Contemporary living is fraught with stress. We’re under so much pressure, particularly in this age of almost total connectivity. How many of you always carry a cell phone? Laptop? Pager? The demands on our time and attention do take a toll. That’s why any tool that introduces relaxation and overall good health back into our lives is so very welcome.

Yoga is a perfect solution.

Yoga is becoming much more accessible. There are numerous books, videos, yoga dvds and classes. Qualified yoga teachers are much more common now, making it easier to find someone who is a good fit for you. Yoga not only provides mental benefits through relaxation, enhanced focus and spiritual renewal, it also helps reinforce healthy lifestyle choices and enhances overall good health.

However, the many types of yoga can be a bit intimidating to new students. Which yoga type is right for you? What are the different yoga types? Are there classes available in my town or city? What are the differences between the types of yoga? While this brief article is by no means entirely comprehensive, it’ll give a quick rundown of a few yoga types to start you on your yoga journey.

If you are lucky enough to have a larger yoga school near you, then you have a major head start when it comes to learning about all the different yoga types. You can sit in on a variety of classes and meet and speak with instructors to get their take on all the forms available at that particular school. Even if you don’t have a yoga school near you, try checking out various yoga dvds, websites, books, etc. to get a nice overview of what’s out there. There are so many ways to narrow down your choice. Don’t be afraid to have fun while learning.

Here are a few popular types of yoga, to get you started with your research.

Ashtanga yoga has its focus in the eight limbs (or components). They are morality, ethics, posture, breath control, sense control, concentration, meditation and absorption. It’s a rather challenging form of yoga which demands mental discipline and quite a bit of body strength. While this specific form isn’t really suited to beginners, knowing how far you can travel on your yoga journey is a wonderful way of setting future goals and envisioning future benefits.

Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga, utilizes a heated environment to enhance the yoga workout. Its ultimate goal is purification, detoxification, greater flexibility and rejuvenation. Each class, conducted in a 105 degree (Fahrenheit) room with a prescribed 40% humidity level, runs through 26 total poses and two breathing exercises. Normally, beginners are allowed to join these classes. It’s a bit specialized due to the heat factor, but Bikram yoga is growing in popularity.

Iyengar yoga, also based on the eight limbs as put forth in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, makes great use of various props while students perform the required asanas (poses or postures). Iyengar yoga is well suited to the beginner since it allows these props as support mechanisms so that each student can experience the benefits (unification of body, mind and spirit, stress relief and spiritual well-being) even if they are tired or unable to fully assume all poses.

Hatha yoga is the type of yoga most people of the western world envision when they imagine what yoga must be about. As such, it’s probably one of the most popular forms of yoga practiced in the western world. Hatha yoga emphasizes physical purification in preparation for higher meditation. Its name is derived from a combination of the words for sun (Ha) and moon (Tha). Hatha yoga is an excellent form for beginners.

Vinyasa yoga is about the connection between movement and breath. It’s a bit more flexible in that the movements in Vinyasa yoga can be arranged into a variety of sequences to accommodate students’ changing needs or moods. In contrast to several other types of yoga, Vinyasa yoga is quite fast paced and challenging. For those who prefer something smooth and fluid, Vinyasa yoga is a good choice.

While the above mentioned yoga descriptions are by no means all-inclusive, at least this will give you some sort of basis for really digging into some research to find the best type of yoga for you.

Don’t be afraid to try as many yoga types as necessary to find one that fits your needs and lifestyle.