Hatha Yoga and Hatha Flow

Hatha Yoga is one of the most traditional styles of yoga, excellent for beginners. This style gives a good introduction to the importance of breath, to breath control and the different postures at a slow, but steady pace. The body is thoroughly warmed up before the main asana practice. The warm-up can be specific movements synchronised with the breath, directed at the different joints in the body as well as the muscles. Sun salutations are another great, and the more traditional way, of warming up the body. These practices help to safely prepare the participants for the physically more demanding asanas.

Depending on the difficulty of the asana and the level of the participants, the postures are held from a couple of breaths to more extended periods of time while centring the attention on the body and/or the breath. Postures are never to be forced and breathing consciously is of utmost importance. Time for inner observation is given throughout the class. Asanas are adapted according to the student’s needs.

Hatha Yoga strengthens the entire physical body from core to limbs, while making the muscles and joints more flexible as well. It introduces the students to physical and mental endurance, albeit at a gentler level than other more dynamic yang styles of yoga. Regular practice can have many other benefits, from strengthening the immune system, to improving posture, to mental and emotional health improvements. Stress reduction, contributing to more balance in life, is a common and widely-cherished ‘side-effect’.

Hatha flow is a combination of asanas in an organic manner. Similarly to Vinyasa Yoga, movement follows breath, albeit at a significantly slower pace. We do rest in presence in the postures, rather than flowing in the rhythm of “one movement, one breath” without resting in the asana. Hatha flow thus is somewhat faster paced than Hatha Yoga, but still with regular times in-between for observation and introspection, although less frequently than in Hatha Yoga.

Image taken in the upper gardens of Apremont Castle