Which Style of Yoga Suits You?
There’s a yoga style for every mood and body — try a few and see what feels right for you.
1 min read
Yoga comes in many styles — from slow and meditative to energising and athletic. No matter your ability, there's a version that can support your body and mind.
Popular types of yoga:
- Hatha: Gentle and beginner-friendly with basic poses
- Vinyasa: Flowing sequences that link movement to breath
- Ashtanga: Physically demanding series in a set order
- Iyengar: Focuses on alignment, often using blocks or straps
- Yin: Slow-paced, long holds for deep relaxation
- Power: Fast-paced and strength-building
- Bikram: Practised in a heated room with a set series of poses
For stress relief, choose slower styles like Yin, Hatha or Restorative yoga. The best style is the one that makes you want to return to your mat.
Related guides
- GuideSelf-compassion and discomfortBeing kind to yourself after a missed session or a hard day is a skill that structured programmes can help build. Mindfulness may make exercise feel better, but it isn't a fix: stay with effort that feels comfortable, and ease off if something feels sharp or is getting worse.
- GuideYogaIn adults aged 60 and over, yoga tends to improve balance, leg strength, flexibility, sleep, mood and quality of life compared with doing nothing. It looks about as good as other exercise, so choose what you'll keep doing, and start with a gentle beginner class.
- GuideTai chi and qigongTai chi and qigong are gentle practices that combine slow movement with breathing and focus, and you can do them standing, walking or seated. Tai chi can help older adults stay steadier on their feet, and both are linked with feeling calmer. Start gentle and build up slowly.
- GuideMindful walking and movementMindful walking is an ordinary walk with attention added: you notice your breathing, your steps and your body at a comfortable pace. Tai chi, qigong and yoga are other mind-body options. They are gentle ways to be active and feel calmer, not cures, and the evidence is firmer for some than others.
- GuideFinding a practice that suits youYoga, tai chi and qigong feel different, so start gently, try one or two, and keep the one you enjoy. At home you need very little: a quiet corner, a chair or mat, and a regular time.
- GuidePilatesPilates tends to improve core strength in older adults, though by less than dedicated core strength training, and it also builds general strength and balance. Most of the research is in adults over 55, so start gently with beginner mat exercises and build up over weeks.
Want help putting this into practice?
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