practice with a comprehensive approach

Vinyasa yoga: fluidity and dynamism in movement

If Hatha is the yoga of conscious pause, Vinyasa is the yoga of conscious flow. In this style, postures are linked in dynamic sequences guided by breath, creating a fluid, creative, and lively practice.

The word “vinyasa” In Sanskrit it means “to consciously place,” which reflects the essence of this practice: Each movement has a purpose and is coordinated with an inhalation or exhalation.

What does a Vinyasa yoga class consist of?

• The sequences vary from class to class, so there is no fixed structure (unlike Ashtanga).
• The pace can be gentle or intense, depending on the teacher's approach.
• Breathing is the guide: Each transition is made in time with the inhalation or exhalation.
• It usually includes sun salutations, fluid transitions, and a final relaxation.

A Vinyasa class can feel like a kind of moving meditation: the body is activated, the mind is focused and energy is released.

Main benefits:

• Improves endurance and coordination
• Increases strength, mobility and flexibility
• Develops breathing awareness and mindfulness
• Helps release physical and emotional tension
• It can be adapted to different levels and intensities

Who is it for?

For you if…

• You like to move and sweat, but also connect with your breathing.
• You are looking for a creative, fluid and energetic practice
• You have some previous experience or are curious to explore.
• It helps you more to “do to calm down” than to stay still from the beginning

Ashtanga yoga: discipline, structure, and transformation

Ashtanga yoga is a style intense, structured and deeply transformative, both physically and mentally. Created and systematized by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, it is based on a fixed series of postures which are always practiced in the same order, linked by breath and movement (vinyasa).

The word Ashtanga It literally means "eight limbs," referring to the path of yoga described by Patanjali: a complete system that encompasses everything from personal ethics and discipline to meditation and spiritual realization. But here we'll focus on Ashtanga as a style of physical practice.

What does an Ashtanga yoga class consist of?

• A practice is carried out established sequence, starting with the First Series (Yoga Chikitsa, or “therapeutic yoga”).
• Each posture is held for five breaths and connects to the next through a transition (vinyasa).
• We work with the ujjayi breathing, the bandhas (energy closures) and the drishti (visual focus point).
• It can be practiced in a group, with verbal guidance, or in a format Mysore, where each person practices at their own pace and the teacher assists individually.

It is a demanding practice, both physically and mentally, but very powerful in terms of self-knowledge, discipline and personal evolution.

Main benefits:

• Improves strength, flexibility and endurance
• Helps develop a solid personal practice
• Stimulates concentration and self-discipline
• Create a deep connection with breathing
• Establish a long-term transformative routine

Who is it for?

For you if…

• You like challenges and you are persistent.
• You are looking for a structured practice, with clear progression
• You are interested in building a personal practice, beyond directed classes
• You are ready for a practice that requires commitment and attention.

Yin yoga: deep stillness for body and mind

In a fast-paced world, Yin yoga is an invitation to stop, to let go and simply beThis style focuses on stillness, listening, and deep work on connective tissue—such as ligaments, fascia, and joints—through passive postures held for several minutes.

Unlike more dynamic styles such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga, where energy is mobilized yang (active), Yin works from the opposite: the soft, the receptive, the inner.

What does a Yin yoga class consist of?

• Postures are practiced on the floor, held for 3 to 7 minutes, without muscular effort.
• Wanted reach deep tissue through gravity and delivery.
• The focus is on observe what arises while holding the posture: sensations, emotions, thoughts.
• It is often supported with items such as cushions, blankets or blocks to facilitate complete rest.

It is a deeply meditative practice, in which The body opens little by little and the mind learns to be with what is, without running away or wanting to change it.

Main benefits:

• Improves joint mobility and passive flexibility
• Stimulates the parasympathetic system (deep relaxation)
• Helps release accumulated physical and emotional tension
• Develop patience, introspection and the ability to be in the present
• It is excellent for balancing more active practices or for moments of fatigue.

Who is it for?

