When I started looking for my first yoga class about 12 years ago, all of the teachers I came across were simply teaching yoga. I knew of all the benefits yoga had to offer to my busy and stressful life and that was all that mattered to me at that time. Sure, you also had to be comfortable with the teacher and the way he or she led the class to keep coming back.

Over a decade later and I find there is so many different yoga styles, that a novice to yoga without any prior knowledge or experience of this ancient system of personal development, could do with an A-Z Yoga to get your head around the variety that is on offer today and decide what type of yoga is right for you. I even heard someone saying once that there are as many yoga styles as there are yoga teachers and I think that’s about right.

No wonder people get confused or even turned off walking into the studio that offers classes by names you have never heard of. Some might find one class too slow and boring, others might find another one demanding and challenging or even too hot! I myself never returned to a class that required half of the time being spent chanting ancient mantras in Sanskrit, while the other half seemed sooooooo slow for my buzzing mind and flexible body. Now I know a lot had to do with my expectations but I didn’t back then and kept searching for the one that would suit me.

Speaking from my experience as a yoga student and consequently a yoga teacher, I always advise all ‘yoga virgins’ to open their minds, try it all and go with your gut instincts or the sixth sense, if you wish. We are each so unique as are all the teachers and all the styles.

No doubt if you embark on your spiritual journey in search for nirvana or whatever you are after you will eventually find the right place to be and a guru that assists you along the way. As they do in India, according to a tradition of ‘gurukulam’ where a student searches for his spiritual teacher or guru to spend years studying in his presence.

That being said you do want to eliminate any disappointments so why don’t you start by asking yourself who you are, what’s your personality, what you like, what outcome do you expect from your class, etc. Although yoga is for everyone, other things to take into consideration are your fitness level and health condition. You really don’t want to find yourself on a yoga mat in a room heated to 40 degrees centigrade if you suffer a high blood pressure. By making this simple check list you will narrow down your options and the right choice for you will appear more obvious.

You might find the following guide to basic yoga styles and schools useful in order to take the first step to your new yoga class...

Hatha yoga
Regarded as the mother of all yoga, Hatha yoga represents any of the physical practices of yoga. Whatever style of yoga you choose to door yoga school you attend, Hatha yoga will be a part of it. The classes offering Hatha yoga are usually based on holding asanas while focusing on your breathing.

Who is it for? Great for beginners or as a therapy.

Ashtanga yoga
A physically demanding yoga to build strength, stamina and flexibility consisting of a fast paced series of selected sequential poses (asanas).

Who is it for? People who want a serious workout and mind focus.

Bikram yoga
A vigorous workout in a room heated to 40C that helps cleanse your body of toxins. Students perform the same series of 26 poses in a steamy environment.

Who is it for? If you want to feel sweat, detox or lose weight.

Kundalini yoga
This style of toga designed to awaken kundalini energy stored at the base of your spine through exercise with an emphasis on chanting and breathing.

Who is it for? Serious yoga practitioners who want to realize their true potential.

Vinyasa Yoga
Students move from one asana to another in a continuous flow in coordination with their breath. The movements are gentle and performed with a grace of a dancer.

Who is it for? Great for beginners or people with a fitness approach.

Iyengar Yoga
Focuses on alignment of the body and uses various props such as belts, blocks and bolsters to achieve the correct asana that is usually held for a longer period of time.

Who is it for? Yoga students who want to understand how their body works.

Finding the yoga style that suits your body, mind and soul is like winning a lottery as you will benefit from your practice in years to come and invest in your overall health and wellbeing. You might even wish to expand your horizons beyond your yoga mat by attending many of the wonderful workshops and courses to gain a better knowledge of yoga philosophy or follow your teacher to a dedicated yoga retreat and experience a week of yoga bliss. As I said before, it’s time to open your mind and enjoy!

About the author
A certified yoga teacher, massive fan of all things wellbeing, entrepreneur and mum to a gorgeous little girl, Michaela Olexova has travelled the world and influenced by her travels, coming across many wonderful people, cultures and rituals, she decided to share her passion and experience with people who wish to find a way to a more healthy and balanced life through her inspirational guide to wellbeing at www.thebaoli.com.