For many, yoga is much more than a physical practice; it's a wellness tool that adapts to each person and every moment of life. That's why there are so many types. In today's post, we'll tell you about the main styles of yoga, their benefits, and some practical tips to help you discover which one suits you best. Because in the end, what matters isn't the style's label, but how it accompanies you in your daily life.

Why are there different types of yoga?

Yoga is not a uniform practice; over the centuries, it has evolved and diversified to adapt to different needs, contexts, and cultures. Originally in India, yoga emerged as a holistic path that sought to balance body, mind, and spirit. Patanjali, one of the great masters and philosophers of yoga, structured this practice into what we know today as the eight branches of yoga: from ethical discipline and meditation to the physical postures or asanas. In this traditional context, yoga was conceived as a spiritual and philosophical path, focused on self-realization and inner connection, rather than on physical appearance or bodily performance.

With the arrival of yoga in the West, especially during the 20th century, teachers began to adapt the practice to meet the needs of those living in fast-paced, urbanized societies. Here, yoga took on a more physical and functional focus, highlighting benefits for flexibility, strength, endurance, and overall well-being. Dynamic styles such as Vinyasa and Power Yoga became popular, allowing the body to be exercised while maintaining a connection with breathing and mental focus.

This adaptation also gave rise to gentler, more restorative styles designed for relaxation, stress relief, and improved sleep. Thus, modern yoga combines philosophical tradition with practical approaches to health and fitness, which explains why so many different styles exist, each serving a particular goal, whether energetic, meditative, physical, or therapeutic. This diversity ensures that yoga remains an accessible and transformative tool for people of all ages and experience levels.

Static yoga

If you've come to this post because you want to start practicing yoga in search of pause, alignment, and conscious connection, static yoga is surely your best ally. This style focuses on holding each pose for longer periods of time, paying attention to breathing and the small details of the body.

Unlike more dynamic styles, there's no rush here. Each asana (posture) becomes an opportunity to understand how your body feels, how your mind responds, and how your breathing flows. It's a perfect practice for those who want to start yoga without stress, or for those who need a space for calm in the midst of a hectic routine. It's also highly recommended for people who struggle with anxiety. Within static yoga, you'll find styles such as:

• Hatha Yoga: the foundation of almost all other yoga styles, ideal for beginners and gentle posture work.
• Lyengar Yoga: Very precise, uses props like blocks or belts to help you find the perfect alignment.
• Yin Yoga: Passive postures held for several minutes, designed to release deep tension and gain flexibility.

Dynamic Yoga

If static yoga is a haven of calm, dynamic yoga is pure energy in motion. In this style, postures aren't held for long periods of time, but rather are interwoven into one another in fluid sequences to the rhythm of the breath. The result: a practice that feels like a dance between strength, balance, and awareness.

Dynamic yoga is perfect for those who need to release energy, improve their physical fitness, or seek a more intense practice that also exercises the mind. With each inhalation and exhalation, the body flows from one posture to the next, training endurance, flexibility, and concentration. Some of the most popular styles within dynamic yoga are:

• Vinyasa Yoga: fluid movements synchronized with breathing, ideal if you're looking for variety and creativity in each practice.
• Ashtanga Yoga: more structured, with fixed series that progressively increase in intensity.
• Power Yoga: A modern, physically demanding version, perfect for those who want to sweat and gain strength.

Passive yoga

If dynamic yoga is movement and energy, passive yoga is the art of letting go and letting go. This style isn't about "doing more," but rather doing less to allow the body to relax deeply in each pose while gravity and time do their work.

Passive yoga, somewhat similar to static yoga, is ideal for those seeking rest, recovery, or simply a moment of inner listening. Poses are held for several minutes, always supported by cushions, blankets, or blocks, making it a practice accessible to all ages and levels. Among the most prominent styles within passive yoga are:

• Yin Yoga: again, deep, sustained stretches that work the connective tissue, helping to release physical and emotional blockages.
• Restorative: even gentler, focused on total relaxation of the body and mind, perfect for reducing stress and improving rest.
• Yoga Nidra: Known as “conscious sleep,” a guided meditation practice that takes you to a state of deep relaxation between waking and sleeping.

What type of yoga is best for you?

The short answer: the one you enjoy most and the one that best fits your lifestyle. There's no universally "better" type of yoga, just as there's no single way to live sustainably. The important thing is to listen to what you need at this moment in your life.

• Want calm and balance? Try static yoga, such as Hatha or Iyengar.
• Looking for energy and movement? Choose a dynamic style, like Vinyasa or Ashtanga.
• Do you need to rest and release tension? Passive yoga, such as Yin or Restorative, will be your best ally.
• Are you interested in spirituality and inner connection? Explore Kundalini or Yoga Nidra.

The beauty of yoga is that you don't have to stick to one style. You can combine different practices depending on your day, your mood, or your goals. Some people start with gentle yoga and, over time, move on to more intense styles. And vice versa: after years of movement, you rediscover the pleasure of stopping.

You may also be interested in: benefits of walking barefoot .

Tips for getting started with yoga according to your style

We understand that taking your first step into yoga is as exciting as it is challenging, or even overwhelming. The good news is that you don't need any prior experience or sophisticated equipment: all you need is a mat, or something that serves as one, comfortable clothing (preferably sustainable and breathable), and a willingness to listen to yourself. If you're determined, here are some tips to get started, based on the style that resonates most with you and what you want to achieve:

• If you choose static yoga (Hatha, Iyengar, Yin): Start slowly, without pushing yourself too hard. Focus on your breathing and holding the posture comfortably. Use props (blocks, belts, cushions) to help you adapt the asanas to your body.
• If you prefer dynamic yoga (Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Power Yoga): Warm up well before starting and flow with your breathing to avoid injury. It doesn't matter if you don't achieve the "perfect" pose; the important thing here is the constant movement and how your body responds.
• If you choose passive yoga (Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Yin): Find a quiet space and prepare your practice with blankets, cushions, and relaxing music. The challenge here isn't physical, but mental: allowing yourself to let go, rest, and do nothing but be present.
• If you're drawn to spiritual yoga (Kundalini, Mantra, Nidra): Approach the practice with an open mind and without prejudice. Let yourself be guided by the mantras, breathing, and meditation, even if they feel unfamiliar at first. Over time, you'll discover a deeper connection with yourself.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, yoga is not a competition or a passing fad; it's a personal path or tool toward balance between body, mind, and soul. Whether you choose a static, dynamic, passive, or spiritual style, the most important thing is to find the practice that makes you feel present, light, and in harmony with yourself. So roll out your mat, try it, experiment, and flow.