Yoga near me – how to find the right yoga for you

Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape!

Yoga near me – how to find the right yoga for you

Yoga near me…this is a popular Google search when looking for a yoga class…but there are so many different types out there…how do you choose the right one? We are all unique so the key thing is to find a yoga style that works for you. Here’s a short guide on different types of yoga to help you find your way!

Dru Yoga

Dru Yoga is the style of yoga that I fell in love with and now teach. It has its roots in hatha yoga and includes traditional yoga poses (asanas), pranayama (breath-work), mudras (gestures), affirmations, visualisations, and flowing sequences. Dru Yoga can be practised by people of all fitness levels and abilities. I use lots of props, modifications, and lovely deep relaxations during my classes.

Features of Dru Yoga

  • Soft joints (as in tai chi) to create flexibility and the flow of subtle energy.
  • Energy Block Release sequences (EBRs) with flowing movements which ease physical, emotional, and mental tension.
  • Movements originating from the spine which facilitate spinal flexibility.
  • The spinal wave and spinal twist which enhance spinal health and vitality.
  • A major focus on core stability.
  • Balancing of the chakras (the body’s energy centres) and accessing heart energy.
  • Powerful moments of stillness called “still points” or “Dru points”.

So that’s a bit about my style of yoga but there are many other types out there. Here’s a quick guide to some of the other yoga styles.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga yoga was popularised by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Ashtanga means “eight limbs” in Sanskrit. It is an intense, physically demanding style of yoga which synchronises movement and breath. Ashtanga yoga typically involves the practice of a Sun Sequence followed by a certain order of poses (known as the primary, intermediate, and advanced series). It is good for building core strength and toning the body; it can be fast-paced.

Bikram Yoga (Hot Yoga)

Bikram yoga (or Hot yoga) was developed by Bikram Choudhury. It involves a series of 26 positions and breathing exercises and takes place in a heated studio. The temperature can reach 40 degrees centigrade and is designed to simulate the climate in India. In this type of yoga you can expect to get hot and sweaty!

Hatha Yoga

Hatha (ha-sun, tha-moon or “forceful”) is a traditional style of yoga. Many types of yoga have roots in Hatha yoga. It’s a reasonably gentle style of yoga that is accessible for most abilities. It includes asanas and pranayama.

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar yoga is a varient of Hatha yoga and was developed by B.K.S Iyengar. It is strongly focused on breath control with precision and alignment in each pose. Iyengar yoga uses props and includes static asanas, with jumps to get in and out of poses.

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini yoga is a blend of spiritual and physical practices that use movement, mantras (such as Sat Nam), and meditation. The aim is to increase vitality and consciousness.

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa yoga is a more free-flowing form of Ashtanga yoga that allows more creativity in the sequences. As with most types of yoga, poses are performed with awareness of the breath. Classes are often based around variations of the Sun Sequence and include Ashtanga poses without the need to perform them in a set series.

Types of yoga which are usually classed as Vinyasa yoga include Power Yoga, Flow Yoga, Anusara, and Jivamukti.

So there you have it – a very quick guide to some of the different types of yoga out there. The key thing is to find a style of yoga that works for your body and mind – you’re unique! I hope this guide helps you next time you Google for yoga near me!