What is Hatha Yoga?

Hatha Yoga is the most commonly practiced form of yoga in the United States. There are five major paths in the science of yoga: Raja Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga and Nada Yoga. Within Raja Yoga there are eight steps. Hatha Yoga concentrates on the third (Asana) and fourth (Pranayama) steps of Raja Yoga. If you are taking yoga classes at a local yoga studio or health club, most likely you are practicing a form of Hatha Yoga.

Hatha Yoga has further branched off  into many specific systems or disciplines, including Iynengar Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Kripalu Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and one of the many other types of yoga . While each of these systems may have slightly different focuses or approaches, they are still all forms of Hatha Yoga. So whether your are studying Anusara Yoga or Sivananda Yoga you are still practicing Hatha Yoga.

A well balanced Hatha Yoga class should include both physical yoga postures and mindful yogic breathing. In addition to asanas and pranayama, many Hatha Yoga practitioners like to incorporate meditation into their routine.

Hatha Yoga is not a religion. It is not just exercises or physical movement with no attention to breath or awareness. It is not competitive. Hatha Yoga is a system of yoga that utilizes movement and breathing to increase both physical and emotional or spiritual well being.