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Find Your Flow: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Yoga Style

Saying you're not flexible enough is like saying you're too dirty to take a bath!


Yoga has evolved over thousands of years, and today there are numerous styles, each with its unique approach, intensity, and benefits. Whether you're looking for a relaxing, meditative practice or a high-energy workout, there’s a type of yoga for everyone. The challenge? Knowing which one is right for you!


Let’s explore some of the most popular yoga styles, their benefits, and how to choose the one that best fits your needs. Plus, I’ll share some free online resources and YouTube channels where you can try each style.




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1. **Hatha Yoga: Gentle & Foundational**


**What it is**: Hatha yoga is perfect for beginners. It focuses on basic postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) with a slower pace, making it a great introduction to the world of yoga. It emphasizes alignment, flexibility, and gentle stretching.


**Best for**: Newcomers, those looking to improve flexibility and balance, and anyone seeking a slow, gentle practice.


**Try it**:

- [Adriene’s Beginner Hatha Yoga on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene)

- [DoYogaWithMe Hatha Classes](https://www.doyogawithme.com/yoga-classes?field_class_styles_tid=10)


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2. **Vinyasa Yoga: Flow with Your Breath**


**What it is**: Vinyasa yoga is dynamic and fluid, focusing on connecting breath with movement. Each pose flows smoothly into the next, making it a more fast-paced practice. It’s great for building strength and endurance, while also challenging your flexibility.


**Best for**: Those who like a faster-paced practice or athletes looking to incorporate mindful movement.


**Try it**:

- [Yoga with Kassandra - Vinyasa Flows](https://www.youtube.com/c/YogaWithKassandra)

- [Yoga with Tim - Vinyasa Yoga for Strength](https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithtim)


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3. **Ashtanga Yoga: Structure and Discipline**


**What it is**: Ashtanga yoga is a rigorous, physically demanding style that follows a set sequence of postures. It’s often seen as the original vinyasa practice but is much more structured. Ashtanga builds strength, stamina, and discipline over time.


**Best for**: Those who enjoy routine, discipline, and are looking for a physically intense practice.


**Try it**:

- [David Robson’s Ashtanga Yoga on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpx-YhN8HdKahokSZ_AAnmA)

- [Ashtanga Yoga Beginner Classes](https://www.doyogawithme.com/yoga-classes?field_class_styles_tid=12)


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4. **Yin Yoga: Slow and Deep Stretching**


**What it is**: Yin yoga is a deeply meditative practice that focuses on long-held, passive poses. Postures are held for 3-5 minutes, targeting deep connective tissues and fascia. Yin yoga is great for improving flexibility, joint health, and encouraging deep relaxation.


**Best for**: Those who want to relax, increase flexibility, or complement more vigorous styles like Vinyasa or Ashtanga.


**Try it**:

- [Yoga with Kassandra - Yin Yoga](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW0v0k7UCVrnCp0HzMNuvxTA4n5D54cnm)

- [Yin Yoga with Travis Eliot](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkQwyDpfDOOcx4n92PpjT2A)


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5. **Kundalini Yoga: Energize and Awaken**


**What it is**: Kundalini yoga blends postures, breathwork, chanting, and meditation with the goal of awakening your inner energy. This style is more spiritually focused, with an emphasis on breath and movement to clear energy blockages in the body.


**Best for**: Those looking for a more spiritual practice, or interested in exploring meditation alongside movement.


**Try it**:

- [Kundalini Yoga with Brett Larkin](https://www.youtube.com/user/BrettLarkinYoga)

- [3HO Foundation - Kundalini Yoga Resources](https://www.3ho.org)


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6. **Iyengar Yoga: Precision and Alignment**


**What it is**: Iyengar yoga focuses on precision and alignment in every pose, often using props like blocks, straps, and blankets to help achieve proper form. This style is great for people with injuries or those looking to improve posture and alignment.


**Best for**: Perfectionists, those with physical limitations, or people recovering from injury.


**Try it**:

- [Yoga with Adriene - Iyengar-Inspired](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7SEq9yLemY)

- [Yoga with Lin and Leo - Iyengar Classes](https://www.youtube.com/user/YogaWithLinAndLeo)


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7. **Restorative Yoga: Relax and Rejuvenate**


**What it is**: Restorative yoga is all about relaxation. This gentle, slow practice focuses on long holds in a few restful postures, using props like bolsters and blankets. It’s a wonderful way to calm the mind and body, ideal for stress relief.


**Best for**: Stress relief, relaxation, or as a recovery practice after strenuous exercise.


**Try it**:


- [Yoga with Adriene - Restorative Yoga](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBZdvC3XB5g)

- [Yoga with Kassandra - Restorative Yoga](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDYYtFy6T0w)


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How to Choose the Right Yoga for You


Choosing the right style of yoga depends on your personal goals, fitness level, and what you want to get out of your practice. Here are some questions to guide you:


- **Are you a beginner?** Start with Hatha or Iyengar to learn the fundamentals and proper alignment.


- **Do you want to build strength and endurance?** Try Vinyasa, Ashtanga, or Power Yoga.


- **Looking for relaxation and flexibility?** Yin and Restorative Yoga are the perfect choices.


- **Seeking a spiritual or meditative practice?** Explore Kundalini or a slower Yin Yoga.


- **Do you have any injuries or physical limitations?** Iyengar yoga, with its focus on alignment and props, can be ideal.


Free Online Yoga Resources & YouTube Channels


1. **[Yoga with Adriene](https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene)** - Adriene Mishler offers a wide variety of classes for all levels, including beginner-friendly Hatha and Restorative yoga.

2. **[Yoga with Kassandra](https://www.youtube.com/c/YogaWithKassandra)** - Specializing in Yin and Vinyasa yoga, Kassandra provides classes for both beginners and experienced practitioners.


3. **[DoYogaWithMe](https://www.doyogawithme.com)** - A vast collection of free yoga videos, from beginner to advanced, covering multiple styles like Vinyasa, Hatha, and Ashtanga.


4. **[Fightmaster Yoga](https://www.youtube.com/user/lesleyfightmaster)** - Lesley Fightmaster offers powerful Ashtanga and Vinyasa classes.


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Yoga is a personal journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The best way to find the right yoga style for you is to explore, experiment, and listen to your body. Try a few different styles online for free, and see what resonates with you.


Namaste!


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If you have any other questions or need specific guidance, feel free to reach out in the comments!

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@Flowstate_cic

Artist, yoga teacher & creative communications facilitator working with UK charities helping people access innate creativity through exploration of movement, cyclical living & creative practices

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