Decipher the Different Styles of Yoga With This Yoga Dictionary

A Yoga Dictionary From Eco18

Corpse pose is the best… Credit: lululemon athletica

Restorative

What is it? A therapeutic style of yoga using props (bolsters, blankets, straps, blocks, eye covers, etc.) to set a person up in one pose for an extended period of time (7 to 20 minutes). Once in the pose, there is no work involved; just the deep opening and relaxation that a supported pose provides.

Who’s it for? Anyone and everyone. We all go at such a fast speed that to take the time for this deeply relaxing practice, well, it’s a little piece of heaven. Good for the body, mind and spirit. Also great for those who are recovering from an injury, a trauma, pregnancy, illness–you can get the benefits of the practice without having to physically work for it.

Check out: Writing and workshops by Judith Hanson Lasater. She is truly the mother of restorative yoga and has so much to share.

There are about a thousand other different styles of yoga that you may encounter, but most will stem from one of the above. Every style has a beginner level, so if you are brand new, start there so you can learn the proper way to approach it. Also, be willing to try different things. You might think you’re one kind of yogi and discover that something unexpected feels amazing to your body or relaxes you in a way you didn’t know possible.

A big thanks to Eco18 for the yoga dictionary! Not sure which different style of yoga is best for you? Check out our yoga personality guide here! What’s your favorite style of yoga? —Jenn