With so many different types of yoga out there, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Take a look at some of the main yoga styles we offer here on EkhartYoga to help you choose, with the benefits of different yoga styles and suggested teachers and programs for each one.
Hatha
For an ‘all-round’ balanced yoga practice, a great place to start for beginners
Hatha Yoga provides the ‘blueprint’ for many other physical styles of yoga like Vinyasa, Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga. It’s usually slower-paced and classes are most likely to include asana (yoga poses), Pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation. Hatha classes are recommended for beginners for learning the foundations of yoga. The pace of Hatha also allows experienced students to explore the more subtle aspects of yoga.
- Try Hatha classes with: Esther Ekhart, Andrew Wrenn, Katy Appleton, Sandra Carson
- Get started with our Yoga for beginners course. Or try Andrew’s Simply Hatha program for a deeper immersion into this style.
- Learn more in What is Hatha Yoga?
Vinyasa flow
Helps build overall strength and flexibility
As the name suggests, in a Vinyasa flow class the yoga poses flow from one to another in synchrony with breath. You might see Vinyasa yoga described as simply ‘flow yoga’. It is one of the broadest styles of yoga as there is no standard sequence, and the style, pace and intensity will vary depending on the teacher. Vinyasa yoga can range from Ashtanga-inspired Power yoga to more creative and mindful flows. Classes can build up to a ‘peak pose’ (known as Vinyasa Krama) or they can be sequenced around particular yoga themes and concepts such as the chakras.
- Try it in class with Julie Martin, David Lurey, Anna Sugarman, Nichi Green, Tashi Dawa, and Laia Bové – amongst many others on EkhartYoga! You can filter Vinyasa yoga classes further by level, teacher, specific use and duration.
- Get started: Vinyasa Yoga for Beginners program
Yin Yoga
Improves flexibility and develops a deeper connection to stillness
If you’re comparing different types of yoga Yin Yoga is Vinyasa yoga’s polar opposite! It is a slow-paced, meditative form of yoga. A Yin yoga class all takes place sitting or lying on the mat rather than standing. Poses are held for around 3 to 5 minutes and work on the Yin tissues – the ligaments, joints, bones, and the deep fascia networks of the body – rather than the muscles. Yin Yoga poses target different meridians in the body and so can bring emotional as well as physical benefits.
However, although it’s slow, Yin Yoga is not necessarily the easy option. Staying with a pose while keeping the mind calm and steady can be especially challenging – but that is part of the practice!
- Enjoy Yin Yoga with José de Groot, Anat Geiger and Esther Ekhart
- Try our Just Yin Yoga program
- Browse all Yin classes
Ashtanga
Builds stamina and strengthens discipline
Ashtanga Yoga is a physically demanding, athletic yoga style. It is made up of six ‘series’ (Primary, Intermediate and four Advanced series), each of which has a fixed order of poses. Ashtanga yoga is traditionally taught Mysore-style (named after the city its founder taught from) which means students work their way through the sequence and are given their next pose by their teacher. In many studios (including online) the classes may be full or shortened versions of the series or they may focus on specific poses in a workshop style. Ashtanga yoga requires both mental and physical discipline so can help you establish a regular yoga practice.
- Practice with Joey Miles, Nichi Green, Tashi Dawa
- Get started: Ashtanga for beginners program
- All Ashtanga classes for EkhartYoga members
Yin Yang Yoga
For balancing energy, flexibility and strength
Yin Yang Yoga classes combine the two styles of Yin yoga with dynamic (Yang) sequences. While the Yin element targets the connective tissues, the dynamic section targets the Yang tissues (muscles and blood). The Yang part could be flowing sequences or longer held standing poses. Yang poses may have different names to similar poses practised in a Vinyasa class, for example in an Yin Yang yoga class you’ll hear Warrior 3 being called Flying Dragon. A Yin Yang class will often begin and end with Yin and have a Yang mid-section but any combination of the two is possible.
- Practice with José de Groot, Esther Ekhart, Anat Geiger
- Suggested program Yin Yang Yoga
- All Yin Yang Yoga classes
Iyengar
Improves alignment and postural issues
Iyengar yoga was founded by BKS Iyengar and has a strong focus on detail, precision and alignment in the yoga postures. The use of props such as straps, blocks, blankets and chairs is a major part of Iyengar Yoga. These props support the body in different postures so that you can work on a posture in a safe and effective way and adapt them to your body. In Iyengar classes poses are held for longer periods than in many other styles which improves focus and concentration.
- Practice Iyengar Yoga with Adela Serrano
- Get started: Iyengar for beginners program
Somatics
Combats neuromuscular pain, creates greater body awareness
The term Somatic means ‘embodied’ or ‘of the body’. Somatics is a therapeutic movement practice which uses small, slow and gentle movements to re-educate the brain so that it can relax and move the muscles more functionally. It’s wonderful for muscles which have become tight or restricted due to developmental reasons, habitual patterns, emotional stress, injuries or trauma. Other types of yoga draw in elements of Somatics for example with free movement explorations in a Vinyasa or Slow Flow class. Watch So what is Somatics? with Lisa Petersen.
- Practice with Lisa Petersen, Aki Omori
- Try Lisa’s Playlist: Free all your muscles from head to toe
- Browse all Somatics classes.
Slow flow
Gives space to the poses; meditation in motion
Slow Flow is a style of yoga that is a combination of Vinyasa flow and Hatha yoga, with fewer transitions between poses than Vinyasa and more flow than in a Hatha yoga class. Slow Flow yoga can help you find the space between poses while still retaining the gentle rhythm of a flow yoga class. In this way, you can experience the more meditative and calming effects of a Hatha class, whilst continuing to reap the benefits of improved strength and flexibility.
