Types of Yoga

There are many different types of yoga to practice, so it's important to find out which type of yoga is right for you. Here's a quick introduction to some of the most common and popular types of yoga:

Bikram Yoga - Get ready to practice yoga in 105 degree heat and in 40% humidity -- hot! Though Bikram only has 26 poses and there's lots of alignment work so it might be a good fit for beginners. 

Hatha Yoga -  Class is also likely to be focused on slow and gentle movements so it's a great type of yoga to wind down with at night.

Vinyasa Yoga - Commonly called "Vinyasa flow" or just "flow", you'll definitely be moving, flowing from one pose to the next. Other than starting with a sun salutation, no two classes will be alike. It's the most popular style of yoga in America.

Kundalini Yoga - "Kundalini" refers to the energy of the Root Chakra, which surrounds the area around your lower spine. Expect lots of work in your "core" area and classes are known to be pretty intense.  

Ashtanga Yoga - Commonly called Power yoga, Ashtanga is definitely physically demanding. It's probably best suited for an ex-athlete or someone looking to really push their body.

Iyengar Yoga - Expect lots of props with this type of yoga such as blocks, harnesses, straps, and even cushions. There's also a lot of focus on alignment so Iyengar can be great for physical therapy.

Anusara Yoga - Founded in 1997 by John Friend, Anusara is epitomized by "the celebration of the heart. Expect many "heart-opening" poses like backbends and more talking by the instructor in class. 

Restorative Yoga - Looking to wind down after a long day of work? Or perhaps you want to quiet your mind? Restorative yoga might be the answer as it's focused on relaxation. 

Jivamukti Yoga - Jivamukti is mostly practiced in NYC as it was founded there in 1984 by Sharon Gannon and David Life. It's a mix of vinyasa flow sequencing infused with chanting and a vegetarian twist. 

Prenatal Yoga - If you're an expectant mother then Prenatal yoga is probably for you. (Sorry, guys!) Some say that Prenatal is one of the best types of exercise for moms-to-be as there's a lot of core work and a focus on breathing.

Have you found a type of yoga that might be a fit for you? Before you head to class, check out our Yoga Poses for Beginners library to become familiar with some of the most common poses.

Reference By: Mindbodygreen.com/0-68/Different-Types-of-Yoga.html 

Beginner Yoga: first steps with yoga video

with beginner Yoga basics:

flexing your spinal column backward and forward with Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar). Have a look a dedicated article with details and videos here: Sun Salutation step-by-step detailed how-to videos and main article here: Sun Salutation.

stretching legs (leg raises with stretching)

strengthening abdomen and lower back - these two groups of muscles are extremely important for your well being. If they are under-developed - sooner or later you will start to have problems, serious problems with your back. Those come slowly, but when such problems appear in your life - they are there for long time. And there is very little fun about back pain and all the related other diseases and pains.

strengthening our legs

stretching sides of our upper body

taking away stiffness from our upper body, shoulders and neck even (stiffness in those places is the way your stressful life-style "accumulates" in your body)

opening our body even more with backward bends

massaging our back

even massaging our internal organs (for better digestion)

strengthening our upper body 

Too much?!

Yes this is a long list of benefits indeed!!! And the beginner yoga sequence I propose in the next yoga video clips is actually simpler than it may sound. 

Beginner Yoga video

- you will find them with detailed comments on benefits, how-to instructions, etc. Listen, try to follow. After a few times you will be quite confident and would be able to follow most or all of the yoga asanas and moves demonstrated.   

Relaxation at the end

- please give yourself a few minutes for final relaxation (not shown in the last part yoga video) - on your back, as shown for example in the first part, after Sun Salutation. See also a dedicated article and video on final relaxation: LINK. 

How do you feel?

After already the first session you will feel a lot. Especially if your body was mostly inactive lately. You will re-learn to feel your body alive, your muscles working, your breath deepening... You may notice even a smile of joy on your face after the practice, after a relaxation at the end. You may feel some muscle soreness in your muscles next day or two. - That is normal (if not too much). - If you were passive with your body for long time. To ease soreness do a few rounds of Sun Salutation in the morning for a few minutes. 

Reference  By: Yoga-from-a-to-z.com/beginner-yoga.html