Think of yoga as a \”choose your own adventure\” book. Determine your goal, and then choose the yoga style thats best for you.
Is getting in shape one of your New Year’s resolutions? What about being more mindful? Having more fun, challenging yourself, or trying something new? Sounds like yoga is what you’re after!
Choose your own yoga
Think of yoga as a “choose your own adventure” book. Long gone are the days when yoga classes were generic. These days, there’s something for everyone!
If you want a challenge
Try: A 30-day yoga challenge or Yoga Teacher Training
What can be more challenging than yoga? Yoga every day for an entire month, of course! 30-day challenges are a fun way to see what your body is capable of. Try it with a friend for motivation. Alternatively, if you’ve been doing yoga for years and love it, why not further your practice and challenge yourself by learning to be a yoga instructor?
If you want to be more mindful
Try: Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, or Meditation
Reduce stress and find balance by making use of yoga’s amazing mind-body connection.
If you want to have fun
Try: Laughter Yoga or Partner Yoga
These yoga styles will have you ROFL (rolling on the floor laughing, in internet-speak), but they’re also great for boosting mood and lightening your spirits.
If you want to try something new
Try: A yoga trend
Stand-up paddleboard yoga, yoga retreats, outdoor yoga, or even suspension yoga may be for you if you’re looking for something totally out of the box. Do a quick online search to see what’s offered in your area, or ask your yoga instructor or school what they recommend.
If you want to lose weight
Try: Hot Yoga, Ashtanga, or Vinyasa
Each of these three styles are widely available at yoga studios and are commonly thought of as the most physically demanding styles of yoga—which, of course, means more calories burned. If you’re just starting out with exercise, check with your health care practitioner first.
If you want to improve your running
Try: Yoga poses for runners
Yoga can help with running so much that many yoga classes and programs exist specifically for runners!
If you want to spend more time with family
Try: Family Yoga
Learn how yoga can help reduce stress in children and try out some poses that the whole family will enjoy.
Different styles of yoga may also help with specific health conditions—under the guidance of your health care practitioner, of course. Discover yoga’s healing properties in our article “There’s a Yoga for That.”
