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5 Most Common Yoga Types Explained From A-list celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria and Ricky Martin to top corporate executives, yoga has become a wildly popular workout routine for so many people around the globe. If you’re interested in yoga, you should know that many different types of yoga exist. And depending on your needs, you should choose one that best suits you. Here are five of the most popular yoga types you’ll find in gyms, fitness centers and ashrams around the world. Mainstream yoga types Hatha yoga “Hatha” is one of the most common terms you’ll hear or read about when it comes to yoga. Ideal for beginners, Hatha is one of the most commonly practiced forms of yoga today. It’s gentle, easy to lean, focuses on breathing, holds the pose and quiets the mind. All of these things are essential for any yoga practice. Bikram yoga Bikram yoga is perfect for those who love to sweat. It was created in early 1970s by Indian yoga practitioner Bikram Choudhury. It consists of a series of 26 poses that stretch and strengthen muscles as well as “rinse” and compress the body’s organs. The yoga poses are performed in a heated environment to help get rid of toxins, prevent injuries and promote more flexibility. Every Bikram yoga class you attend will follow the same series of 26 poses. Ashtanga yoga Ideal for the more advanced and athletic yogis, Ashtanga yoga is considered to be well-structured and more challenging. It comprises 6 different sequences, which you can go through independently and at your own pace. If you want a practice that’s less calming and more aggressive, Ashtanga is for you. Its classes will leave you in sweat and you'll most likely be sore the next day. Iyengar yoga If you really want deep relaxation while getting some wonderful thorough all-over-the-body stretching, then go for Iyengar yoga. This type of yoga will help you gain correct alignment of your body. Once it’s properly aligned, you will reap maximum benefits and prevent injuries. Slow paced, Iyengar often utilizes props like straps, cushions, blankets and blocks, and is excellent for people recuperating from injuries, the disabled and the elderly. Vinyasa flow Similar to Hatha, Vinyasa yoga is more fitness-oriented and faster-paced. Known for its focus on breathing and flowing sequence, this yoga type will most likely make you sweat but somehow relax and invigorate you at the same time. Vinyasa is basically a general term for many different styles. Some gyms or yoga studios call it dynamic yoga, flow yoga, flow-style yoga or Vinyasa flow. There are just five of the mainstream yoga types you can try. It’s important to explore the yoga world a little so you can find out what style best fits your needs and wants.