For you if…

• You need to stop, let go and connect with yourself from another place
• You want a more meditative practice than a physical one.
• You are going through moments of stress, anxiety or chronic fatigue
• You are interested in taking care of your joints and working from the fascia

Restorative yoga: the art of letting go and regenerating

Restorative yoga is gentle medicine for a world that demands too much.
More than a physical practice, it's an act of deep self-care. Here, the goal isn't to stretch or strengthen, but truly rest, at such a deep level that the body can regenerate and the nervous system can reset.

It is sometimes confused with Yin yoga, but although they share stillness and the use of passive postures, Restorative goes even further in terms of complete rest and supportIn each posture, the body is fully supported by props so there is no muscle tension.

What does a Restorative yoga class consist of?

• Blankets, blocks, bolsters, belts and other elements are used to create a feeling of total containment.
• The postures are held between 5 and 20 minutes, in complete immobility.
• It is breathed naturally, sometimes accompanied by guided relaxation techniques or meditation.
• The practice is carried out almost exclusively on the floor, in a completely calm environment (dim lighting, silence, soft music, etc.).

It is ideal for moments of physical, emotional or mental exhaustion, when all we really need is be supported.

Main benefits:

• Deeply relaxes the nervous system
• Improves sleep quality and rest capacity
• Helps with anxiety, grief, or chronic stress
• Soothes muscular and emotional tensions
• Activates the body's natural ability to regenerate

Who is it for?

For you if…

• You find it hard to rest even when you have time
• You are in times of stress, illness or recovery
• You want a safe and loving space to let go of control
• You are looking for a restorative yoga practice in the most literal sense

Iyengar Yoga: Precision, Alignment, and Body Awareness

Iyengar yoga is the art of precision.
Created by BKS Iyengar, this style is based on a deep understanding of the body's alignment in each posture, combining technical rigor with close attention to detail that transforms the form into an experience of pure awareness.

At first glance, it may seem like a “serious” or even strict style, but it is actually a powerful way to develop strength, stability and body sensitivity, ideal for both new and advanced practitioners who want to refine their practice.

What does an Iyengar yoga class consist of?

• Poses are held for longer than in dynamic styles, allowing adjust them precisely and deepen the alignment.
• Numerous are used support elements (blocks, straps, chairs, blankets, walls) to adapt each posture to the anatomy and condition of each person.
• The approach is methodical and pedagogical: it teaches as do, so that, and what to avoid.
• Although the practice can be demanding, it is well-suited to people with injuries or specific needs thanks to its therapeutic approach.

Main benefits:

• Improves postural alignment and body awareness
• Strengthens and stabilizes without the need for a fast pace
• Helps prevent and rehabilitate injuries
• Develop mental focus, patience and discipline
• Allows you to deepen your understanding of each position

Who is it for?

For you if…

• You are detail-oriented and enjoy understanding the “why” of each movement.
• You want to prevent or work with injuries safely
• You are looking for a demanding but leisurely practice
• You are interested in developing a solid and deep foundation in technique

Kundalini Yoga: Energy, Breathing, and Inner Awakening

Kundalini yoga is a vibrant, energetic and deeply transformative practice.
It is often referred to as the yoga of consciousness, because its focus goes beyond the physical body: it seeks to awaken the energetic and spiritual potential that we all carry within, through breathing, sound, movement and meditation.

The word kundalini refers to a latent energy that, according to tradition, resides at the base of the spine. This practice aims to activate that energy and elevate it through the body's energy centers (chakras), generating an expansion of consciousness.

What does a Kundalini yoga class consist of?

• They work kriyas, which are specific series of physical, respiratory and vocal exercises with a specific purpose (for example, releasing fear, balancing the nervous system or strengthening the heart).
• Breathing is central, especially techniques such as kapalabhati (breath of fire) or anuloma viloma (alternate breathing).
• Included mantras, mudras and meditations with eyes closed and internal focus.
• The class is usually energetically intense, but physically accessible, as it is not based on complex postures.

Main benefits:

• Stimulates and balances the nervous and endocrine systems
• Increases vitality and mental clarity
• Releases emotional and energetic blockages
• Enhances intuition and inner focus
• Strengthens the immune system and improves mood

Who is it for?

