Which yoga style is best for aspiring teachers (hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa, etc)
For aspiring yoga teachers, guiding their students through sun salutations and savasanas isn’t a job. But a dream came true! But wait, before you step onto the mat as an instructor, there’s one question that you need to address - Which yoga style is best to teach to beginners?
With so many options and different styles like Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, and Kundalini, choosing the right path can feel overwhelming. Each style offers its own unique benefits and approach to physical movement, breathwork, and mindfulness. Don’t worry, we've got your back!
In this blog, Ekattva Yogshala- a popular yoga school in Rishikesh- will tell inspiring yoga teachers about the most popular yoga styles. Learn about their unique benefits, and you’ll be able to find the perfect match for your journey.
What Should I Know Before Choosing the Right Yoga Style?
Before diving into the various yoga styles, it's essential to consider why you're drawn to yoga. Is it for:
Personal growth?
Healing?
Fitness?
Calling to teach?
Your reason will help you shape your path. If you’re an aspiring teacher, especially one guiding beginners, then your ideal yoga style should focus on three aspects:
- Strong fundamentals: Having a rock-solid base in alignment, breath, and philosophy is pivotal. It will do more than just help you deepen your practice. You will be able to teach clearly and effectively.
- Accessibility: Yoga should meet students where they are. Your chosen style could offer modifications and inclusivity to those who are stiff, injured, aging, or anxious.
- Safety: Here’s the truth - newbie students often rely on their yoga teacher for enlightenment. If your chosen yoga style priortizes safe transitions, mindful sequencing, and injury prevention, you can create a space of trust and wellbeing.
Being intentional about why you’re practicing or how you want to serve your beginner students can make your teaching adventure much more noteworthy, impactful, and sustainable.
What are the Different Yoga Styles To Teach To Newbies?
It’s finally time to address the elephant in the room! Here are different yoga styles to pick from for your teaching journey:
1. Hatha Yoga: A Strong Starting Point
Hatha yoga is a foundational step in the journey to becoming an aspiring yoga teacher. When people ask, "Which yoga is best for beginners?", Hatha Yoga is often the first suggestion—and with good reason. It highlights steady movement, clear instruction, and breath awareness. New students acquire the basics in a peaceful and manageable way. On the other side teachers, it offers a solid structure which helps to build upon.
Why It Works Well:
- Introduces common postures and breathing techniques
- Sessions are slower, offering time to learn and adjust
- Encourages proper alignment and mental focus
- Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels
Best for: Beginners, seniors, and those with limited mobility.
Teaching Insight: A Hatha certification is useful if you plan to lead introductory classes, teach in schools, or work with mixed-level students.
2. Vinyasa Yoga: Fluid and Engaging
Vinyasa Yoga connects movement with breath in a flowing sequence. It's energetic and often creatively structured. Many modern studios offer Vinyasa classes, and it’s especially popular among younger practitioners and those looking for a workout.
Benefits of Vinyasa Yoga:
- Improves flexibility, strength, and stamina
- Allows for creative class design and sequencing
- Engages the body and mind simultaneously
That said, for someone completely new to yoga, Vinyasa may feel a bit fast-paced at first. However, beginner-level versions are available, offering slower transitions and more guidance.
Best for: Those who enjoy movement and variety.
Teaching Insight: If you like designing dynamic classes or want to teach in urban settings and fitness studios, Vinyasa can be a great path.
Don’t forget to check out these resources:
Tips to consider when choosing classical hatha yoga course
Joining a 200-hour yoga TTC course
10 reasons why choose Rishikesh for yoga learning in India
3. Ashtanga Yoga: A Traditional Approach
Ashtanga Yoga follows a structured series of postures in a set order. Students who thrive on discipline and routine at Ekattva Yogshala and Alpesh Yoga love this style because it’s physically demanding. While it shares some similarities with Vinyasa, Ashtanga is more rigid in its format.
Why Ashtanga Appeals:
- Builds strength, focus, and consistency
- Offers a deep connection to traditional practice
- Encourages self-discipline through repetition
For absolute beginners, Ashtanga can be challenging. Modified sessions are available, but some prior experience is helpful.
Best for: Committed students and teachers seeking a lineage-based approach.
Teaching Insight: Ideal for those who value structure and aim to develop long-term personal and teaching practices.
Don’t forget to check out these resources as well:
Bhakti yoga flow for office professionals
Meditation for the summer solstice
Standing yoga poses for the office
4. Yin Yoga: Gentle and Grounding
Yin Yoga is quiet, slow, and meditative. Postures are held for several minutes to target deeper tissues and promote flexibility. It's a great fit for anyone looking to unwind or manage stress, and it's especially suitable for people who prefer a calm, introspective practice.
Highlights of Yin Yoga:
Focuses on deep tissue release
Encourages stillness and self-reflection
Complements more active forms of yoga
Yin is often recommended for beginners who want a soft introduction to yoga without fast movements or complex sequences.
Best for: People seeking relaxation, recovery, or emotional balance.
Teaching Insight: Training in Yin Yoga pairs well with Hatha or Vinyasa, allowing you to offer a balanced range of classes.
5. Kundalini Yoga: Energy and Awareness
Kundalini Yoga combines movement, breathing techniques, sound, and meditation to awaken inner energy. It’s known for its spiritual depth and often includes chanting and repetitive movements.
What Sets Kundalini Apart:
- Blends breathwork with dynamic postures and mantras
- Emphasizes personal growth and inner awareness
- Less focused on physical flexibility, more on energy flow
Beginners with an open mind often find this style transformative, though it might not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for a purely physical practice.
Best for: Individuals drawn to spiritual exploration.
Teaching Insight: Kundalini training is typically immersive and suits teachers who want to focus on the mind-body-spirit connection.
6. Restorative Yoga: Rest and Rebalance
Restorative Yoga uses props like bolsters and blankets to support the body in passive poses. It's slow, calming, and deeply relaxing, making it perfect for those recovering from illness, injury, or high stress.
Core Benefits of Restorative Yoga:
- Encourages deep relaxation
- Helps reduce anxiety and tension
- Allows time for rest and gentle awareness
This style is excellent for people who want a nurturing, non-strenuous practice.
Best for: Students needing gentle care, especially those under stress.
Teaching Insight: Consider combining this with Yoga Nidra or basic Hatha training for a therapeutic approach to teaching.
Final Thoughts: How to Decide What to Practice or Teach
Choosing which yoga to teach or practice depends on your personal preferences and goals. Think about the kind of energy you want to share with your students—or experience yourself. If you’re after structure and tradition, Ashtanga could be the way to go. If calm and healing appeal more, consider Yin or Restorative. For flexibility and creativity, Vinyasa offers a wide canvas.
For yoga newbies, Hatha and Yin remain two of the most accessible and forgiving options to begin with. They provide a safe space to learn without pressure.
For teachers-in-training, it’s important to choose a style you personally enjoy and feel connected to. Teaching becomes far more impactful when it comes from experience and genuine passion.
At the end of the day, yoga is a personal journey. Try a few styles, reflect on what resonates, and choose a direction that feels right for both your mind and body. Haven’t joined a yoga teacher training program yet? Then you must check out our alliance-certified courses:
200-hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh
