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Chances are you have done yoga before. These days most people have at least dabbled in it, if they arent already addicted. But how educated are you on the different types of yoga. For people who are new to the practice or who are curious about what it is all about it is good to at least know the basics about the different kinds. Here is a short rundown on various types of the most popular yoga practices.

1. Hatha Yoga: This type is probably the most popular type of yoga today. It is meant to achieve balance between the mind and body and people of all skills can practice it with no problem. In fact, Hatha yoga is the basis of all yoga styles and no matter which you practice, there will be elements of Hatha incorporated into it. Hatha is a combination of postures, regulated breathing, and mediation.

2. Ashtanga: This is a more difficult type of yoga which involves a fast-paced, flowing sequence of postures that gradually increase in difficulty.This style of yoga is much more demanding on the body because it involves synchronizing breathing along with a series of difficult postures. Ashtanga yoga is great if you are looking to improve your circulation, flexibility, and stamina but it can be on the challenging side for beginners. It is also a great detoxification tool.

3. Forrest: This kind of yoga involves a lot of sweating. Deep breathing, core strengthening exercises, and holding postures for a long period of time all equal a great but challenging workout. Usually these sessions are longer than average. Forrest yoga is great for those who want to strengthen the body all over and want a challenge.

4. Bikram: Bikram Yoga is also called hot yoga. It involves a series of 26 poses are performed in a heated room where the temperatures is up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Arguably one of the most challenging types of yoga, many people find that after taking only a few classes they are hooked. The heat may take some getting used to but the outcome of practicing Bikram yoga frequently is increased flexibility, better posture, a clear mind, detoxification, and weight loss.

5. Kundalini: Kundalini yoga is meant to awaken a powerful energy that is located at the base of the spine. It is said that once the energy is released it brings with it an amazing sense of well being and awareness. Kundalini involves a lot of breathing exercises as well as a series of poses. Most classes also include chanting exercises. Kundalini yoga can be practiced by all skill levels as the focus is not always on the body but on the mind and breathing as well.

If you are a yoga beginner, start with some basic Hatha Yoga classes and see how you like them. Once you are more experienced you should move on to try various styles and see what results they give you. The great thing about yoga is that there are so many variations that almost everyone can find a style that is right for them.