Different Styles of Yoga: A Beginner's Guide to 8 Popular Practices

There are so many styles of yoga to choose from that it can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you're new to yoga or looking for something that suits your body or lifestyle. In this blog, I'll walk you through some of the most popular styles of yoga you might come across, who they might suit, and what to expect.

1. Hatha Yoga

Gentle and grounding

Hatha yoga is a slower-paced style that's great for beginners or anyone wanting to build confidence and focus on alignment. It includes postures (asana), breathing techniques and relaxation. Think of it as a solid foundation - you don't need to be bendy or fit to get started.

2. Vinyasa Flow

Dynamic and energising

If you enjoy movement and want to build strength and flexibility, Vinyasa might be for you. It links poses together in a flowing sequence, often matching your breath to the movement. Every class is a little different, which keeps things fresh - but be prepared to work up a bit of a sweat!

3. Ashtanga Yoga

Structured and strong

Ashtanga is a physically demanding style that follows a set sequence of poses with a strong focus on breath and discipline. Most classes are the Primary Series (there are six series in total, but most people stay in the Primary Series for years), and it is sometimes taught Mysore Style, where students move through the series at their own pace with guidance from the teacher. Ashtanga builds strength, flexibility and stamina, yet also encourages mental focus and routine. If you like structure (and a challenge), this would be a great option for you to try.

4. Rocket Yoga

Strong, playful and packed with personality

Rocket yoga is a fast-paced, physically challenging style rooted in Ashtanga, but with a rebellious twist. Developed in the 1980s by Larry Schultz, who was the on-the-road yoga teacher for the Grateful Dead. They wanted all the funky poses without working through the Ashtanga series, so Rocket Yoga was born because "it gets you there faster". Expect arm balances, core work, creative transitions and an upbeat vibe. It's strong and sweaty, but fun and free flowing - less rigid than traditional Ashtanga, and often set to music. Not every studio offers it, but if you love a challenge and want to become an inversion junkie, it's well worth hunting down a class.

5. Hot Yoga

Sweaty, stretchy and very popular

Hot Yoga is less a style and more a setting - usually a 35-40 degree heated room. Some hot classes follow the original Bikram sequence (26 postures in a set order), but many studios now offer hot Vinyasa, hot Hatha or "Hot 60" formats. The heat can help muscles feel more flexible, but it's also intense - expect to sweat. A lot! It's popular with people who enjoy a physical challenge and like to feel they've had a workout. Just make sure to drink plenty of water before and after!

6. Yin Yoga

Stillness and stretch

Yin yoga involves holding passive poses for several minutes to target the deeper connective tissues of the body. It can feel quite intense, but in a good way - perfect if you're feeling stiff or stressed. A great complement to more active styles of yoga or gym work or a busy life.

7. Restorative Yoga

Deep rest and nervous system support

Restorative Yoga is all about slowing down - really slowing down. In this deeply calming practice, poses are fully supported with props like bolsters, blankets and cushions, and each one is held for several minutes without any effort. The aim isn't to stretch or strengthen, but to gently guide your body into a state of rest and recovery. It's perfect for anyone feeling frazzled, overwhelmed or simply in need of stillness. I often describe it as a kind of yoga cocoon - a chance to stop, soften and let go.

8. Menopause Yoga™

Supportive, grounding and designed for women in midlife

Menopause Yoga™ is a specialist style created to support women through perimenopause and beyond. It blends movement, breathwork, restorative poses and light strength-building to help manage common symptoms like anxiety, hot flushes, fatigue and overwhelm. It's not about pushing yourself, it's about creating space to pause, breathe and reconnect with your body. Every class is shaped by the needs of the group, making it a truly nurturing and empowering practice for this stage of life. When I trained, there were fewer than 100 qualified Menopause Yoga™ teachers - now there are over 700, reflecting just how many women are looking for tailored, compassionate support in midlife

Finding Your Flow

There's no 'best' style of yoga, only the one that feels right for you. You might be drawn to stillness one day and sweat the next. Or fall in love with one style and stick with it for years. The beauty of yoga is that it meets you where you are, and there's something for every mood, energy level and stage of life. If you're not sure where to begin, try a few different classes and see how you feel. I teach a mix of styles myself - from flowing Vinyasa to deeply restful Restorative - and I'm always happy to help you find something that suits. Feel free to get in touch or come along and try a class.