In terms of cultivating a yoga practice, it is important to select a variety of yoga that matches your lifestyle and preference. Not only are you more prone to persist with it, but different yoga styles may align higher along with your physical or mental fitness goals. For those who’re on the lookout for a fast-paced, fiery yoga experience, Livestrong recommends Bikram, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, or Power yoga. Data from a 2018 study shows that Power yoga, particularly, may even count as a moderate-vigorous exercise because it gets your heart pumping.

Still, some of the common types of yoga in Western cultures is Hatha yoga — which brings rest but additionally challenges your strength, shares Healthline. It focuses on breath control, flexibility, posture, and constructing core strength, all whilst you move through various poses. In accordance with a 2016 study, increased core strength and enhancements in standing balance are noticeable after 21 days of practicing Hatha yoga. During a Hatha class, you will find classic yoga poses like mountain pose, downward-facing dog, tree pose, and more.

On the calmer side of yoga are the styles Yin, Restorative, and Kundalini yoga. The poses of Yin and Restorative yoga are generally more passive, notes Livestrong. Yin yoga is supposed for strengthening and lengthening the connective tissues near the joints. Meanwhile, Kundalini yoga is meant to bring full awareness into the body through meditation, mantras, poses, and breath work. Restorative yoga can chill out the body and relieve chronic stress.