5 Types of yoga you need to know about

With so many types of yoga around, it can be hard to know where to start. If you want to try yoga for the first time and keep hearing different types of yoga expressions being thrown around, the team at OCEANSAPART are here to help.

They have delved into the data to find out which are the five top trending types of yoga being searched for over the last month and have put together their explanation of what each type of yoga refers to and who may enjoy taking up each style. 

There has been a 209 per cent increase in search demand for chair yoga in January 2024. Chair yoga is a modified form of yoga that is practiced while sitting on a chair or using a chair for support. It is designed to make yoga accessible to individuals who may have difficulty with traditional yoga poses due to age, mobility issues, or physical limitations. Chair yoga incorporates gentle stretches, movements, and breath work, adapting traditional yoga postures to be performed in a seated or supported position.

This form of yoga is particularly suitable for seniors, people with disabilities, or individuals recovering from injuries. Chair yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, and balance, and it can also provide relaxation and stress reduction benefits. Additionally, it can be practiced in various settings, including offices, community centres, or rehabilitation facilities, making it a versatile and inclusive option for a wide range of individuals.

Yoga flow has seen a 77 per cent increase in search demand. Yoga flow refers to a style of yoga that involves a continuous sequence of poses or postures, often coordinated with the breath. It's a dynamic and fluid practice that emphasises smooth transitions between poses, creating a seamless and flowing movement. 

In a yoga flow class, practitioners move through a series of poses, linking each movement with their breath. The sequences can vary widely, and instructors may design flows to target specific areas of the body, improve flexibility, build strength, or promote relaxation.

Yoga flow classes can range from gentle and meditative to more vigorous and physically challenging, depending on the style and intensity level. Some popular styles of yoga that often incorporate flowing sequences include Vinyasa, Power Yoga, and Ashtanga. 

The idea behind a yoga flow is to cultivate a sense of mindfulness, balance, and connection between mind and body. Yoga flow is therefore well-suited for individuals seeking a dynamic and holistic practice that integrates movement, breath, and mindfulness, making it ideal for those looking to improve flexibility, build strength, and cultivate a sense of inner balance. 

There has been a 64 per cent increase in search demand for face yoga, which involves a series of facial movements, expressions, and massages designed to improve the appearance of the face and neck. Face yoga exercises often include movements such as facial stretches, massages, and exaggerated facial expressions. Advocates of face yoga claim that regular practice can enhance blood circulation, stimulate collagen production, and contribute to a healthier complexion.

It's important to note that scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of face yoga is limited, and more research is needed to validate its claims. However, some people enjoy incorporating face yoga into their skincare routines as a complementary practice. 

Face yoga may be suitable for individuals interested in natural and non-invasive approaches to skincare. It can be practiced by people of various ages, but those concerned with facial muscle tone, wrinkles, or tension may find it particularly appealing. 

Restorative yoga is a gentle and therapeutic style of yoga that focuses on relaxation and rejuvenation. It has seen a 45 per cent increase in search demand. It involves holding supported poses for extended periods, typically ranging from 5 to 20 minutes, with the use of props such as blankets, bolsters, and blocks.

The goal of restorative yoga is to promote deep relaxation, stress relief, and the restoration of both the body and mind. Key characteristics of restorative yoga include long held poses and focus on breath work.

Aerial yoga is a unique and dynamic form of yoga that has had a 41 per cent increase in search demand. It combines traditional yoga poses with acrobatic movements using a silk hammock or sling suspended from the ceiling. Also known as anti-gravity yoga, aerial yoga allows practitioners to explore yoga postures with the added support and challenge of being elevated off the ground. The hammock supports various poses, allowing for increased flexibility, strength building, and a sense of weightlessness.

Aerial yoga can be beneficial for a range of individuals, including yoga enthusiasts, those with back issues (as the suspended positions can decompress the spine and alleviate pressure on the lower back) and adventurous individuals. This type of yoga is not suitable for some people some health conditions so make sure to let your doctor know before adding aerial yoga into your routine.