Hatha Yoga is the physical branch of yoga that is for everyone. This gentle yoga is practiced slowly and postures can be static allowing you to evolve in your practice slowly and with focus while keeping in mind the importance of alignment.
Considered the basis of other styles of yoga, Hatha Yoga is one of the most popular practices in the world. It is a good introduction to yoga because it is the most authentic in its combined physical form.
Created in the fifteenth century by the Indian yogi Swatmarama, Hatha means “strength” in reference to the body and can also be etymologically related to a deeper meaning: “Hatha” includes “HA” which means “sun” and “THA” which means “Moon”. Hatha Yoga is therefore the yoga of opposites and balance. Through asanas (postures), pranayamas (breath control), and meditation (dhyana), Hatha Yoga helps you develop a balance of strength and flexibility.
Based on postural practices of asanas and respiratory pranayama, Hatha Yoga is the physical branch of yoga and is for everyone. It allows beginners to take the time to discover at their own pace the basics of yoga, postures and breathing. It is also suitable for those who resume physical activity as well as the elderly.
What is hatha yoga ?
This gentle yoga is practiced slowly and postures can be static. When they are dynamic, they can be practiced according to a precise sequence, often according to a particular respiratory order. The focus is on breathing.
The strong points :
-Eliminate tension while improving tone
-Better manage stress and emotions
-Improve concentration
-Increase dynamism
What you should know about Hatha
Hatha Flow Yoga is not just a physical exercise or traditional practice of postures and mudras, but a union of body, mind and soul through asanas, pranayamas and meditation. This practice brings many benefits to the soul, such as learning to breathe properly, reducing stress, calming the mind, and flexibility and strengthening of the body. It is a path to enlightenment and an encounter with the universal consciousness.
Contemporary Hatha Yoga Classes
Since the word has such an open meaning, what should you expect if you are attending a hatha yoga class? Today, Hatha is most often used to describe basic, moderate yoga classes that focus on static postures compared to other styles with more movement or flow. Expect a class centered on stretching at a slower pace with some basic breathing exercises (pranayama) and possibly a sitting meditation at the end. Hatha classes are a good opportunity to work on your alignment, learn relaxation techniques and become familiar with yoga while developing strength and flexibility.
Hatha classes offer the opportunity to stretch, relax and release tension, providing a good counterpoint to busy lifestyles and cardio workouts. If you are taking a Hatha class and you feel too slow or not active enough, do not give up yoga completely. There are faster and more athletic ways to do yoga. Try a vinyasa or power yoga class and see if it’s more like your speed.
