Within the realm of yoga, many different types exist. Some of the most popular are Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Yin, Iyengar, Prenatal, Aerial and Hot yoga. Granted, not all types of yoga are built the same—nor are they all for everyone. This is my beginner’s guide to some of the most popular forms in Marin.
Hatha yoga

Hatha yoga dates back to eleventh-century India and emphasizes balance, rest and mindfulness. Unlike many types of yoga that flow between postures, Hatha yoga holds specific positions for longer and allows for rest between poses.
Hatha yoga is excellent for beginners who want to focus on flexibility and gentle strength with a meditative approach. However, Hatha may be slow or tedious for people who want more dynamic movement.

I would recommend Hatha as a method to de-stress, meditatively stretch out your body and calm your mind. However, it is not the best option for people seeking a high-intensity workout or cardiovascular activity.
My favorite studio for Hatha yoga is Love Story Yoga Larkspur for its peaceful, ambient environment.
Vinyasa yoga
Unlike Hatha yoga, Vinyasa emphasizes the positions and postures, as well as the transitions between them. In a Vinyasa class, there are little to no breaks between each movement—every position flows seamlessly to the next. Vinyasa is thought to be from 200 B.C.E. India, though it was refined in the 20th century.
Vinyasa is an excellent choice for those looking to focus on flexibility, gentler cardio and strength, as it is more upbeat than Hatha, though not as energetic as Hot yoga. That being said, Vinyasa—depending on the specific type—can be great for beginners, though initially, it will likely prove challenging. The lack of breaks between movements is a departure from most other types of physical activities.
For Vinyasa, Metta Yoga in Corte Madera is a great option for a balanced class and a beautiful studio.
Hot yoga
Hot yoga is arguably the most popular type of yoga, attracting roughly 36 percent of American yoga practitioners, according to Asivana Yoga, a yoga database and yoga-material supplier. It was largely popularized in the 1970s and has only grown since then. Hot yoga is any type of yoga performed at 80 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Common types of Hot yoga include Hot Power yoga, Hot Fusion yoga and Hot Vinyasa yoga.
Yoga performed in higher temperatures strategically uses heat to maximize participants’ flexibility, the temperature allowing their bodies to be especially limber. Beyond flexibility, hot yoga is a great workout for your lungs and helps the body detox through sweating. It is a great choice for current yoga practitioners or athletes who are used to cardio or hot conditions. While you can undoubtedly attempt Hot yoga as a beginner, trying regular Vinyasa—which would employ similar movement, but at a more digestible temperature—would be a good prerequisite.
Even for regular practitioners, Hot yoga is a challenging blend of scalding conditions, strength, flexibility and cardio. It is an intense workout and great for anyone looking to challenge themselves and who doesn’t have health complications from heat exposure.
I recommend Now Power Yoga for a Hot yoga class if you like upbeat electronic music and a fun environment.

In the world of yoga, there are so many different studios and styles worth trying. These are my guide to three of my favorites that are popular in Marin, not the best styles. Considering yoga has existed for centuries, there are so many different forms to try. There may be one, or many, that speak to you.