Hatha Yoga has its roots in ancient Indian yoga. This practice is ideal for building a solid foundation in yoga, getting to know your postures and improving your awareness of your body and movements in complete safety.
"Hatha" means "vigorous", and is generally used to describe yoga that focuses on asanas (postures that stretch and strengthen the muscles) and pranayama (breath control).
What is Hatha Yoga?
Hatha Yoga means "yoga of tenacity" in Sanskrit. This is the traditional form of yoga and the one most commonly practised in the West. It aims to balance energy, body and mind through specific physical postures (asanas) and controlled, meditative breathing (pranayamas). It is a non-vinyasa style that promotes strength, flexibility and balance. A short meditation practice may be introduced to deepen awareness of the body.
The meaning of the term Hatha is made up of two words, "Ha" meaning Sun and "tha" meaning Moon. These two elements are both opposites and complementary. One explanation is that, through physical exercise, Hatha Yoga aims to unite and harmonise your two energies, Yang and Yin, in order to stabilise your mind and spirit.
How does a Hatha Yoga session work?
Hatha yoga is a muscularly active, invigorating and energising discipline that is nevertheless practised slowly, unlike the Vinyasa types of yoga (Flow, Ashtanga...). Each posture is held for several breaths, sometimes for several minutes, to encourage awareness and concentration.
If you're new to Hatha Yoga, it's important to be supervised by a yoga teacher so that you fully understand the postures. You will be guided according to your background and body type.
Each session lasts between 1h and 1h30, during which you will practise different postures of varying degrees of 'complexity' depending on your experience. Levels are sometimes suggested (from beginner to advanced, for example), but most teachers prefer to welcome mixed groups and explain variations. The session often begins and ends with meditation and relaxation, accompanied by breathing exercises.
The benefits of Hatha Yoga
- Improves blood and energy circulation
- Increases the mobility of your joints and your flexibility
- Reduces stress and releases tension
- Promotes concentration and self-awareness
- Relieves back pain and shoulder tension
- Tones the muscles
- Boosts the immune system
- Increases respiratory capacity and allows better use of breath
- Improves digestion
- Stimulates the endocrine system and hormone balance
- Balances your nervous system
- Boost your overall fitness
- Enhances your well-being and helps to refocus your vital energy
Who is Hatha Yoga for?
Contrary to popular belief, Hatha Yoga doesn't require a great deal of flexibility or balance. It's a practice open to everyone, whatever their level or age. It's the ideal style of yoga for beginners, allowing you to discover the different yoga postures and practise breathing and relaxation. It will stay with you for decades to come, as many modifications are suggested.
Practising yoga will enable you to become more aware of your body and mind, helping you to let go and create more serenity within yourself.
Are you interested in yoga classes? Would you like an introduction to Restorative Yoga, Nidra Yoga, Yin Yoga or a meditation class? Don't hesitate to contact us.
We also offer a range of yoga workshops and yoga retreats.
