Although yoga has been proven to help with pain relief, balance, strength, and much more, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Let’s face it, not everyone feels that instant bliss the first (or the first dozen) times they hit the mat. For some, holding a tree pose for 10 seconds is harder than running 10 miles. So, if you think having a yoga instructor tell you to “image the color of your breath entering and leaving your body” is the worst way to spend an hour, you are not alone. But, it could just mean you have not found the right yoga for you and your lifestyle.
There are dozens of types of yoga, and new versions are popping up all the time. Here is a list of some yoga options that might be a good addition to your daily workout or an activity to do instead of your after-work TV binge.
If you love classes that keep you moving: HIIT yoga
HIIT yoga is exactly what you think it is: yoga combined with high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This type of yoga will spike your heart rate with cardio circuits and lower it with slower movements and stretches to release tension and stress from your body.
HIIT yoga is best for people who enjoy fast-paced and high-energy workouts. It is a great bridge to start adding mindful and calmer movements into your daily routine and who knows, maybe this will spark a new love for other kinds of yoga!
If you measure your workout by how much you sweat: hot yoga
Hot yoga has picked up in popularity over the past few years because it is like yoga… but you sweat like you are doing a HIIT workout.
Hot yoga can consist of stretching and balance movements and poses that target major muscle groups. Hot yoga can help with flexibility and can burn calories at a faster rate than in a standard yoga class.
For people who like to see their fitness progress through intense workouts that leave you sweating buckets, this might be the right yoga class for you!
If you’re a solo gym kind of person: remote yoga
We know, this isn’t really a particular “type.” Let’s face it, yoga studios can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Everyone else seems to know exactly what they are doing and can do every pose and stretch perfectly, while you are just barely able to stand on one leg longer than 5 seconds without toppling over.
For people who have yet to find a type of yoga that they enjoy, try testing out some yoga classes you can do at home. There are hundreds of free yoga classes online and this gives you a chance to search through different yoga styles to find one you like.
Or…Try it all
Yoga is not one size fits all; you have to research and try out different types of classes to find one you enjoy. For those who are hesitant about yoga because they think it is boring or too “earthy-crunchy”, do some research and push yourself out of your comfort zone to find a yoga class that excites you.
It can sometimes feel like life is moving too fast and it can be hard to decompress and take a break. Yoga is a great way to check in with your body and your mind and with the countless yoga styles available, you are bound to find something that is perfect for you.