- Practice with Anat Geiger, Marlene Henny, David Kam
- All Slow flow classes
Budokon
Yoga meets Martial Arts, builds cardiovascular strength
Budokon yoga combines classical Hatha Yoga elements with influences from various Martial Arts systems, calisthenics, animal movements, and meditation. It’s a strong form of yoga and the fluid movements require strength, concentration, and co-ordination. Practicing Budokon Yoga regularly will help you to gain muscular strength, build up cardiovascular stamina and improve your joint mobility.
- Practice with Gilda Goharian
- All Budokon classes
Yoga Nidra
Enables transformation through a state of deep relaxation
Yoga Nidra – also known as “yogic sleep”- can be described as the conscious state between wakefulness and sleep, allowing deep relaxation and a sense of wellbeing. It’s a guided practice and great for anyone who finds it hard to switch off and relax (i.e. most people!) Benefits include better sleep, improved mood, reduced stress. Research has shown that Yoga Nidra can reduce chronic pain, depression, anxiety, insomnia and PTSD.
- Practice Yoga Nidra with James Reeves and Tracey Cooke
- Follow James’ Yoga Nidra – Effortless Awakening program
Scaravelli-inspired
Incorporates waves and spirals to encourage a slow and safe release of tension
Named after Vanda Scaravelli who was introduced to yoga through BKS Iyengar, this style helps us to become more centred and grounded by creating a strong connection to our feet. With its emphasis on surrendering to gravity and listening to the breath, the body’s natural responses can initiate a wave-like release in the spine and a deep felt-sense of freedom in the body.
- Practice with Helen Noakes
- Browse all Scaravelli-inspired classes
Therapeutic Yoga
Tackles and supports health issues
Yoga therapy brings together traditional techniques and practices with modern day research and science. Our therapeutic yoga classes help with specific health challenges, be they mental, physical or emotional. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, insomnia, back pain, tension in your neck and shoulders, mood swings, muscle stiffness, digestion issues (to name but a few), we have classes to support you on EkhartYoga.
- Practice Therapeutic yoga classes with: Irina Verwer, Veronique Gauthier, Lyn Core, Sandra Carson.
Anusara
Teaches you to ‘flow with grace’
Anusara meaning ‘flowing with grace’ is based on the philosophy that life is a gift that we are invited to remember and celebrate in our practice. Anusara uses the universal principles of alignment – guidelines on how to align your body, heart and mind in a way that provides both integration and safe opening. Teachers will generally not ‘fix’ student’s poses, but instead, instruct the proper usage of the principles of alignment and allow each individual to develop their own.
- Practice with Sandra Carson
- Get started: Anusara for beginners program
- All Anusara Yoga classes
Kundalini-inspired
Moves the energy in the body
Kundalini yoga focuses on awakening Kundalini energy – life energy said to be located in the base of the spine – and includes asana, Pranayama, meditation and mantra chanting. Kundalini- inspired classes often have a focus on balancing and strengthening the seven main chakras located along the spine, through which the Kundalini energy rises, as well as addressing specific conditions such as built-up stress.
- Practice with: Marlene Smits
- All Kundalini Yoga-inspired classes
Mixed movement and Pilates
Supports sustainable and healthy movement both on and off the mat
Mixed movement classes feature exercises from other movement practices including Pilates, Qigong, animal movements, dance, and strength and conditioning exercises to support healthy and safe movement both on your yoga mat and in your daily life. Mixed movement is often combined with styles like Vinyasa or Hatha yoga.
- Practice with: David Kam, Julie Martin, Anna Levin , Ruth Larkin
- All Mixed movement classes
- All Pilates classes
Core Strength Vinyasa
Accesses your physical and energetic “core”
Core Strength Vinyasa classes are active and strengthening. They include specific poses and sequences designed to help you access and understand your core which improves alignment and stability as well as connecting the mind and body. We often think of the core as just ‘abs’ but it’s more accurate to think of our ‘core’ like an apple core, running from the top of our head to the inner arches of your feet. With a strong core you improve almost every yoga pose and the whole practice of yoga becomes much easier and safer.
- Practice with: Marlene Henny, Julie Martin, Tashi Dawa
- All Core Strength Vinyasa classes
Restorative Yoga
Aids rejuvenation and renewal
Restorative yoga classes are usually very relaxing and slow paced – expect dimmed lights and lots of blankets and bolsters! The main philosophy of Restorative yoga is that by relaxing in poses, with the aid of props, without strain or pain, we can achieve physical, mental and emotional relaxation. During a Restorative yoga sequence, you still stretch, but you relax fully in the stretch so that tension can slowly be released.
- Practice with James Reeves, Irina Verwer, Esther Ekhart
- All Restorative yoga classes
AcroYoga
Cultivates trust and connection
AcroYoga combines yoga, acrobatics and Thai yoga massage into a fun, playful and therapeutic form of partner yoga. The (Solar) acrobatic practices, such as lifting and supporting your partner, are powerful, technical and playful. The (Lunar) Thai massage elements are healing and cultivate listening, loving and letting go.
- Practice with Dieke Bikker and Esther Hertog
- All AcroYoga classes
Yamuna Body Rolling
Self-massage with a ball, instant tension-reliever
Yamuna body rolling elongates the muscle, stimulates tendons and frees up joints. Working with the ball reveals how tightness in certain muscles restricts movements in the joints. One of the best things about Yamuna body rolling is that the effects are instant – it realigns you, bringing all of your body parts back to where they are supposed to be. The perfect complement to yoga, sports or a workout session.
- Practice with Nichi Green
- All Yamuna classes
