What is Hatha Yoga?
But first: What is yoga?
There are more than 80 different styles of yoga in the world today, so there’s usually something for everybody to try, and like, as well as some you might not take to. The most well known, in my opinion, are Ashtanga, Hatha, Hot/Vikram, Iyengar, Vinyasa and Yin. Over time yoga has been adapted but share a history, philosophy and many similar principles.
What you need to know if you want to give it a try, is that these different styles of yoga vary quite a lot! Read on to explore which one might suit you, so that you’re not put off from your first practice!
Yoga is a way of life, rather than being purely an exercise regime. But it’s good to try it if, like many people who start to learn yoga in the UK, you want to get more flexible, get fitter and so on through practising the asanas; the poses you might have seen in books and online. If that is what you’re looking for, then it’s good to know that many people do improve their mobility and strength and go on to find other benefits too.
The rich history and philosophy are valuable learnings too, and most teachers will include elements of this as part of a class along with meditation and breathwork (pranayama) too, which can help reduce stress and improve your way of living.
What is the difference in the yoga styles?
One of the main differences in styles of yoga is the pace of the practice, and the variations in poses.
Ashtanga and Vinyasa can be fast paced, flowing from one pose to the next after a short hold in each one. Hatha Yoga is a slower practice where poses are held a bit longer (between one and three minutes, usually), and Yin is slower still, where poses held for sometimes ten minutes each. These different paces all achieve different things, or suit different people but it’s important to say here that anyone, of any age, and flexibility can try any one of the these styles, with a good teacher that has an inclusive approach.
I teach Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga but my classes are built around Hatha Yoga because that is what I love. Hatha Yoga is known as the ancient foundations of many other yoga styles, but is relevant today. It is very accessible even for those who are new to yoga because each pose is held, so that you have time to understand the pose, and make adjustments so that your practice feels good. After each pose or short sequence, you relax (in Savansana) for a minute. For each forward motion or bend, you release with a back motion or bend, which helps to make the practice intuitive, and easier on the body. At & Yoga this is all done with careful demonstration and guidance. Find out more about Ellen, our teacher, here.
You can also watch the two brief videos below to get an idea of our classes.
BENEFITS OF HATHA YOGA:
There are many benefits of taking up a regular yoga practice, much of that will be very personal to you.
Many people who have been coming to our classes regularly say they have generally experienced a positive impact on their wellbeing, and got into poses that they couldn’t do before they started practicing regularly. Yoga often helps to improve focus, sleep, and helps restore ranges of motion and flexibility.
Yoga can be practised as part of your self-care routine, to develop skills that benefit you in everyday life, beyond the time spent on your yoga mat such as:
Better posture and alignment
Improved wellbeing, calmness and focus
Can help with pain management
Build strength, balance and flexibility
A sneak peek at our classes
The videos below give you a feel for our class, but get in touch to find out more.
Do get professional medical advice from your doctor if you are unsure about whether yoga is right for you, following illness or injury.