12 Types of Yoga + Where To Go In Michigan
Yoga offers a wide range of workouts. Some people come to class looking for physically rigorous exercise, while others seek a more meditative and peaceful experience.
Understanding the differences between types of yoga will help beginners pick a class that really suits their needs. Try a few different styles and instructors before making a long-term commitment.
This guide will help you find a yoga studio in Michigan. We’ll then discuss the fundamentals of different types of yoga classes.
Places to Do Yoga In Michigan
Working out in Michigan offers a variety of fitness options, from outdoor activities to gym-based workouts, no matter the season. The Michigan Fitness Association (MFA) is dedicated to promoting physical activity and supporting fitness businesses across the state.
Explore fitness centers near you by visiting the MFA membership map.
Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or a beginner, yoga is a great way to get focused and sweaty. Regular yoga practice can also reap some incredibly fantastic health advantages. Research indicates that yoga can help with digestion, lower blood pressure, lower the risk of heart disease, and even reduce symptoms of depression.
Explore these popular yoga styles so you can find a class nearby.
12 Types of Yoga
Hatha Yoga
“hatha” (Sanskrit) refers to all the physical asanas in yoga. In the West, hatha yoga commonly refers to a slower-paced class focusing on basic postures, making it ideal for beginners. However, all physical-based yoga styles, such as Ashtanga and Iyengar, fall under the hatha umbrella.
How to practice: Hatha classes usually combine breathing techniques and physical poses, allowing beginners to enter yoga. They’re a great introduction to the practice for those new to it.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga is a physically demanding style involving a set sequence of postures performed in the same order each time. Originating from Mysore, India, this fast-paced practice is designed for experienced yogis.
How to practice: Ashtanga classes follow a sequence of Sun Salutations and standing or floor poses. They require strength, flexibility, and endurance, making them one of the more challenging styles of yoga.
Bikram Yoga
Founded by Bikram Choudhury, this style is performed in a room heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit with 40% humidity. Classes follow a sequence of 26 specific postures designed to work every part of the body.
How to practice: Each pose in the sequence is performed twice, focusing on alignment and endurance in a heated room. Those interested in hot yoga can look for classes offering similar styles that aren’t directly affiliated with Bikram.
Hot Yoga
Hot yoga is practiced in a heated room, similar to Bikram yoga, but without the strict sequence of postures. The temperature is typically set between 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit to help increase flexibility, promote detoxification through sweating, and elevate the heart rate for a more intense workout. Hot yoga classes can vary in style, often incorporating vinyasa flows or other dynamic practices.
How to practice: Expect to sweat as you move through poses in a heated environment. The heat helps to loosen muscles and deepen stretches. To avoid dehydration, it’s essential to stay hydrated before and after class.
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa, meaning “to place specially,” is a dynamic style of yoga that links breath to movement. It emerged from Ashtanga yoga and is often viewed as a more athletic form. Vinyasa flows can vary, sometimes incorporating other styles like power yoga or prana flow.
How to practice: In a vinyasa class, you move fluidly from one posture to another in sync with your breath. The structure and pace of the flow vary depending on the teacher. Vinyasa classes can offer a more energetic practice compared to other forms.
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga focuses on relaxation and rejuvenation. It often uses props like blankets and bolsters to support the body in restful poses. This style is designed to help release tension and promote deep relaxation.
How to practice: In a restorative class, fewer poses are practiced, and they are held for longer, allowing for full physical relaxation. This style is excellent for those looking to unwind after a stressful day.
Prenatal Yoga
Prenatal yoga is tailored to the needs of pregnant women and can be practiced in any trimester. It emphasizes breathing, gentle movement, and postures that help support the body during pregnancy.
How to practice: Props are often used to ensure stability and comfort. This style is particularly beneficial for building strength and preparing the body for childbirth.
Anusara Yoga
Anusara is a modern hatha yoga style focusing on alignment and heart-opening postures. It also strongly emphasizes the mind-body-heart connection.
How to practice: Classes focus on expanding the heart, with the teacher guiding alignment and movement. Expect pauses in class to explore specific poses in more depth
Iyengar Yoga
Developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, this style focuses on precision and alignment. Props such as belts, blocks, and blankets are used to help students achieve proper posture and alignment in each pose.
How to practice: Poses are held longer, and teachers focus on meticulous detail. Iyengar is particularly beneficial for those recovering from injuries or those looking to work slowly and carefully.
Jivamukti Yoga
Founded in 1984, Jivamukti is a spiritual form of vinyasa yoga that integrates traditional asana practice with Hindu teachings. It emphasizes environmentalism and a vegetarian lifestyle.
How to practice: Classes begin with chanting and incorporate physical postures that align with Jivamukti’s five tenets, including non-violence and environmental consciousness.
Yin Yoga
Yin yoga is a slower, more meditative practice where poses are held longer. It emphasizes relaxation and deep stretching, making it a great complement to more active yoga styles.
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga combines physical and spiritual practices, focusing on awakening kundalini energy, which is said to be coiled at the base of the spine. Classes often include chanting, breathwork, and meditation.
How to practice: Kundalini involves fast-paced, repetitive movements, breathing exercises, and sometimes chanting. It can be intense and deeply meditative, aiming to awaken spiritual energy.