Yoga Styles Defined: Benefits, Differences & How to Choose (2026)
From gentle Hatha to dynamic Vinyasa, discover the yoga styles that fit your spirit, body, and lifestyle. Your journey starts here.
Popular Yoga Styles Defined: Find Your Practice
Yoga Styles Defined is your guide to understanding the many ways yoga is practiced today. From gentle Hatha to powerful Vinyasa, this page helps you explore benefits, pace, and focus — so you can find what fits your body and your life. Whether you're seeking strength, stillness, or connection, Yoga Near Me helps you discover verified studios and teachers near you to begin your journey.
Updated for 2026, this guide highlights some of the most widely practiced yoga styles in North America.
Yoga isn't about being the most flexible or the most focused — it's about showing up, breathing deeply, and finding what moves you.
Want a deeper look at research on yoga? Explore the NCCIH overview on yoga or browse teacher standards at the Yoga Alliance.
Below are some of the most practiced yoga styles in the U.S., with quick definitions and benefits to help you choose.
Hatha Yoga
The Foundation of Modern Yoga
A slower-paced practice emphasizing alignment, breathwork, and mindful movement. Perfect for beginners and those seeking a balanced, accessible approach to yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga
Movement as Meditation
Dynamic sequences that link breath with movement in a fluid, creative flow. Each class is unique, offering variety and cardiovascular benefits.
Ashtanga Yoga
Discipline as Devotion
A rigorous, athletic practice following set sequences. Builds strength, flexibility, and discipline through consistent, structured practice.
Iyengar Yoga
Precision as a Path to Peace
Detail-oriented practice using props to achieve precise alignment. Ideal for those recovering from injury or seeking therapeutic benefits.
Prenatal Yoga
Gentle Movement for Every Trimester
Supportive practice designed for pregnancy, focusing on breath, pelvic floor strength, and preparing body and mind for birth.
Kundalini Yoga
The Yoga of Inner Transformation
Spiritual practice combining movement, breathwork, chanting, and meditation to awaken dormant energy and achieve higher states of consciousness.
Yin Yoga
Less Doing. More Being.
Slow-paced practice holding poses for 3-5 minutes to target deep connective tissues. Meditative and deeply relaxing.
Restorative Yoga
Rest Deeply. Heal Gently.
Deeply relaxing practice using props to support the body in restful poses. Perfect for stress relief and recovery.
Aerial Yoga
Defying Gravity with Grace
Innovative practice using suspended silk hammocks to deepen stretches, build strength, and safely explore inversions in a playful, supportive environment.
Hot Yoga
Turn Up the Heat
Vigorous practice in a heated room (95–105°F). Increases flexibility, promotes detoxification, and enhances strength and vitality.
Power Yoga
Strong. Centered. Unstoppable.
Athletic, fitness-based approach derived from Ashtanga. Builds strength, stamina, and stability through continuous, fast-paced movement.
Rocket Yoga
Fast, Fun, and Fearless
Modified Ashtanga with creative variations and arm balances. A dynamic, playful approach that makes advanced poses accessible and exciting.
Finding Your Yoga Practice: What Comes Next?
With so many yoga styles to explore, the best way to discover what fits is simply to try. Your first class might feel challenging, unfamiliar, or surprisingly right—and all of those experiences are valid starting points.
Remember: there's no "best" yoga style, only the practice that meets you where you are. Whether you're drawn to the discipline of Ashtanga, the gentleness of Restorative, or the heat of a 26+2 class, your body and breath will guide you toward what serves you most.
Yoga is a lifelong practice. You may start with Hatha and grow into Vinyasa. You may love Power Yoga now and crave Yin later. The beauty is that you get to evolve—and the right teacher, studio, and style will be there when you need them.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Class?
Browse hundreds of verified yoga studios and teachers in your area, across every major yoga style.
Find Classes Near You →Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Get updates and learn from the best
More To Explore
Yoga Center of Marin
Discover the transformative yoga experience at CorePower Yoga – La Jolla, located in San Diego, California. This studio offers a welcoming environment for all levels,
Pilates ProWorks Marin
Discover the transformative yoga experience at Kai Yoga, located in San Diego, California. This studio offers a welcoming environment for all levels, helping you find