Yoga styles
Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Ashtanga and beyond—explained by pace, structure, emphasis and what a class tends to feel like in practice.
Slow to moderate · Adaptable
Viniyoga is an adaptive approach strongly associated with the teachings of T.K.V. A practical guide to what the class feels like, who it may suit and…
Slow to moderate · Gentle to moderate
Kripalu Yoga is an approach associated with the Kripalu Center in Massachusetts and places strong emphasis on present-moment awareness, compassionate self-observation and adapting practice to the…
Slow to moderate · Moderate
Sivananda Yoga is a traditional school founded by Swami Vishnudevananda and based on the teachings of Swami Sivananda. A practical guide to what the class feels…
Moderate to vigorous · Moderate to vigorous
Jivamukti Yoga is a modern method founded by Sharon Gannon and David Life. A practical guide to what the class feels like, who it may suit…
Fast · Vigorous
Rocket Yoga is a dynamic system created by Larry Schultz from poses and sequencing influenced by the Ashtanga series. A practical guide to what the class…
Moderate to fast · Vigorous
Power Yoga is a broad label for vigorous, fitness-forward yoga rather than a single standardised sequence. A practical guide to what the class feels like, who…
Mixed · Mixed
Kundalini Yoga classes typically combine repeated movements, breath practices, meditation, mantra and relaxation. A practical guide to what the class feels like, who it may suit…
Varies · Usually moderate to vigorous
Hot Yoga describes the environment more than one universal method: the class takes place in a heated room. A practical guide to what the class feels…
Very slow · Very low
Restorative Yoga uses props to support the body in comfortable positions that can be held with minimal muscular effort. A practical guide to what the class…
Slow and precise · Varies
Iyengar Yoga is the method developed by B.K.S. A practical guide to what the class feels like, who it may suit and what the label does…
Steady and disciplined · Vigorous
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a set-sequence practice associated with the Mysore tradition of K. A practical guide to what the class feels like, who it may…
Very slow · Low muscular effort; sensations can still be strong
Yin Yoga is a slow practice built around mostly passive, floor-based positions held for longer periods. A practical guide to what the class feels like, who…
Moderate to fast · Moderate to vigorous
Vinyasa is a broad modern style in which postures are linked together through transitions, often with movement coordinated to the breath. A practical guide to what…
Slow to moderate · Varies
In modern studio schedules, Hatha usually means a general posture-based class taught at a steadier pace than a typical Vinyasa class. A practical guide to what…