Common Types of Yoga in the UK: A Guide to Popular Practices in 2025

Yoga is a practice that invites peace, balance, and mindfulness into our lives, and in 2025, the UK is home to a wide variety of yoga styles that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you're seeking deep relaxation, a dynamic flow, or a spiritual journey, there's a practice to suit every individual. Below is a list of some of the most common types of yoga found in UK studios in 2025, each offering a unique way to nurture the body, mind, and spirit:

Vinyasa
Hatha + Restorative
Yin
Ashtanga
Yoga Nidra
Mandala Flow
Ayurvedic Yoga
Tantra
Mantra
Hygge Yin

These styles provide diverse ways to promote healing, relaxation, and a deeper sense of inner peace, making them popular choices for yoga practitioners across the UK. Scroll down to learn more about each practice and find the one that resonates with you.

Vinyasa Yoga: Flowing Sequences and Breath Connection

Introduction:
Vinyasa yoga is a fun, energetic practice that links your breath with movement. You'll flow from one pose to the next, creating a smooth rhythm that feels like a dance. It's perfect for all levels, whether you're just starting or looking to challenge yourself.

Health Benefits:
Vinyasa yoga helps build strength, flexibility, and balance. The flowing movements also get your heart pumping, improving cardiovascular health while helping you relax and clear your mind.

What to Expect in Class:
In class, you’ll move through a series of poses that flow together with your breath. Vinyasa is commonly a fast-paced practice, but it can vary depending on the instructor. It’s a great way to get your body moving and your mind focused!

What You Need to Take to Class:
All you need is a yoga mat, comfortable clothes that let you move freely, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. Some studios may have props like blocks or straps, but check with your instructor if you’re unsure.

Difficulty:
Vinyasa can be as easy or challenging as you make it! Beginners can take things slower, while more advanced sessions might include quicker moves and tougher poses. Just listen to your body and go at your own pace.

Hatha + Restorative Yoga: A Calming Practice for Relaxation and Flexibility

Introduction:
Hatha + Restorative yoga is a calming practice that blends the gentle foundations of Hatha yoga with the deep relaxation of Restorative yoga. It’s perfect for anyone looking to relax, stretch, and unwind, with slower-paced movements and a focus on mindfulness.

Health Benefits:
This style of yoga helps improve flexibility, strength, and posture while promoting deep relaxation. The slow pace allows you to release tension, reduce stress, and improve mental clarity, making it ideal for restoring both body and mind.

What to Expect in Class:
In class, you’ll move through slower, more deliberate poses, with a focus on alignment and breathing. The restorative elements involve holding poses for longer periods, often supported with props like blankets or blocks to deepen relaxation. It’s a peaceful and soothing experience.

What You Need to Take to Class:
You’ll need a yoga mat, comfy clothes, blanket and a bolster. Some studios may have more props like blocks, but it's always good to check ahead or bring your own if you prefer.

Difficulty:
Hatha + Restorative yoga is generally gentle and accessible for all levels. The pace is slow, allowing beginners to feel comfortable, while also offering deeper relaxation for more experienced practitioners. It’s all about moving at your own pace and finding ease in each pose.

Yoga Studio Essentials:

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Yin Yoga: Deep Stretching and Relaxation for Flexibility and Mindfulness

Introduction:
Yin yoga is a deeply relaxing practice that focuses on long-held poses to target the deeper connective tissues in the body. It’s perfect for anyone looking to unwind, stretch deeply, and find stillness, with a slower-paced, mindful approach to yoga.

Health Benefits:
Yin yoga helps improve flexibility, joint health, and overall range of motion by stretching and strengthening the deeper tissues of the body. The slow pace promotes deep relaxation, reduces stress, and encourages mental clarity, making it ideal for both physical restoration and emotional balance.

What to Expect in Class:
In class, you’ll hold poses for extended periods (typically 3-5 minutes) to release tension and deepen the stretch. The focus is on creating a calming atmosphere, often with props like blankets, bolsters, or blocks to support the body and encourage a deeper release. It’s a peaceful and meditative experience.

What You Need to Take to Class:
For Yin yoga, you’ll need a yoga mat, comfortable clothes that allow for deep stretching, and a blanket or bolster for added support. Some studios may provide extra props like blocks, but it’s always good to check ahead or bring your own if needed.

Difficulty:
Yin yoga is generally gentle and accessible for all levels. The slower pace and longer holds may feel challenging at first, but it’s all about tuning into your body and focusing on breath and relaxation. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking to slow down and restore.

Ashtanga Yoga: A Structured Practice for Strength, Flexibility, and Focus

Introduction:
Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and structured practice that follows a set sequence of poses, linked together with breath. It’s perfect for those seeking a physically challenging practice that builds strength, flexibility, and mental focus, with a faster pace and a focus on breath synchronization.

Health Benefits:
Ashtanga yoga helps build strength, flexibility, and endurance by working through a series of physically demanding postures. The consistent flow of movements also enhances cardiovascular health, while the emphasis on breath helps to improve focus and mental clarity, offering both physical and mental benefits.

