Spring Into a New Style of Yoga

Written by: Jennifer Stanley

Spring reminds everyone of renewal, that the eternal cycle of life begins again. What better time to freshen up your practice by trying a new style of yoga?

Even if you’ve been talking to your mat for a while, there’s always something new to learn by trying a new guide or style. Doing so prevents boredom and moves your muscles in different ways, improving your total fitness and flexibility.

What new style of yoga should you spring into this season? Here are eight classic styles to consider, along with some modern twists to elevate your practice.

8 Styles of Yoga to Spring Into This Season

Many people come to yoga by searching for such a class offering. However, there are multiple styles of this ancient form. Knowing a little bit about the various styles makes it easier to find the right offerings for you when taking classes online or when out of town. It also eases some of the fear factor when you know what to expect. Here are eight styles you should recognize.

1. Hatha

Hatha yoga derives its name from the Sanskrit words for “sun” and “moon,” symbolizing the union between opposing forces. It has become somewhat of a catchall term in recent years, and may describe a fairly intenses class or a more sedate one. You’ll move through a series of standing and seated poses, complemented by breathwork.

Hatha yoga is what many people envision when they picture a yoga class. However, it’s crucial to go early the first time and talk to your guide. They can often give you a much better idea of the level of intensity to expect and can recommend modifications for poses if you have specific health concerns, like a bad knee or shoulder.

2. Vinyasa

Some guides dub vinyasa yoga “flow” yoga because this style will keep you moving. Like Hatha, it unites breath and various postures but in a faster, more continual pattern, performing flowing motions or vinyasas as you shift from pose to pose. Such guides often use the term “vinyasa’ to mean both breath-body unison and the various asanas making up Surya Namaskar or sun salutation A.

If you like cardiovascular activity, this style of yoga might suit you best. It’s also fabulous for easing nervous tension that makes you feel keyed up.

3. Ashtanga

Ashtanga is an ancient, formal yoga style that consists of six series of increasing difficulty. Many students never progress beyond the primary and intermediate series, as the final four involve considerable gymnastics.

Like vinyasa, Ashtanga keeps you moving — many people consider it the original vinyasa style. A full session generally lasts an hour and a half or longer, although many guides offer half series for the time-crunched.

4. Power Yoga

Power yoga is fantastic for challenging yourself. You’ll test your strength and cardiovascular capacity as you flow from one pose to the next, holding some for extended times and interjecting calisthenics for building muscle.

This style is a relatively modern twist, meaning that guides have a lot of leeway. Some get creative, including weights in their routines for those who want an extra bit of sculpting.

5. Hot Yoga

Hot yoga adds a temperature element, which may help you stretch. Heat relaxes muscles and makes them more elastic, which may help you get deeper into poses.

Traditionalist guides who stay true to the Bikram model, which imitates the condition of the Indian subcontinent, heat the room to 105 degrees Fahrenheit at 40% humidity. However, other teachers may only dial up the heat a few degrees.

6. Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini yoga is a highly spiritual style that incorporates mantras and sound. In general, you’ll spend less time in physical poses, placing a higher emphasis on breathwork and mental strengthening.

The word “kundalini” means “coiled snake” in Sanskrit. It refers to the vital energy coiled at the base of your spine, which this practice seeks to unfurl.

7. Restorative Yoga

Restorative yoga began to help those recovering from illness or injury. It’s fabulous for engaging your parasympathetic nervous system and inducing relaxation. It also works your connective tissues, as you generally hold poses longer in this style.

This style of yoga often makes extensive use of props. You can use bolsters, straps, blocks, pillows, blankets — anything that increases your comfort and healing.

8. Yin Yoga

Yin is another great style for those who want a more mellow yoga experience. You’ll hold poses anywhere from two to five minutes as you work deep into the fascia and connective tissues to stimulate hyaluronic acid production and ease minor aches.

This style can challenge your patience. There’s often little talking — some advanced classes are entirely silent. However, Yin yoga is ideal for finding inner serenity and getting to know something about yourself.

Modern Twists to Spring a Fun Twist Into Your Routine

Yoga is a dynamic practice. Many guides have tried fun new twists. If you want to shake up your routine, seek one of these fun varieties near you.

1. Yoga on a Paddleboard

If you thought Dancer pose challenged your balance, wait until you don’t have a stable surface. Yoga on a paddleboard will work your core strength in a whole new way as you struggle to stay on the “mat.” However, falling off only means a pleasant dunking, making this fun new modern twist a fun one to spring into when temperatures hit triple digits — as they often do by April in places like Phoenix, AZ.

2. Yoga With Cute Critters

Pets make everything better, including yoga. These days, you can find everything from yoga with cats at local Humane Societies to yoga with goats at area organic farms. Such classes are also fun ways to reward your kiddos and spark their interest in a healthy practice they can use as a coping mechanism for life.

3. Aerial Yoga

Have you always dreamed of running off to join Cirque du Soleil? Aerial yoga is the next best thing, as you’ll practice various poses while suspended form straps from the ceiling. Experience the thrill of flying and stretch your body in whole new ways. You might even master inversions at long last.

4. Acroyoga

If you miss your high school cheer days, give Acroyoga a try. This modern twist on yoga pairs you with a partner, making it a great activity if you and your spouse want to strengthen your bond. It includes elements of gymnastics and feels a lot like play — bring your sense of humor.

Find a New Style of Yoga This Spring

Maybe your usual practice feels stale. Perhaps you simply want to add to your knowledge base by trying something new. Discover your favorite new style of yoga this spring and keep things fresh as you embrace the change of seasons.