Which Yoga Style Is Right for You? A Beginner’s Guide

Mixed-level vinyasa yoga class at our Cork city studio
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If you’re new to yoga (or coming back after a break), the choice of yoga style can feel… a lot. Don’t worry, you don’t need to “pick perfectly” on day one. 

This guide walks you through seven popular styles you’ll find at a friendly yoga studio in Cork, then explains how Beginners, Mixed, and Intermediate levels work so you can book with confidence. If you’re searching “yoga class in Cork” or “yoga cork”, start here!

The Yoga Style you Can Explore

Teacher cueing a flowing vinyasa sequence

Vinyasa

Flowing, breath-led sequences that build heat and strength while staying adaptable.
Best for: Beginners → Intermediate
Why people love it: Strength, stamina, balance—plus that “moving meditation” feeling.
Try it if… you want a dynamic class with options and variety.

Led Ashtanga class with steady breath and set sequence

Ashtanga (Led)

A set sequence taught at a steady, breath-driven pace with clear structure.
Best for: Intermediate (comfortable with fundamentals and steady breath)
Why people love it: Routine that makes progress easy to see; powerful blend of focus and discipline.
Try it if… you enjoy structure and like tracking improvement week by week.

Would you like to try Ashtanga from home? Come join our 6-Week Ashtanga Primary Series on ālaya (live + playback) to build technique and confidence between studio classes.

Yin yoga with bolsters in a calm, quiet room

Yin Yoga

Floor-based shapes held for a few minutes to nourish joints, fascia, and patience.
Best for: All levels
Why people love it: Deep stretch sensations and real nervous-system calm—great after desk time.
Try it if… you crave stillness, longer holds, and a quieter pace.

Gentle, Hatha-inspired class using props for support

Gentle Yoga

Slow, supportive and Hatha-inspired, with props, options, and lots of space to breathe.
Best for: Beginners & Mixed
Why people love it: Friendly foundations without pressure; confidence-building and kind on the body.
Try it if… you’re new, returning after a break, or prefer a softer approach.

Restorative yoga with blankets and bolsters for full support

Restorative Yoga

Long, fully supported rests using blankets, bolsters, and props for deep release.
Best for: All levels
Why people love it: Down-regulation, recovery, and better sleep—true nervous-system care.
Try it if… you feel frazzled, fatigued, or need genuine restoration.

Yoga Nidra guided relaxation in a quiet studio

Yoga Nidra (Guided Relaxation)

A guided lying-down practice that brings profound rest without physical effort.
Best for: All levels
Why people love it: Powerful stress relief and mental clarity in 20–30 minutes.
Try it if… you want the benefits of meditation without sitting still cross-legged.

Iyengar yoga style with blocks and strap during masterclass

Iyengar Yoga

Precise alignment with smart use of props and clear, methodical cueing.
Best for: All levels—especially detail-lovers
Why people love it: You learn how to do each posture safely and effectively; brilliant for confidence.
Try it if… careful instruction helps you thrive, or you’re rebuilding solid foundations.


Quick Picker: Start Here if You’re Unsure Which Yoga Style is For You

  • “I want to move & sweat.” → Vinyasa (Beginners or Mixed)
  • “I love structure.” → Ashtanga (Led) (Intermediate)
  • “I need quiet stretch & stillness.” → Yin
  • “I want gentle movement.” → Gentle Yoga
  • “I need pure recovery.” → Restorative or Yoga Nidra
  • “I like detail & alignment.” → Iyengar (watch for masterclass dates)

How Our Levels Work

Beginners (Level 1–2)

Your perfect first step. Slower pace, clear alignment and breath, and lots of options. Expect a supportive, steady class that helps you learn without rush.

Mixed Level

A comfortable middle ground. Teachers offer regressions and progressions so you can dial intensity up or down. Ideal for building strength and mobility safely.

Intermediate

Stronger, more complex sequences and transitions. You’ll need steady breath, confidence with basics, and a willingness to work. Great if you already practise regularly.


Yoga Style Comparison at a Glance

StylePaceIntensityPrimary FocusRecommended Level
VinyasaFlowing▲▲Strength, balance, breathBeginners–Intermediate
Ashtanga (Led)Steady▲▲Structure, stamina, focusIntermediate
YinVery slowJoint/fascia health, calmAll levels
GentleSlowFoundations, mobility, easeBeginners–Mixed
RestorativeUltra slowRecovery, down-regulationAll levels
Yoga NidraN/ADeep rest, clarityAll levels
IyengarSteadyAlignment, technique, confidenceAll levels

(▲▲ = moderate/strong effort; ▲ = light/moderate; • = minimal physical effort)


Friendly First-Class Tips

  • Arrive 10 minutes early. Tell the teacher it’s your first time—support is part of the class.
  • Bring water and a layer. You’ll appreciate a jumper or blanket for the final rest.
  • Listen to your body. Options and rests are normal; progress comes from consistency, not pushing.

book your first yoga class free at our studios in Cork

Ready to Roll Out a Mat and Explore your Favourite Yoga Style?

Try your first class FREE—use code FREECLS when booking (one-time use). Explore the timetable at our yoga studio in Cork, pick Beginners, Mixed, or Intermediate, and sample one or two styles this week. The best way to find your fit is simple: show up, breathe, and notice how you feel afterwards.