A Gentle Guide to Finding the Right Style of Yoga for You
- nathaliemanning108
- Feb 14
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Yoga can be life-changing but, let’s be honest, with so many styles out there, it can feel confusing knowing where to begin. Maybe you’re craving strength, or maybe you need softness. Maybe you want to move, or maybe you just want to breathe and feel grounded again.
Understanding what each style of yoga offers can help you choose the one that meets you exactly where you are — physically, emotionally, and energetically.
Let’s explore the different styles of yoga in a way that feels calm, clear, and supportive, so you can find the practice your body and mind are asking for.
If you want to learn more about my approach before you dive in click here 👉 About Me
Where Yoga Comes From: A Look Back
Yoga began thousands of years ago in India. Its roots weave together movement, breath, philosophy, and a deeper sense of connection — to yourself and the world around you.
The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit yuj, meaning “to unite.” It’s about coming home to yourself, piece by piece, breath by breath.
Over time, different paths of yoga developed — devotional, mindful, action-based, and meditative. Eventually, the physical side of yoga (Asana) grew, forming what we now know as Hatha Yoga.
Today, nearly all modern yoga styles fall under the Hatha umbrella. The beauty of yoga is that there really is a style for every season of life, every energy level, every nervous system state, every body. Hatha Yoga isn’t one specific style, it’s the foundation for all physical yoga practices. If you’ve heard of Vinyasa, Yin, Ashtanga, Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga…....they all fall under Hatha.
A class labelled “Hatha” is usually more traditional, slower-paced, and focused on alignment and foundational postures - at The Soul Collective, we call this the Mindflow class.
Let’s Explore the Different Styles of Yoga
Below is a calm, easy guide to the yoga styles I teach, along with who they’re best for. Use this as a gentle nudge toward the practice that feels right for you.
Chair Yoga - Gentle, Accessible, Supportive
Chair Yoga is perfect if getting up and down from the floor feels challenging, or if your body needs extra support. It includes seated and standing poses using a chair for stability. This practice is incredibly inclusive and helps you experience the benefits of yoga without strain or pressure.
Best For:
• Seniors
• Anyone with mobility limitations
• People recovering from injury
• Office workers needing a gentle stretch
Restorative Yoga — Deep Rest and Nervous System Healing
Restorative Yoga is all about slowing down.We use props to fully support the body so you can release tension and drop into deep rest.
This style is especially powerful if your nervous system feels overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck in survival mode.
Best For:
• Stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion
• Recovery from illness or injury
• Anyone who needs deep, nourishing rest
Gentle Yoga — Soft, Slow, and Kind on the Body
Gentle Yoga is exactly what it sounds like - soft, slow, nurturing movement with lots of breath awareness. It’s wonderful if you’re new to yoga, easing back into movement, or simply want a kind, supportive class that meets you where you are.
Best For:
• Beginners
• Those returning after a break
• People needing a slower, more supportive pace
Yin Yoga — Deep Stretching and Quiet Mindfulness
Yin Yoga involves holding poses for longer periods, targeting deep connective tissues. It helps improve flexibility, soften tightness, and create a sense of stillness that many people rarely experience in daily life.
Best For:
• Tight muscles
• Limited flexibility
• Stress relief
• Athletes or active bodies needing recovery
Mindful Flow (or Mindflow) — Movement with Intention
Mindful Flow bridges movement and stillness. It’s not too fast and not too slow — a balanced, fluid practice that helps you feel present in your body. The focus is on breath, awareness, and gentle transitions rather than intensity.
Best For:
• Anyone wanting movement and mindfulness
• People building strength without pushing too hard
• Those wanting clarity and calm through movement
Vinyasa Flow — Dynamic and Creative
Vinyasa is more energetic, linking breath with movement. It can be more challenging and fast-paced, so it may feel overwhelming if you’re brand-new to yoga. But if you enjoy movement and variety, it can feel uplifting and empowering.
Best For:
• People who love variety
• Those wanting strength + flexibility together
• Anyone who enjoys movement meditation
Dynamic Yoga — Strong, Energising, Uplifting
Dynamic Yoga blends elements of Vinyasa and Ashtanga to create a strong, energising practice. Expect sweat, challenge, strength-building, and a sense of accomplishment afterward.
Best For:
• Those who enjoy strong movement
• People wanting endurance + resilience
• Athletes or those used to high-intensity exercise
Ashtanga Yoga — Structured, Discipline-Based Practice
Ashtanga follows a set sequence and offers a challenging, structured approach.It requires consistency and commitment, and some people love the routine and the ability to track progress over time.
Best For:
• People who thrive on structure
• Those who enjoy physical challenge
• Anyone wanting discipline + depth
How to Choose the Right Style for You
Here’s the truth: The best yoga style is the one that supports you today — not the one you feel you “should” be doing.
Ask your body:
What do I need right now?
Rest? Strength? Stretch? Stillness?
Do I feel overwhelmed or energised?
Do I want nourishment or challenge?
And let the answer lead you.
Ready to find your yoga style?
If you’re feeling the pull toward starting or deepening a yoga practice, I’d love to welcome you into a class that feels right for your body and your current season of life.
And if you’re still not sure where to start, send me a message — we’ll figure it out together.
Yoga isn’t about being flexible or strong. It's about coming home to yourself.
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