Best Yoga for Beginners

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Yoga- we hear the word and we get an image in our mind.  How do you know which is the best yoga for beginners? There are countless styles of yoga, different speeds, focuses, intensities.

What is the best yoga for beginners for you? Take my quiz and find out!

How to find the Best Yoga for Beginners

Let’s break down a few of these styles so that you can make the best yoga for beginners:

Ashtanga Yoga

This is my jam.  I got my 200 hour teacher training certification in Ashtanga Yoga and I love it! Ashtanga is a style of Hatha yoga that originated in India with K. Pattabi Jois.  It is know for a repetitive sequence (same every time), adjustments from the teacher, and intensity.  Great for Type A Personalities- like me! Check out my program Ashtanga for Dummies!

Ashtanga was one of the first styles that became popular in the west because of its physically challenging nature.  Vinyasa makes the style demanding, linking the poses together in a flow.  Vinyasa means “breath with movement.”  It also focuses on Ujjayi breath, Bandhas, and Drishti (focus).

I would suggest finding a teacher that can help you modify poses in the Ashtanga sequence.  It is demanding on hip structure, something that we don’t typically have in the west due to our insistence to sit on chairs.  Here is an example of how you could modify Suyra Namaskara A and B, two important sequences in Ashtanga. Maybe you will find that Ashtanga with me is the best yoga for beginners.

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga is a style of Hatha yoga created by BKS Iyengar from India.  It is know for his attention to alignment, great for Perfectionists! Iyengar made his style adaptable for all bodies through holding poses and using props(paid link).

Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga is a therapeutic form of passive stretching where props (paid link) are used to support the body and help stretch without engaging muscles. This is all about learning how to surrender and let go.  Restorative yoga will restore energy while in deep relaxation.  You will increase flexibility, reduce stress, and boost the immune system.

Yin Yoga

Yin Yoga targets the fascia, ligaments, joints, and bones.  It is slower and meditative so that you can tune into your mind and the physical sensations in the body.  When we stretch and hold poses, we open up blockage so that energy flows freely.  Yin Yoga will lengthen the connective tissues, increase flexibility, boost circulation, and reduce stress.

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa yoga is a connection of yoga poses together- each pose gets a breath.  Vinyasa classes are fluid and movement intensive.  The poses smoothly transition from one to the other with breath the connection between it all.  Vinyasa classes often use music to keep things lively.  You will never find two classes the same, unlike Asthanga.  If you hate routine and love to test your physical limits, Vinyasa yoga is your jam.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is like gateway yoga- a basic introduction to yoga poses.  Nearly every type of yoga in the West has its roots in Hatha yoga.  You will find a Hatha yoga class gentle and leave feeling longer, looser, and more relaxed.

Strala Yoga

Strala yoga combines movement and healing wisdom from tai chi to help people release stress and move easily through challenges. Strala Yoga is founded by Tara Stiles, a classical ballet dancer (also my jam!) and she draws on mind-body medicine and Eastern movement and healing.

Ready to start with yoga?  How do you survive on a yoga mat?? Ready to find the best yoga for Beginners? Get my Top 10 Tips for Yoga Newbies!