The origin of most Western yoga styles: Hatha Yoga
Effect and who it is suitable for
Hatha yoga is the basis of many western yoga styles and for most people it is the ideal introduction to yoga. The individual exercises are carried out carefully and thoughtfully and are brought into harmony with the breath; there is often an introductory meditation and always the final relaxation (Shavasana), so that you leave the class feeling deeply relaxed.
Hatha in class
In Hatha, you will encounter typical basic positions and many of the common asanas: the downward dog, the cobra, the warrior, the mountain pose, the tree - to name just a few. The sun salutation is also often practiced at the beginning. Basically, the exercises in Hatha are more static than dynamic, unlike in Vinyasa Yoga. Your muscles are challenged in intensive positions and your flexibility is increased. Physical exertion is often followed by a relaxation pose - for example the child's pose, in which you can feel the effect of the previous exercises on your body and mind. In this way, you train your mindfulness; just like through conscious breathing, which you are repeatedly encouraged to do during your exercises.
Origin and meaning
The term Hatha stands for strength and persistence in Sanskrit; the compound syllables Ha (sun, active) and Tha (moon, passive) also express the merging of opposing energies. In Hatha, therefore - very briefly - strength and persistence are required to hold the asanas, sometimes for a long time, while the two poles of body and mind are to be brought into harmony through conscious breathing. In the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, one of the most important classical texts of Hatha Yoga, a distinction is made between 14 asanas. Today, however, many more yoga exercises are performed in Hatha.
Who is Hatha Yoga suitable for?
Hatha Yoga is a gentle introduction to the world of yoga that increases strength and flexibility without breaking a sweat, promotes mindfulness and helps reduce stress and relax. Hatha Yoga can also help with chronic pain, making it the ideal yoga style for beginners, the inflexible and seniors. Depending on the level of difficulty offered, Hatha can also be aimed at advanced practitioners.
The right Hatha Yoga equipment
Yoga mat: Practically any non-slip yoga mat is suitable for Hatha Yoga. Since a lot of the practice is done lying down and sitting, the mat can be well padded and perhaps a little longer and/or wider if you prefer to have your feet and arms on the mat rather than on the floor during Shavasana.
Our recommendations:
Outfit: You can wear relaxed, loose-fitting clothing for Hatha Yoga, as you won't be moving so quickly that anything could get tangled. Wide yoga pants and loose t-shirts are ideal. As you might get a little cold during the final relaxation, you should always have a jacket or sweater with you to put on quickly.
Accessories: You can make many of the stretching exercises easier with yoga blocks and yoga straps. A meditation cushion helps prevent numb feet and numb bottoms when sitting for long periods. A yoga blanket can also be used as a seat booster - and of course as a source of warmth during Shavasana.