Beginner’s Guide to Different Types of Yoga
As you probably know, yoga is about more than fitness. The ancient Indian practice encompasses a whole philosophy that blends physical, spiritual and mental health.
There are many modern versions of yoga, with classes in various styles available everywhere – including online! If you’re just starting out, knowing which one to try can seem confusing and even daunting. Here we break down the differnt types of yoga to get you started on your yoga journey...
Your Perfect Match
Like skincare and good therapy, getting the most out of yoga is all about finding the right match for you. Maybe you’re looking to improve your flexibility, or you might want to sweat your heart out. Perhaps you just want to relax and de-stress.
To help you figure out which style of yoga is your perfect match, here’s the lowdown on our four favourite types of yoga with tips on what to wear for each one so you can ensure your activewear is well-matched to the style, too.
Vinyasa
Also known as ‘Flow’, Vinyasa is a very popular, dynamic form of yoga. Breath and movement are synchronised as poses flow one to the next. Within the Vinyasa style, there are subtypes such as Ashtanga, White Lotus and Power Yoga and classes can vary in intensity.
For you if: you want a dynamic workout without close focus on the details of each posture. Look for a ‘slow vinyasa’ class to help acquaint you with the asanas (poses) if you’re new to the practice. You can check out our at home Vinyasa Flows here.
What to wear: At the risk of stating the obvious, yogawear should always be comfortable. Vinyasa yoga will have you bending, twisting and reaching in quick succession, so you’ll want something that won’t slip or move! This is one of the reasons we designed our bamboo yoga top, the Conquer Cami. Breathable and supportive, it’s been designed in a longer, fitted length so it doesn’t ride up plus it’s hidden built in bra means it stays put whatever pose you are in. Pair it with our buttery soft, 100% opaque Flow With It Leggings and you’re all set for life on the mat.
Yin
With origins in the Taoist tradition, Yin is a slower-paced style that incorporates meditation. Postures are held for minutes rather than seconds, increasing blood flow to the joints and improving flexibility. The practice is passive - making use of props and gravity - and more relaxed than some other styles. It’s thought to be great for recovery and restoration.
For you if: you prefer stillness, are looking for relaxation and meditation or want a deep stretch and recovery after a tough workout.
What to wear: Some prefer looser clothing to aid the feeling of freeness and comfiness. We love to wear our Long Harem Pants with a comfy Long Sleeve Batwing Top. As this yoga style is slower-moving, it won’t get you as warm as some others, so we prefer wearing longer-sleeves and cosier pieces from our ethical activewear collection.
Bikram
Named after founder Bikram Choudhury, this style uses 26 postures which are performed twice in a hot and humid room. The resulting workout is intense and sweaty, designed to aid the body in expelling toxins. Since controversy surrounding Choudhury emerged in the 2010s, many prefer to disassociate from the Bikram name in favour of Hot Yoga.
For you if: you love to sweat. Try Fierce Grace for an alternative to Bikram if you want to keep the heat turned up.
What to wear: For obvious reasons, it’s best to dress light for hot yoga. Made from eco-friendly bamboo, not only are our sustainable yoga clothes breathable but they’re antibacterial and sweat wicking to keep you clean and cool so you leave class feeling dry and fresh. Our Balance Bra Top and Move It Leggings make the perfect combo when things get a little hot and sweaty.
Kundalini
Kundalini practice is based on the principle that energy is trapped at the base of our spines. This style combines breath exercises, fast-moving postures and chanting and meditation to release the energy through each of the seven chakras.
For you if: you want spirituality from your yoga, but you also want to keep moving.
What to wear: As always, comfort is key. For kundalini, we reach for our uber comfortable and flattering Go To Vest and our super soft Divine Pants that feel like pjs but look tapered, flattering and stylish. All of our ethical activewear is as sustainable as possible. We think that knowing your yoga clothes are gentle on both people and planet will help you feel all the more wonderful as you work out, whatever yoga style you choose. You can browse our range - created with yoga and Pilates in mind - here.
All of our ethical activewear is as sustainable as possible. We think that knowing your yoga clothes are gentle on both people and planet will help you feel all the more wonderful as you work out, whatever yoga style you choose. You can browse our range - created with yoga and Pilates in mind - here.