In my brief summary of the different types of yoga, I'm only including 6. Some websites listed up to 14 or 15 different types of yoga, but these 6 seemed to be the most common and the most popular. 

Hatha 

This type of yoga is typically where a new yogi would start. Classes can vary in pace, but overall this is a class for beginners. The goal of these classes is to improve flexibility and relieve stress (bye stress!) through the combination of poses and breathing techniques. There are tons of youtube videos out there for new yogis who aren't quite ready to join in on a class. I found an awesome one here; the poses are very simple and clearly instructed and the pace is nice and slow.

Vinyasa 

Vinyasa yoga is ideal for weight loss and it is sometimes referred to as "power yoga". A vinyasa class will typically include a lot of continuous movement through the different poses as opposed to holding them for many breaths. These classes also include some inversion practice which is exactly what I need! One of the most common vinyasa sequences in a sun salutation. Most people who have set foot in a yoga studio will have done at least one sun salutation before. They are great because the sequence can be altered based on your goals or abilities. Check out these videos of sun salutations here and here, as well as a full vinyasa yoga sequence here!

Iyengar

This type of yoga was named after it's creator, B. K. S Iyengar and it is said to be ideal for those with back and neck pain as it's main focus is proper alignment and joint and muscle strength. These yoga classes include blocks, straps, and other props to assist with the poses. I found an interesting video introducing Iyengar yoga, along with some demonstrations. 

Bikram

This is most commonly referred to as "hot yoga" and it is great for boosting flexibility because of it's higher temperature. The yoga studio is heated to 105 fahrenheit with 40% humidity to mimic the creator's hometown in India. The class consists of 26 poses done twice along with rapid breathing exercises. Any explanation of hot yoga that I found came along with the constant reminder to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.. before, during, and after a bikram yoga class.

Kundalini 

Kundalini is considered to be the most "out there" type of yoga. It is focused primarily on spiritual well being, relaxing the mind and energizing the body through exercise, breathing techniques, meditation, and chanting mantras. This class is for anyone with an open mind and willing to try something new, although the classes are a bit harder to find.

Ashtanga 

The sixth type of yoga is mostly for more advanced yogis. The classes move at a fast pace and up to 70 poses may be done in one 90 minute class. These classes require a good amount of strength and endurance, the benefits of it are best noticed if practiced regularly.

Before my genius hour project, I considered myself somebody who enjoyed yoga, but I am still very far from being an expert. It is really interesting to see the different types of yoga that are out there and to recognize hints of the different strands that I've seen in some of my classes before.

Although I haven't yet mastered my intended yoga inversion, practicing yoga more and more for my genius hour project has made me realize how beneficial it can be to work on yoga for a little bit of time each week.

I still have a bit more time to get this inversion and I am still very optimistic and determined!