Main types of yoga in Adelaide
There are many different types of yoga in Adelaide, varying from the traditional hatha yoga to the more contemporary vinyasa flow style.
When you’re new to yoga, you get confused about what yoga is and what all the styles are;
Don’t worry, this post has you covered with everything you need to know!
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga classes are a dynamic style of yoga that tends to be the most popular style. The word vinyasa literally means mergence of breath and body.
A vinyasa yoga class focuses on merging the breath with yoga movements in a dynamic sequence.
Most vinyasa classes incorporate sun salutations and offer options for beginners. The term vinyasa tends to be interchanged with flow.
So if you see a flow class on a yoga schedule, it is most likely going to be a vinyasa class or variation of that style.
You can book in for a One Month Pass for $99 at Yoga Theory here.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga classes tend to be a more strict, dynamic yoga practice with established series.
Sri. K Pattabbi Jois is the founder of this style of yoga, and it is generally a more challenging and athletic style of yoga.
This style is similar to the vinyasa yoga practice, in that you flow through the poses with reference to the breath and alignment.
Like vinyasa yoga, you will focus on your breathing and generally a 5 breath count.
Unlike vinyasa yoga, this approach tends to more structured and deliberate with a series of fixed yoga sequences.
This practice often draws influence from the eight-fold path of yoga outlined in the yoga sutras of Patanjali.
Yin Yoga
A slower approach to yoga where you tend to focus on the connective tissues of the body.
It is common to hold yin yoga poses for longer, and focus on the deeper layers of the body.
This class normally compliments the general hatha or yang style of yoga classes.
It is different to the other major styles as the practitioner is mostly based on the floor, rather than standing.
These classes tend to take a bit more patience. This is because the the body becomes still for longer periods of time.
So not only do you have to keep the body still, you have to keep the mind still!
You can book in for a One Month Pass at Yoga Theory here.
Bikram Yoga
A heated form of hatha yoga founded by Bikram Choudbury.
The traditional Bikram yoga class consists of 26 poses and two pranayama breathing exercises.
People love this style of yoga for the consistency and challenge it brings.
These classes are heated to 40 degrees celcisus and can be known as a more athletic style of yoga.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga is the most general form of yoga, and most styles build from this origin.
This is a popular style of yoga because the classes can vary from a beginners and basic level to a more advanced level.
You’ll find that these classes generally focus on a physical, deliberate practice with less attention to flow.
This is the most general form of yoga and most yoga classes are a variation of Hatha yoga.
You can book in for a hatha (balance and stretch) class here.
Iyengar Yoga
Named after the founder B.K.S. Iyengar, this is a very popular style of yoga through out the world.
This style of yoga focuses heavily on alignment and the target areas of each pose.
Iyengar yoga tend to use blocks, straps, boards and other yoga accessories to position people in to all shapes and sizes.
This approach focuses heavily on alignment and Iyengar yoga teachers go through intensive and prolonged training to be certified.
Here’s our Iyengar yoga teacher showing how it’s done!
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga classes are all about unwinding the coil of energy within the body.
This is generally a constantly flowing, invigorating practice.
People aim to awaken the energy in the body by certain yoga postures and practices.
Some classes tend to incorporate chanting and pranayama breathing techniques.
Pre-Natal Yoga
A carefully sequenced class designed and adapted so mothers can practice yoga safely.
These classes are generally a form of hatha yoga focusing on a variety of active and passive movements.
The classes help women who are in different stages of pregnancy to be in optimal shape and health.
People go to this style of yoga to help them practice yoga safely with limited risks!
Restorative Yoga
These classes get your mind and body relaxed through a controlled approach to yoga practices.
You may spend a lot of time just resting and lying down in this class.
It’s common to use bolsters and blankets in this practice. This is known to promote relaxation and calmness, especially with longer held poses.
It is also common for some restorative yoga classes to be based on the teachings of Iyengar yoga.
Aerial Yoga
Aerial yoga classes tend be in the air, hence the term aerial.
Most likely, you will be hanging on a soft hammock, which will allow the body to let gravity do the work.
These classes can have a range of themes and intensity.
Generally though, they focus on building awarness of the mind and body!
Naked Yoga
Naked yoga classes are generally a hatha based yoga class except participants wear little or no clothes.
This trend is growing in popularity in the US, with even some Australian yoga teachers facilitating these classes.
Because of this, a lot of attention and controversy regarding the style has been drawn within yoga circles.
You can learn more about our trainers views on naked yoga here.
Power Yoga
Power yoga classes tend to be a more athletic and active style of yoga.
It has some influence from the ashtanga style of practice.
As the name suggest, this class tend to grow out of the aerobics and general fitness industry. T
hey are more of a strength focused yoga classes.
People taking this style of class are generally looking for a strong, athletic style of yoga.
You can book in for a One Month Pass for $99 at Yoga Theory here.
Learn more about our studio here
