What Style of Yoga is Right for You?

Is getting in shape one of your New Year’s resolutions? What about being more mindful? Having more fun, challenging yourself, or trying something new? Sounds like yoga is what you’re after!

Choose your own yoga

Think of yoga as a “choose your own adventure” book. Long gone are the days when yoga classes were generic. These days, there’s something for everyone!

If you want a challenge

Try: A 30-day yoga challenge or Yoga Teacher Training

What can be more challenging than yoga? Yoga every day for an entire month, of course! 30-day challenges are a fun way to see what your body is capable of. Try it with a friend for motivation. Alternatively, if you’ve been doing yoga for years and love it, why not further your practice and challenge yourself by learning to be a yoga instructor?

If you want to be more mindful

Try: Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, or Meditation

Reduce stress and find balance by making use of yoga’s amazing mind-body connection.

If you want to have fun

Try: Laughter Yoga or Partner Yoga

These yoga styles will have you ROFL (rolling on the floor laughing, in internet-speak), but they’re also great for boosting mood and lightening your spirits. 

If you want to try something new

Try: A yoga trend

Stand-up paddleboard yoga, yoga retreats, outdoor yoga, or even suspension yoga may be for you if you’re looking for something totally out of the box. Do a quick online search to see what’s offered in your area, or ask your yoga instructor or school what they recommend.

If you want to lose weight

Try: Hot Yoga, Ashtanga, or Vinyasa

Each of these three styles are widely available at yoga studios and are commonly thought of as the most physically demanding styles of yoga—which, of course, means more calories burned. If you’re just starting out with exercise, check with your health care practitioner first.

If you want to improve your running

Try: Yoga poses for runners

Yoga can help with running so much that many yoga classes and programs exist specifically for runners!

If you want to spend more time with family

Try: Family Yoga

Learn how yoga can help reduce stress in children and try out some poses that the whole family will enjoy.

Different styles of yoga may also help with specific health conditions—under the guidance of your health care practitioner, of course. Discover yoga’s healing properties in our article “There’s a Yoga for That.”