6th August 2026
4 different types of Yoga to try
Thinking about giving yoga a go, but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, you don’t need to be able to bend yourself into a human pretzel just yet!
With so many various types of yoga on offer, it’s easy to feel a little confused especially with the names. Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar… what do they all mean (and, more importantly, do)?
The good news is there’s no right or wrong choice. All are great ways to move your body and connect with your inner zen.
So, roll out your mat, take a deep breath and let’s explore some of the different kinds of yoga. Namaste right here.
What are the different styles of Yoga?
One of the questions we hear most often is: what are the different styles of yoga?
While most forms of yoga combine movement, breathing and mindfulness, each style has its own personality. Some classes are slow and calming, they can reduce stress and focus on breathing techniques, while others will have you working up a sweat and wondering why you ever thought touching your toes was a good idea.
Good news though, you don’t need to be super flexible to get started!
In fact, plenty of people start yoga because they want to become more flexible, not because they already know a series of poses and can already wrap themselves into a human knot.
Hatha Yoga
If you’re completely new to yoga, Hatha is one of the best types of yoga to try.
It is a lot slower than regular yoga, holds individual poses longer, and treats each posture as a separate event rather than a fast, continuous dance.
Think less “How on earth am I supposed to get my leg there?” and more “Ahh, I think I’ve got this now.”
Iyengar Yoga
If you like to take your time and get things just right, maybe even a perfectionist...
Iyengar Yoga could be just the thing.
This style focuses on getting each pose right and unlike fast-moving styles, poses are held much longer to build deep strength, often using props like blocks, straps or cushions to help you move safely and comfortably.
It’s ideal if you’re working on your posture, balance or technique or simply enjoy a slower, more detailed class.
And don’t worry, the props aren’t there because you can't do yoga without them. They’re there to help make yoga work for your body. Because sometimes a yoga block is exactly what you need between you and an unexpected wobble.
Strala Yoga
Looking for something a little different? Strala Yoga combines the movement and healing wisdom of tai chi with the practice forms of yoga, tai chi, qigong, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
So in essence, Strala Yoga encourages natural movement rather than focusing on achieving the “perfect” pose. Classes feel relaxed, flowing and welcoming, helping you move in a way that feels comfortable for your body.
If traditional yoga sounds a little intimidating, Strala is a great reminder that movement doesn’t have to be perfect to be beneficial. There’s no gold medal for getting your foot behind your head, after all.
Vinyasa Yoga
If you have bags of energy to burn, Vinyasa could become your new favourite.
In vinyasa yoga, each movement is synchronised with a breath. The breath is given priority, acting as an anchor as you move from one pose to the next.
No two classes are exactly the same, so there’s always something new to enjoy. Although your muscles might have a few things to say about it the next morning.
Many people try a few different forms of yoga before finding the one they enjoy most and that’s all part of the fun. You might even discover that your favourite pose is the one where you’re lying down. We won’t judge.
Ready to roll out your mat?
There’s no pressure to touch your toes, master tricky poses or have years of experience. Just turn up, give it a go and most importantly enjoy moving your body.
Who knows? Your first class could be the start of a brand-new fitness journey. And if you can’t touch your toes by the end of it, at least you’ll have something to work towards!
If you're looking to take your first stretch into yoga, look no further. At Brio, we offer yoga classes across Chester and Cheshire West at seven locations, with a variety of class styles and times to suit your schedule.
Can’t make it to class just yet? No worries! Roll out your mat, get warmed up and join our yoga instructor for a beginner yoga workout you can do from home!
sources -
https://yogamedicine.com/guide-types-yoga-styles/
https://www.verywellfit.com/what-is-hatha-yoga-3566884
https://www.verywellfit.com/introduction-to-vinyasa-flow-yoga-4143120
