Often when someone wants to start practicing yoga and has never done it before, the common question is:
“Which kind of yoga class should I attend?”
The common answer will be: “The one you like more”, and of course, it’s important to choose a practice that we like—otherwise, we will not practice it at all.
However, if we are looking for a practice that is going to have a strong impact on our body-mind system, we should make a choice that goes beyond what we like or dislike and choose a practice that is good for us.
How Ayurveda Can Help You Choose
To choose the right yoga class, you just need to understand two key points:
1) What is your Ayurvedic constitution?
2) Which yoga practice is ideal for your constitution?
1) Your Constitution According to Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient healing system that shares the same roots as Yoga. In fact, yoga and ayurveda work hand in hand to give a therapeutic approach to yoga practice.
Ayurveda recognizes each individual as unique, influenced by a mix of three forces called doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
These doshas govern the body-mind system, and typically one dosha is predominant, giving each person specific characteristics.
a) Vata Type (Air Element – Movement)
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Usually slim and tall (or very short)
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Rarely put on weight
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Very active physically and mentally
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Prone to anxiety, insomnia, stress
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Physically may experience constipation, chronic pain, arthritis
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Very restless, always on the move, struggle to sit and relax
b) Pitta Type (Fire Element – Transformation)
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Medium-sized build
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Easily gain and lose weight
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Strong digestive fire, get irritable if they skip meals
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Common issues: acidity, skin irritation, fever, infection
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Mentally prone to anger, jealousy, criticism
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Highly intelligent and courageous
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Very competitive—may overdo poses and risk injury
c) Kapha Type (Earth Element – Stability)
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Well-developed structure, often shorter or taller than average
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Slow metabolism, easily gains weight
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Prone to congestion but generally strong immune system
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Emotionally loyal and caring, but may become overly attached
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Slow to start but steady and consistent once active
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Low inclination toward physical activity, prone to laziness
In most people, one dosha dominates, sometimes two, and very rarely all three are equal.
There’s no good or bad dosha—the aim in Ayurveda is to recognize your constitution and maintain balance, especially preventing your dominant dosha from becoming aggravated.
2) The Yoga Practice According to Your Constitution
If you identify with one of the dosha types above, here are suggestions for yoga practices that align with your nature.
a) Practice for Vata
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Slow, steady asanas with breath awareness
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Avoid fast or strenuous practices—they aggravate Vata
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Benefit from calming pranayamas: alternate nostril breathing, Bhramari
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Thrive with meditation and relaxation, especially Yoga Nidra
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Although they may avoid stillness, Vata types need it most
b) Practice for Pitta
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Need to cool down and avoid overheating
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Strong practices are okay, but followed by cooling down and relaxation
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Ideal pranayamas: Sheetali and Shitkari (cooling breathwork)
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Must stay mindful and aware of their competitive nature
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Gentle, surrendering practices are especially beneficial
c) Practice for Kapha
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Strong, dynamic asana practices work best
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Invigorating flows like Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) energize Kapha
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Ideal pranayamas: Bhastrika and Kapalabhati (energizing breathwork)
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Meditation helps counteract their tendency toward heaviness and depression
Final Thought
Every individual benefits from different types of yoga.
The ideal yoga practice should be chosen not just based on your Ayurvedic constitution, but also considering your physical structure, age, and current health condition.