The Best Type of Yoga for Beginners
The best type of yoga for beginners isn’t one style. It’s the style that matches your body, your goals and your personality, taught by someone who gives you options. Pick wrong and you’ll be bored or flattened. Pick right and you’ll be back next week.
Here’s how the main styles compare.
The main styles at a glance
| Style | Pace | Feels like | Best for beginners who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hatha | Slow, poses held | Steady and structured | Want to learn poses one at a time |
| Flow Vinyasa | Moderate, flowing | Movement linked to breath | Get bored easily, like rhythm |
| Power Vinyasa | Strong, athletic | A real workout | Want a challenge |
| Yin | Long, slow, deep | Deep stretch and relaxation | Are stiff, stressed or train hard |
At Raw Power Yoga our classes include Power Yoga, Raw Flow, Raw Yin and Long Slow Deep, seven days a week, and every class is designed for beginner to advanced. See all our classes.
Start steady, even if you’re fit
This is the mistake I see most. Fit people, especially athletes and gym regulars, jump straight into the hardest class and try to muscle through it.
Every class at our studio has options in every pose, and you can rest whenever you need. Even so, a few Flow Vinyasa or Yin classes first will teach you how to set up the key poses safely. After that, Power Vinyasa makes a lot more sense.
If you want a workout
Choose Power Vinyasa. It’s strong, sweaty and builds real strength and endurance, and you can still rest whenever you need. Not sure how it differs from Flow? Read power yoga vs vinyasa.
If you want to move and switch off
Flow Vinyasa links each movement to a breath at a steadier pace. The flow keeps your mind busy enough that it stops chewing over your day.
If you’re stiff, stressed or sore
Yin is long, slow and deep: floor poses held for several minutes for a deep stretch and relaxation. It’s quiet, and surprisingly challenging in its own way. It pairs well with strong training. Compare it in yin yoga vs vinyasa.
Three questions to decide
- Do I want to sweat or slow down? Sweat: Power or Flow Vinyasa. Slow down: Yin.
- How’s my body right now? Injured or very stiff: start with Flow Vinyasa and Yin, and tell your teacher.
- What will I actually keep doing? The best style is the one you’ll turn up to twice a week.
Our recommendation
For your first two weeks, do two Flow Vinyasa classes and one Yin class each week. Then add a Power Vinyasa class and see what you love. Read what to expect at your first class before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Are your classes suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. Every class is designed for beginner to advanced, and you can rest whenever you need.
Is power yoga too hard for beginners?
Not at our studio. Power Vinyasa is stronger, but you take the easier options and rest whenever you need.
How long are classes?
60 minutes, and mats are free.
Try them all
The fastest way to find your style is to try them all. New students get 10 days unlimited yoga for $48, enough to try Power Vinyasa, Flow Vinyasa and Yin on the timetable.