20% off £30

Code:JOLLY
OffersBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceOutlet3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for £18 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for £5 Mix & MatchIntroductory Offer2 for £50 Mix & Match2 for £60 Mix & MatchBuy more save 10%Vitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBioglanGrass & Co.BetterYouNature's WayNatures AidBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceOutletIntroductory OfferShort DatedBuy 1 Get 1 FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkChristmas Food & GiftsFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthSnacksShop all SnacksSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornSweets & MintsChocolate Coated SnacksVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodCoconutHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHuelHeath & HeatherNakdPukkaTwiningsPerfectTedManuka DoctorSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for £5 Mix & MatchOutletBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy more save 10%2 for £12 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSugar FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNMyproteinApplied NutritionGrenadePhDHuelTriActiveSiSSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory Offer2 for £50 Mix & Match2 for £60 Mix & Match2 for £25 Mix & MatchOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreePalm Oil FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inBeautyGiftsNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+ATrilogyChilds FarmBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price2 for £18 Mix & MatchOutletBuy 1 Get 1 FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inChristmasCBDShop all CBDCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCBD Food & DrinkCBD BeautyGrass & Co.TRIPCannaray CBDCBDfxfourfiveHolland & BarrettHolistic HerbReakiroBody & Mind BotanicalsLove HempBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletSave up to 1/2 PriceDairy FreeAlcohol FreeGluten FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeasExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettUSNEat WaterIdeal HealthNudie SnacksTrekBraggGrenadeNatures AidSlimExpertBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price2 for £12 Mix & MatchOutletGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicBetterYouApplied NutritionNew NordicBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceOutlet2 for £18 Mix & Match3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for £60 Mix & Match2 for £12 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inNew InBest SellersTrendingMedicines and HealthcareVeganShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

Which type of yoga should I be doing?

A women meditating outside in the sun
Yoga might just be one of the best practices you can take up for your overall health.

Yoga might just be one of the best practices you can take up for your overall health. It’s low impact, meaning the risk of injury is generally small when it’s performed correctly. Plus, a whole host of research has linked it with positive health outcomes including easing lower back pain1 and reducing overall stress.2

That’s all very well but with all the different varieties of yoga out there, it can be hard to identify which one is right for you. This guide aims to help you understand some of the different styles and choose the one which best suits you.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is one of the most popular styles around. In fact, Hatha isn’t even really a specific system of yoga but is a general term which applies to any type of yoga which teaches physical postures. It’s the umbrella term for just about everything that’s considered “yoga” in the Western world.

In practical terms, when you sign up for a Hatha yoga class you can expect a gentle introduction to a variety of the most common yoga asanas (or “poses”) and to pranayama (breathing exercises). The classes are not likely to be overly intense and you probably won’t work up much of a sweat.

Bikram Yoga

Bikram yoga is a modern style named after its founder Bikram Choudhury. It follows a series of 26 specific postures adapted from Hatha yoga which are done in a specific sequence, intended to stretch and warm the muscles in a particular order.

In a Bikram session, each posture will be repeated twice. The key unique feature of Bikram yoga is that it is performed in artificially heated rooms. It is the inspiration behind many other more generic “hot yoga” styles now gaining popularity.

In a Bikram session, you will sweat a lot. You’re likely to find that the asanas are also more strenuous than in a standard Hatha session.

Anusara Yoga

Anusara is another modern yoga style, developed in 1997 by the American John Friend. The name translates to either “flowing with grace,” “going with the flow,” or “following your heart.”

The focus in Anusara is to promote feelings of goodness, love, and acceptance. The emphasis here is less on rigorously replicating the asanas, and more on the students’ self-expression as they attempt the different asanas to the best of their ability and in their own unique way.

Anusara includes over 250 asanas, but with no set postural routine. Each session is likely to include a healthy dose of meditation and relaxation. While Anusara will still provide a proper workout, it’s a good style to pursue if you want a less regimented and more easy-going form of yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga is an adaptation of ancient yoga styles and teachings, which includes six sequences of poses done in a particular order.

One of the hallmarks of Ashtanga is that every movement is linked to the next by a deliberate pattern of breathing (known as vinyasa). The asanas are done rapidly in a flowing manner and are generally very strenuous.

This is a tough form of yoga guaranteed to give you a good workout. If you’re interested in pushing yourself, learning challenging poses, and mastering your breath, this might be the right style for you.

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar yoga is a distinctly puritan style, where every asana must be performed perfectly with the key focus being on correct body alignment.

While the asanas themselves tend not to be as complex as in some other styles, the emphasis on perfect execution adds levels of difficulty. In fact, Iyengar takes correct alignment so seriously that a variety of props will be used in each session in order to ensure that there are no deviations in your practice. These props include things like straps, chairs, and wooden blocks.

During any given Iyengar session, the instructor will pay meticulous attention to your form and correct it as required. For this reason, it’s important to choose an Iyengar class with a reputable instructor.

Iyengar might be a good style for you if you’ve previously suffered from, or want to prevent an injury, as the emphasis on proper alignment helps to strengthen joints and address muscle imbalances safely.

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers
Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.