What to Expect in Class:
In class, you’ll work through a fixed sequence of postures, including standing poses, seated poses, and inversions, all synchronized with your breath. Ashtanga is typically fast-paced and challenging, designed to build heat in the body, which allows for deeper stretches and detoxification. Expect a rigorous and energizing practice.

What You Need to Take to Class:
For Ashtanga yoga, you’ll need a yoga mat, comfortable clothes that allow for movement, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. Since this practice is physically demanding, it’s important to bring a towel for sweat. Some studios may provide props, but it's always a good idea to check ahead or bring your own if needed.

Difficulty:
Ashtanga yoga is considered an advanced practice, with a fast pace and a focus on strength and endurance. However, it’s suitable for beginners who are ready to challenge themselves, as long as modifications are made for individual ability. With dedication, Ashtanga can be a transformative practice.

Yoga Nidra: A Deep Relaxation Practice for Rest and Mental Clarity

Introduction:
Yoga Nidra is a deeply relaxing practice often referred to as “yogic sleep.” It guides you into a state of conscious relaxation, where your body rests deeply while your mind remains aware. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a calming practice to reduce stress, improve sleep, and find a sense of inner peace.

Health Benefits:
Yoga Nidra promotes deep relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances sleep quality. It helps to lower anxiety and improves mental clarity by guiding the practitioner through a meditative state of awareness. The practice also helps release tension from the body and supports emotional healing.

What to Expect in Class:
In a Yoga Nidra session, you’ll lie down in a comfortable position and be guided through a series of relaxation techniques, including body scans and breath awareness. The practice is done in a restful, passive state, allowing you to reach a deep level of relaxation while staying mentally aware. It’s a deeply peaceful experience.

What You Need to Take to Class:
For Yoga Nidra, you’ll need a yoga mat, comfortable clothes, a blanket to stay warm and an eye pillow. Since the practice involves lying down for an extended period, bringing a bolster or cushion to support your head or knees may help enhance comfort. Some studios may provide blankets or props, but check ahead if you're unsure.

Difficulty:
Yoga Nidra is a gentle and accessible practice for all levels. The focus is on deep relaxation rather than physical exertion, making it suitable for anyone seeking rest and rejuvenation. It’s especially beneficial for those who want to reduce stress, improve sleep, and enhance mental well-being.

Mandala Flow: A Creative and Energizing Yoga Practice

Introduction:
Mandala Flow is a dynamic and creative yoga practice that focuses on circular movements and a flowing sequence of poses. Inspired by the shape and symbolism of mandalas, this style encourages balance, movement, and exploration. It’s perfect for those seeking a more expressive and energetic practice with a sense of fluidity.

Health Benefits:
Mandala Flow helps build strength, flexibility, and coordination by incorporating flowing movements that challenge the body from different angles. The practice also promotes mental clarity, enhances focus, and encourages emotional release, making it a great way to connect body, mind, and spirit.

What to Expect in Class:
In Mandala Flow, you’ll move through a series of fluid, circular sequences that engage the whole body. The focus is on movement, breath, and exploring the body’s natural rhythms. Classes are typically fast-paced and energizing, with plenty of space for creativity and personal expression.

What You Need to Take to Class:
For Mandala Flow, you’ll need a yoga mat, comfortable clothes that allow for freedom of movement, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. As this practice involves dynamic and fluid movements, be sure to wear clothes that won’t restrict your flow. Some studios may provide props like blocks, but it’s always good to check ahead.

Difficulty:
Mandala Flow is an intermediate to advanced practice, with its energetic and creative sequences. However, it’s suitable for all levels as long as you’re open to exploring and flowing with your body. Beginners may need to modify certain poses, but with practice, it’s an enjoyable and freeing experience for everyone.

Ayurvedic Yoga: A Holistic Practice for Balance and Wellness

Introduction:
Ayurvedic Yoga blends the ancient wisdom of yoga with the principles of Ayurveda, an ancient system of natural healing. This practice focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit by tailoring poses, breathwork, and lifestyle habits to your unique constitution. It’s perfect for those seeking a personalized, holistic approach to health and well-being.

Health Benefits:
Ayurvedic Yoga supports overall wellness by balancing the body’s energies (doshas) through specific yoga practices, breathwork, and meditation. It helps to improve flexibility, strength, and mental clarity while promoting stress reduction, detoxification, and emotional balance. This practice nurtures both physical and mental health for a more harmonious life.

What to Expect in Class:
In an Ayurvedic Yoga class, you’ll practice poses and sequences that are designed to balance your unique dosha (body constitution). The class may include specific breathwork techniques, mindfulness practices, and lifestyle guidance. The pace can vary depending on your dosha, with slower, restorative movements for some or more invigorating sequences for others.

What You Need to Take to Class:
For Ayurvedic Yoga, you’ll need a yoga mat, comfortable clothes that allow for movement, and a water bottle. Depending on your practice, props like blankets, blocks, or straps might be used, so check with your instructor or studio ahead of time to ensure you have everything you need.

Difficulty:
Ayurvedic Yoga is accessible for all levels. The practice is personalized to suit your body’s needs, so the intensity can range from gentle and restorative to more active and challenging. It’s all about finding balance and harmony in your body and mind.