For you if…

• You are interested in working beyond the physical body
• You feel attracted to spiritual or energetic practices
• Do you want to unlock emotions or reconnect with your intuition?
• Are you looking for an intense but different practice from traditional physical training?

Power yoga: strength, endurance, and vitality

Power yoga is vigor, presence and determination.
Originally inspired by Ashtanga yoga, this style was adapted in the 1990s to offer a more free, physical, and accessible practice, without losing the intensity or connection to breath. The result is a class active, challenging and energizing, perfect for those who want to move, sweat and feel more alive than ever.

It doesn't follow a fixed sequence, like Ashtanga, but maintains its dynamic spirit. Power yoga classes often vary depending on the teacher or school, but they all have in common a strong focus on conscious physical work and in strengthening the body.

What does a Power Yoga class consist of?

• Standing postures, balances, fluid transitions and demanding sequences are combined.
• We work intensively on the muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance and concentration.
• Conscious breathing (usually ujjayi) accompanies every movement.
• There are usually very few breaks: the goal is keep the body active and the mind focused.

Although the pace is high, full attention is not lost: It is a strong practice, but with intention.

Main benefits:

• Improves strength, balance and endurance
• Stimulates metabolism and provides energy
• Helps release accumulated physical tension
• Strengthens mental focus and discipline
• Ideal for those looking for a complete workout with awareness

Who is it for?

For you if…

• You like a demanding and rhythmic practice
• You want to work body and mind at the same time
• You are looking for a conscious alternative to other forms of intense exercise
• You are in good physical health and enjoy a challenge.

Yoga Nidra: Guided Meditation for Conscious Rest

Yoga nidra, also known as “yogic sleep”, is not a physical practice but a guided meditation in a state of deep relaxation, which takes you to that space between sleep and wakefulness, where the body rests deeply but the mind remains conscious.

Through this technique, the parasympathetic system (the system of calm and restoration) is activated, allowing you to release deep tensions—physical, emotional, and mental—and access very subtle levels of perception. It's not about falling asleep, although that can happen, but about to rest in a state of effortless attention.

What does a Yoga nidra session consist of?

• It is performed lying on your back in savasana, in complete stillness.
• A guide leads the practice with his voice, taking you through different phases:
  • Body scan (consciousness rotation)
  • Attention to breathing
  • Symbolic or archetypal visualizations
  • Sankalpa (positive intention)
• There is no movement or effort: only receptivity.
• The practice usually lasts between 20 and 45 minutes.

Although the body does not move, the experience can be deeply restorative, revealing and therapeutic.

Main benefits:

• Regenerates the nervous system and improves sleep
• Reduces anxiety, stress and chronic fatigue
• Strengthens the ability to concentrate and focus
• It allows you to work at a subconscious level with intention (sankalpa)
• It brings a deep sense of peace and inner connection

Who is it for?

For you if…

• You are looking for real rest, not just “disconnection”
• You want to work your mind from a safe and guided space
• You suffer from insomnia, anxiety or chronic fatigue
• You are interested in meditating, but you find it difficult to do it in silence or sitting down.

How to choose your style: according to your physical, emotional and vital needs

After learning about the different styles of yoga, it's natural to wonder:
So now, which one do I choose? Which one is “best” for me?
The answer is simple and complex at the same time: The best style of yoga is the one that supports you in the moment you are living.

Your needs may vary depending on the day, the stage of life, or even your emotional or energetic state. Therefore, there is no single ideal practice, but many possible ones depending on what you need to cultivate, release, or awaken.

All roads lead to you

After exploring so many styles of yoga—so diverse in form, rhythm, energy, and intention—you might think you have to choose "the right one." But here's the most beautiful secret: all roads lead to you.

It doesn't matter if your practice is intense or gentle, if you move or stay still, if you repeat a series every day or just let yourself flow with what you feel. As long as you are present, as long as you listen to your body and your breath honestly, you are already practicing yoga.

Yoga is not a label or a way of moving. It is a way of inhabit you, to return to you again and again, with more awareness, more calm and more truth.

So explore, change, combine, listen. And above all, Remember that practice is not about getting into a perfect posture, but about finding yourself on the path..