I've always wondered about yoga, but never had the courage to go and buy that yoga mat and show up at a class, most probably because I haven't the faintest idea what the difference between types of yoga, and until recently, didn't know the benefits either.

Apparently, if you're a runner doing yoga is a great way to cross train. Lucia Cockcroft of the Guardian Unlimited reports that hard running and jogging practiced in isolation can lead to spinal compressions and injury, but adding yoga to your regime allows you to warm up the body and also eases muscle pain and tension.

At a glance yoga also improves stamina, keeps the body flexible so energy flows freely, improves digestion and posture, helps shed excess weight, aids detoxification, and also helps circulation, while psychological benefits include: self acceptance, improved social skills, mood enhancement and better learning efficiency, to name a few.

So now that we know why it's good for us, what are the different types of yoga?

• Hatha yoga: Covers all types of yoga, and is a balanced and moderate session.
• Ashtanga: This is a very fast-paced intense style of yoga, which follows a series of postures always done in the same order. It is very demanding and one position flows into the other, and can be a challenge if you're up for one.
• Kundalini: Combines postures with specific breathing. Its purpose is to release the Kundalini energy that is housed at the base of the spine and allow it to move upward. Its ultimate goal is spiritual enlightenment.
• Iyengar: This type of yoga, is focused on proper body alignment. Poses are held for long periods, and the movement from one posture to another is slower than some other styles. Props are often used to maintain proper form so it can be a good choice for those who have physical limitations. It's also a good starting point for beginners.
• Bikram: Also known as 'hot yoga' classes are held in studios up to 37 degrees Celcius, which allows your body to stretch without injury and release toxins. This is a strenuous workout which goes through 26 postures and is not recommended for those who have low blood pressure.
• Power yoga: This is an intense workout which is a hybrid of Ashtanga, because the postures do not necessarily flow in a particular sequence each time. Great for strength and stamina.

Now it's time to book that yoga session…

Some of this information is from Shape's beginners guide to yoga