This is one of the most common questions I’m asked, and after teaching yoga since 2013, my answer is always the same:
There is no single “best” type of yoga for beginners.
What matters far more is how yoga is taught, who it’s taught by, and whether the class gives you a safe, supportive foundation.
I originally trained in Sivananda yoga and later completed further training in sequencing. I now teach a hatha flow style that draws on those foundations. Over the years, I’ve worked with complete beginners, people returning to yoga, experienced practitioners, and those living with long-term conditions or disabilities (including teaching chair-based yoga). That experience has shaped how I teach beginners today.
Is There a “Best” Type of Yoga for Beginners?
Not really, and that’s actually good news!
Some beginners enjoy something gentle and slow; others want a bit more movement. Some come to yoga hoping to ease back pain or anxiety; others simply want to move and stretch. A good beginner experience doesn’t force everyone into the same mould — it teaches the basics well enough that you can later explore different styles and decide what suits your body, your mind, and your needs.
Common Beginner Worries: Flexibility, Injuries, and Anxiety
Many people think they need to be flexible to start yoga. They don’t.
Yoga isn’t about touching your toes or twisting yourself into shapes. It’s about slowing down, paying attention, and learning how to move with your body rather than forcing it. For many beginners, that shift — from doing to being — is the real practice.
Another common worry is, “Everyone else will know what they’re doing.” This is exactly why beginner’s yoga classes exist. In a dedicated beginner’s class, everyone is learning the basics together: how to move, how to breathe, how to rest.
So… what style of yoga does work well for beginners?
In my experience, a slow, well-structured hatha flow is often ideal for beginners.
In my beginner’s yoga class, I teach a slow flow. This keeps the body moving without rushing and allows time to learn the poses (asanas) properly. This styles:
- Teaches key yoga poses clearly
- Shows you how to transition safely between poses
- Introduces yogic breathing
- Includes guided relaxation
This approach gives beginners something vital: confidence and body awareness. You’re not just copying shapes; you’re learning how to move, how to pause, and how to notice what’s happening in your body.
Some people enjoy more challenge; others prefer something slower and more restorative. A good beginner’s class doesn’t lock you into one style forever — it gives you the tools to explore different styles later and decide what suits you.
What does ‘beginner’ really mean in yoga?
A beginner isn’t just someone who’s never done yoga before.
Beginners also include people who:
- Have tried yoga once or twice but didn’t stick with it
- Feel unsure how to move safely
- Are curious about breathing, relaxation, and presence
This is why a structured beginner’s class can be better than a single drop-in session. A weekly class allows you to build gradually, week by week, without pressure to “keep up.”
Yoga is for everyone, but not every class is
Yoga can help with many things: back pain, anxiety, mobility, flexibility, stress. But not every class, or every teacher, will be right for every person.
Not all classes can be adapted for individual needs, and not all teaching environments feel supportive when you’re starting out. That’s why learning the basics matters. Once you understand how to move and listen to your body, you’re far better equipped to explore other styles and teachers safely.
Do You Need Special Equipment or Clothes to Start Yoga?
Short answer – no!
You don’t need fancy leggings (I don’t wear them and you don’t need to either). You just need clothes you can move freely in.
You don’t need an expensive yoga mat (you can borrow a mat for your first class or buy an inexpensive one).
You don’t need to be bendy.
You don’t need to know the names of poses.
Yoga isn’t about being polished or performative.
All you need is a willingness to show up.
Beginner Yoga Classes in Bromley
If you’re looking for a calm, supportive introduction to yoga in Bromley, my weekly beginners class is designed to give you exactly that: a solid grounding in what yoga is, how to move, how to breathe, and how to relax — so you can continue with confidence, wherever your yoga journey takes you.
👉 Find out more about joining a weekly beginners yoga class here.
So, Which Yoga Is Best for Beginners?
The best yoga for beginners is one that helps you feel safe, supported, and curious (not pressured or judged).
If you’re ready to start yoga with a strong foundation, a beginners class can be the perfect place to begin.
FAQs
Am I too inflexible to start yoga?
No. Flexibility is not a requirement for yoga — it’s something that can develop over time, if at all. Yoga is about awareness, not forcing your body.
Is yoga suitable for beginners with back pain or anxiety?
Yoga can be very supportive, but it’s important to choose the right class and speak to your teacher about any concerns beforehand.
Is it better to try lots of different yoga classes or join a beginners class first?
It’s usually best to start with a weekly beginners class that gives you a solid foundation in the basics — how to move safely, breathe, and relax. Once you’ve built that grounding, you’ll be in a much stronger position to explore different styles and teachers, and find the type of yoga that suits you best. Regular practice at the start sets you up for confidence and consistency in your yoga journey.