Tantra Yoga: A Spiritual Practice for Connection and Consciousness

Introduction:
Tantra yoga is a profound and spiritual practice that focuses on the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Unlike many physical styles of yoga, Tantra emphasizes energy, consciousness, and the sacred union of opposites. It’s perfect for those seeking a deeper, more transformative practice that enhances self-awareness, mindfulness, and spiritual connection.

Health Benefits:
Tantra yoga helps to balance and awaken the body's energy centers (chakras), fostering emotional healing and spiritual growth. The practice promotes physical strength, flexibility, and mental clarity while encouraging deep relaxation and self-awareness. Tantra also enhances connection with your inner self and your environment, creating a sense of peace and unity.

What to Expect in Class:
In Tantra yoga, you’ll experience a blend of physical postures, breathwork, meditation, and mantras, all designed to awaken energy and consciousness. The practice often includes slow, intentional movements and moments of stillness, as well as exercises that encourage deep emotional release and connection. It’s a sacred and transformative experience.

What You Need to Take to Class:
For Tantra yoga, you’ll need a yoga mat, comfortable clothes that allow for free movement, and a water bottle. As Tantra yoga often involves energy work, it’s best to wear loose-fitting clothes that allow for comfort and fluidity. Props like cushions, blankets, or bolsters may be used for meditation or relaxation during the class.

Difficulty:
Tantra yoga is generally accessible for all levels, though it may be more intense in terms of spiritual and emotional exploration. It’s a deeply personal practice that can be as challenging as you make it, focusing more on inner awareness than physical exertion. Beginners and experienced practitioners alike can benefit from its transformative effects.

Mantra Yoga: A Practice of Sound, Focus, and Inner Peace

Introduction:
Mantra yoga is a practice centred around the repetition of sacred sounds, words, or phrases (mantras) to focus the mind and cultivate a sense of inner peace. The sound vibrations are believed to have a profound impact on the body and mind, helping to clear mental clutter and bring about deep states of relaxation and spiritual awareness. It’s ideal for anyone looking to enhance their meditation practice and connect with their inner self.

Health Benefits:
Mantra yoga helps reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and promoting relaxation. The repetition of mantras can improve focus, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. Regular practice is said to harmonize the body’s energy, balance the chakras, and promote a deep sense of peace and mindfulness.

What to Expect in Class:
In a Mantra yoga class, you’ll engage in chanting or silently repeating specific mantras, often accompanied by meditation and breathing exercises. The class may also include mindful movement to help open the body and allow the energy of the mantras to flow. The practice is peaceful and meditative, encouraging focus and spiritual connection.

What You Need to Take to Class:
For Mantra yoga, you’ll need a yoga mat, comfortable clothing that allows for free movement, and a water bottle. A meditation cushion would be great to bring with you also. While props are not typically required, some practitioners prefer to bring items like malas (prayer beads) to aid in mantra repetition. Be sure to check with the instructor for any specific recommendations.

Difficulty:
Mantra yoga is accessible to all levels, as the focus is on the repetition of sound and mindfulness rather than physical exertion. It’s perfect for those seeking a gentle practice that nurtures the mind and spirit. Beginners may find the repetition meditative and grounding, while more experienced practitioners can deepen their connection with each mantra.

Props to enhance your yoga practice:

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Hygge Yin Yoga: A Cozy, Relaxing Practice for Comfort and Calm

Introduction:
Hygge Yin Yoga combines the slow, restorative elements of Yin yoga with the Danish concept of "hygge"—a focus on coziness, comfort, and contentment. This practice invites you to relax deeply and embrace the simple joys of life, offering a peaceful and nurturing environment that’s perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with yourself.

Health Benefits:
Hygge Yin Yoga promotes deep relaxation, reduces stress, and improves flexibility. The long-held poses in this practice help release tension from the body, while the cozy, nurturing atmosphere encourages emotional healing and mental clarity. It’s a perfect way to slow down and restore balance to both body and mind.

What to Expect in Class:
In class, you’ll hold Yin poses for longer periods of time (3-5 minutes) to target deeper connective tissues, with a focus on relaxation and mindfulness. The practice often incorporates soft lighting, warm blankets, and other cozy props to create a calming, comfortable space. Expect a slow, peaceful pace that encourages you to unwind and let go.

What You Need to Take to Class:
For Hygge Yin Yoga, you’ll need a yoga mat, comfortable clothes, a bolster, a blanket and a water bottle. To enhance your practice and deepen relaxation, it’s helpful to bring props like a meditation cushion, bolster, blankets, or an eye pillow. These props provide extra support during long-held poses, allowing you to fully relax and release tension. Some studios may provide these items, but it’s always a good idea to check ahead or bring your own for the most comfortable and restorative experience.

Difficulty:
Hygge Yin Yoga is a gentle and restorative practice, making it suitable for all levels. The slow pace and focus on relaxation make it ideal for beginners or anyone looking to reduce stress, stretch, and restore energy. It's all about comfort, relaxation, and listening to your body’s needs.