Yoga Styles (Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar, Yin, Power, Restorative)

• Hatha. A general term for posture-based yoga; in class listings it usually means a slower, gentle session of basic postures held for several breaths with breathing practice. Good entry point.
• Vinyasa ("flow"). Postures linked in continuous, breath-paced sequences. Moderate-to-vigorous, builds heat and cardiovascular demand; pace and choreography vary by teacher.
• Iyengar. Precision and alignment focus, longer holds, extensive use of props (blocks, straps, bolsters, walls). Therapeutic and accessible across abilities.
• Yin. Long passive holds (typically 1–5 minutes) targeting connective tissue and joint capsules, mostly seated/supine floor postures. Develops passive range; calming.
• Power yoga. Vigorous, strength- and fitness-oriented Vinyasa derivative; higher intensity, often heated. Builds muscular endurance and the largest cardiometabolic stimulus among common styles.
• Restorative. Fully supported, prop-heavy passive postures held several minutes to elicit relaxation; very low intensity, used for stress reduction and active recovery (Recovery Modalities — Overview & Evidence).

Other named styles (Ashtanga, Bikram/hot, Kundalini) are variations on pace, sequence, heat, or emphasis.

• Yin holds: ~1–5 min, passive, connective-tissue focus.
• Iyengar: alignment + props + longer holds.
• Power/Vinyasa: highest intensity; restorative: lowest.
• Hatha: common gentle beginner entry point.