Each style is a bit different from the others, plus you’ll find variations depending on the teacher. That said, giving a few styles and teachers a try before settling on your favorite will enhance your overall yoga experience and challenge you to break out of your comfort zone. Curious to learn more about each type? This guide will help you understand the basics before diving into a class. Studies show that yoga can improve physical health by lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease1, and aiding digestion. It may also help practitioners sleep better and manage stress2. Not to mention, recent research indicates the mind-body practice supports mental health, specifically; one study found regular yoga may help ease depressive symptoms. Naturally, the more vigorous the class, the more physical gains you’ll see. But even the more relaxing, restorative classes will leave you feeling calm, loose, and refreshed. Yoga itself is also quite meditative, and can be thought of as a moving or embodied meditation. Some yoga classes will also include a meditation at the beginning or end.
