Hatha Yoga
Slow poses with breathing and stillness.
Categories / Yoga, Pilates & mind-body
Yoga, Pilates & mind-body
Yoga, Pilates, tai chi and gentle movement. Calm, low impact and suited to almost any age, with some evidence for blood pressure, back pain and balance.
Yoga, Pilates and mind-body exercise combine movement, breathing and focus for flexibility, balance and calm. Our 17 exercises include yoga styles, Pilates, tai chi, qigong and other gentle movement practices, with beginner and chair-based options for almost every age and fitness level.
These low-impact practices are popular for easing stress, improving posture and supporting balance and back care. Each guide explains how to start, how to progress and who each style suits, so you can compare the options and find a class or home routine you will enjoy.
17 regimes
Vinyasa Yoga
Flowing sequences linked to breath.
Ashtanga Yoga
Set sequences practised in a fixed order.
Yin Yoga
Long passive holds to target connective tissue.
Restorative Yoga
Supported poses for deep relaxation.
Hot Yoga
Yoga in a heated room.
Chair Yoga
Seated and supported yoga for limited mobility.
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations)
Twelve-pose sequence done in rounds.
Pilates (Mat)
Core-focused precise floor exercises.
Reformer Pilates
Pilates on a spring-resisted machine.
Barre
Ballet-inspired small movements at a rail.
Tai Chi
Slow, flowing movements for balance and calm.
Qigong
Gentle movement and breathing practice.
Baduanjin (Eight Brocades)
Eight-move qigong set, widely studied.
Feldenkrais
Slow, exploratory movement lessons to improve awareness.
Gyrotonic
Spiral, flowing movement on a specialised machine.
Aerial Yoga and Silks
Poses and moves hanging from fabric.
Yoga, Pilates & mind-body: pros and cons
What to like and what to watch for, so you can decide whether this type of exercise is right for you.
Best for: Anyone wanting calm, flexibility and balance, including older adults and people with joint pain.
Pros
- Low impact and adaptable, with chair and beginner versions
- Improves flexibility, balance and body awareness
- Many people find it calming and good for stress and sleep
- Classes are friendly and easy to find
Cons
- Gentle styles do little for cardio fitness
- Some poses need modifying if you have an injury, so a good teacher helps
- Class quality varies, and progress is harder to measure