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Find The Best Yoga For You
It's overwhelming when looking at trying something new, but especially when there's so many different options and you don't know the difference between them all! That's definitely true when it comes to yoga.
Are all yoga classes slow and focused on stretching? What's hot yoga?
We know there's a lot of questions when it comes to knowing what class is the right one for you and your specific needs. That's why we made this guide that explains some of the most common types of yoga you'll see offered.
Click on each row to find more detailed information or take our quiz to find out which yoga class is the best for you!
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga is a progressive practice that follows 6 series of fixed sequences of shapes. Students start with the first series and practice it until they are ready to move to the next series.
Ashtanga style yoga does have group classes, but also traditionally includes a "Mysore" class. Mysore classes are open class times for students to use the studio to work on the series they are currently practicing. An instructor is typically available to assist students if they'd like.
Triangle Foundry does not offer ashtanga yoga, but some local studios and locations we recommend for ashtanga yoga include:
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is done mostly sitting in a chair. It's great for anyone that's chair bound, can not get on and off the floor easily, or likes the support of a chair. Some of these classes may also involve standing and using the chair to assist with balance. Most chair yoga classes will not involve work on the floor, but if they do, it will be done at the end of class so that once you are on the floor, you are there until class is over.
Triangle Foundry does not offer chair yoga at this time, but some local studios and locations we recommend for chair yoga include:
- Some local libraries
- Sterling Yoga
Hatha Yoga
Most Hatha yoga classes will typically include detail oriented focus on different yoga shapes. Movement is slower and precise. This style of yoga is typically gentle and suitable for people that can easily get on and off the floor.
The Hatha yoga lineage itself is actually an umbrella that holds other styles of yoga, such as vinyasa, ashtanga, power yoga, etc. But most Hatha yoga classes will differ than vinyasa or ashtanga classes.
Triangle Foundry's Yoga Slow Down class is very similar to what you would expect in a Hatha yoga class.
Hot Yoga
Hot yoga is a Western style yoga that incorporates vinyasa or power yoga in a room that is heated typically between 85 - 100 degrees. Hot yoga classes require students to be very hydrated and able to easily move on and off of the floor.
Triangle Foundry's does not offer hot yoga, but recommends the following local studios if you are looking for hot yoga:
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar yoga is a technique and alignment focused style of yoga that includes a high use of props. Yoga shapes are held for several minutes as students adjust their form and alignment. Students should be able to get on and off the mat without trouble. It was developed by B. K. S. Iyengar in the early 1900s.
Triangle Foundry's does not offer Iyengar yoga, but recommends the following local studios if you are looking for Iyengar yoga:
Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is a combination of breath, movement, and sound made with our voices. It derives from the Sanskrit word kundal, which can translate to “coiled energy.” Through the practice of Kundalini, students try to bring their Kundalini energy up through their spine through the seven chakras, and out the crown of our head.
In Hinduism, Kundalini is a form of divine feminine energy believed to be located at the base of the spine, in the muladhara (root chakra). It is an important concept in Śhaiva Tantra, where it is believed to be a force or power associated with the divine feminine or the formless aspect of the Goddess.
Triangle Foundry's does not offer Kundalini yoga at this time, but recommends the following local studios if you are looking for Kundalini yoga:
Power Yoga
Power yoga is a Western style yoga that incorporates vinyasa movements (linking breath to movement). These classes are typically fast and focus on strength and cardio. These classes require students to be well hydrated and able to easily move on and off of the floor.
Triangle Foundry's does not offer power yoga, but recommends the following local studios if you are looking for power yoga:
Restorative Yoga
Restorative yoga is an extremely slow yoga class that uses a variety of props to support your body in relaxing shapes. The entire class is spent on the floor. In a 60 minute class, you will typically practice 4-6 different shapes and stay in each for 10+ minutes each. Meditation and pranayama (breath work practices) are usually heavily incorporated.
Triangle Foundry's Deeply Relax yoga class is a weekly restorative class.
Vinyasa or Yoga Flow
Vinyasa means linking your breath to movement. Some vinyasa yoga classes are called yoga flow because of the "flowing" nature of the movement throughout class. Because each student's rate of breath differs, the speed of these classes can vary. Some classes may adhere to a strict one breath per movement, while others may leave a more loose idea, such as 2+ breaths for movements. Reading the studio's class description as well as the instructor's bio or style is very helpful in knowing the speed to expect in a vinyasa class. Vinyasa classes typically include Sun Salutations. These classes require students to be able to easily move on and off of the floor.
Triangle Foundry offers several Yoga Flow (vinyasa) classes throughout the week including our:
- Sunrise Yoga class
- Yoga Flow class
Our pace of class usually ranges from slow to moderate, depending on the instructor teaching.
Yin Yoga
While “yang” yoga focuses on your muscles, yin yoga targets your deep connective tissues, like your fascia, ligaments, joints, and bones. It’s slower and more meditative than vinyasa or hatha style classes. Yoga shapes are usually held for several minutes as students lean or hang into the connective tissues in the body to increase flexibility. This style of yoga was developed by Paulie Zink in the 1970s.
Triangle Foundry's Yoga for Flexibility class is a weekly yin class.
