What Are the Different Types of Yoga?
There are many types of yoga, and each style offers something unique, whether you’re looking for energy, healing, flexibility, or mindfulness. Here’s a simple breakdown of the most well-known yoga styles, including the ones we practice the most at our packages:
1. Hatha Yoga: Gentle and Foundational
This is where most people begin. Hatha Yoga is slow-paced, with a strong focus on basic poses and breathing.
It helps build a solid foundation for all other types of yoga. At our retreats, we include Hatha in most sessions, especially for beginners or those wanting to reconnect with their body and breath.
To experience it for yourself, check our Surf & Yoga Bali package for more details.
2. Vinyasa (flow) Yoga: Flowing with Breath
Vinyasa is more dynamic and energizing. Movements are linked with the breath in a flowing sequence, creating a light cardio effect that builds strength and flexibility.
We often include Vinyasa classes to strengthen and stretch the muscles after surfing. You can learn more about the Pelan Pelan Surf Camp Canggu package and contact us for our Yoga Beginner Retreat Canggu to see what fits you best.
3. Yin Yoga: Stillness and Deep Stretch
After surfing or a busy day in the sun, nothing feels better than Yin. This gentle, meditative style involves long-held poses that target deep connective tissue and joints.
It’s calming, restorative, and deeply grounding. In our packages, we offer Yin in the afternoon to help you fully relax, stretch out tired muscles, and prepare for deep rest.
If you’re ready to unwind and recharge, explore our retreat options and book now.
4. Ashtanga Yoga: Strong, Structured, and Challenging
Ashtanga Yoga is a demanding style that follows a fixed series of poses, making it a great fit for athletic bodies or disciplined practitioners. It’s one of the more intense forms of yoga and is excellent for building strength and stamina.
Our yoga instructor Sida loves this style.
5. Iyengar Yoga: Precision and Alignment
This style focuses on alignment and uses props to help you get into each pose safely and correctly. It’s great for anyone with injuries or those who love detail and body awareness.
We do not focus on this style at the Retreat.
6. Kundalini Yoga: Energy and Spiritual Awakening
Kundalini uses breath, movement, and chanting to awaken internal energy. It’s a deeply spiritual practice, ideal if you’re seeking inner transformation.
7. Restorative Yoga: Deep Rest and Recovery
This is yoga at its most restful. You can relax deeply and let your nervous system recover.
Great for stress relief or post-travel fatigue.
8. Power Yoga: Fitness Meets Flow
Power Yoga is fast and strong, perfect for those who want a workout-style class. It builds muscle and boosts endurance while keeping the mindfulness of traditional yoga.
9. Sivananda Yoga: Classical and Holistic
This gentle, traditional style combines yoga poses with breathwork, meditation, and philosophy. It’s a beautiful full-circle approach to yoga as a lifestyle.
What Yoga Does for Your Body, Mind, and Beyond
Yoga is more than just movement. At our retreats, many of our guests tell us they leave feeling more grounded, more open, and more in tune with themselves, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too.
- Physically, yoga strengthens the body, improves posture, and increases flexibility.
- Mentally, it quiets the noise. Focused breath and mindful movement calm the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Emotionally, yoga gives you space, to process, to soften, to reconnect.
You don’t need to do hours of meditation or complex poses to feel these effects. Even a short daily practice can help you feel lighter, more focused, and more at peace.
But for those who want to go deeper, yoga also offers philosophical paths that nurture your inner life:
- Karma Yoga: the path of selfless action and giving
- Bhakti Yoga: the path of devotion, love, and connection
- Jnana Yoga: the path of wisdom and self-inquiry
- Raja Yoga: the path of meditation and inner discipline
You don’t need to “choose a path” to benefit. These ideas often show up subtly in your practice, through kindness to yourself, presence in the moment, or simply the act of showing up on your mat with an open heart.
Whether you’re looking for physical wellness, emotional balance, or a sense of inner peace, yoga meets you where you are. And here in Bali, surrounded by nature and simplicity, it’s easier than ever to tune in and feel the difference.
FAQs: What People Also Ask
How many types of yoga are there?
There are more than 11 major yoga styles and even more variations depending on the teacher and setting.
What is the hardest type of yoga?
Ashtanga and Power Yoga are among the most physically demanding styles.
What is the name of beginner yoga?
Hatha Yoga is widely known as the most beginner-friendly style thanks to its slow pace and focus on the basics.
Try the Best Yoga for Your Lifestyle at Our Packages
At our retreats, we blend the calm of Hatha, the flow of Vinyasa, and the stillness of Yin Yoga, designed to balance both body and mind, especially for those combining yoga with surfing or just looking to slow down. Our yoga shala sits above the river with views of lush green forest, a peaceful place to breathe deeply, stretch fully, and reconnect with yourself.
Whether you’re after fitness, healing, mindfulness, or a spiritual connection, you’ll find your yoga match here. Ready to experience these yoga styles in a tropical paradise?
Book your yoga retreat in Bali today.
