Is Hatha Yoga Right For You?

With so many styles and types of yoga out there you ready do need to do some of your research first, even before you start test driving classes. Some of the definitions of styles and types are confusing in themselves. This is a simplified definition of Hatha yoga. Keep in mind that the teachers personal style and level of training plays a part in their classes also.

Hatha (pronounced ha ta) Yoga is "yoga for health". The word Hatha comes from combining the two Sanskrit (the original language of yoga) terms "ha" meaning sun and "tha" meaning moon. Yoga means to joining two things together, therefore hatha yoga is meant to join together sun (ha, masculine, active) energy with the moon (tha, feminine, receptive) energy, creating balance and power. Some poses are more masculine and some are more feminine, and the instructor combines these poses as needed by the participants.

Hatha yoga is generally practiced in the western world consisting of mostly poses, emphasizing the physical aspect of yoga. But generally a class does incorporates some other basic elements such as breathing exercises, chakra center(energy) work, hand positions (mudra's) and meditation even if you don't know it. This is applicable for the general population or specialty groups such as kids, fertility, seniors, prenatal or post natal, depression & plus sized clients.

Using linked poses that warm up the body, build strength, flexibility and then cool the body down, we get a complete mind and body workout. Yoga uses your own body weight for resistance and is a non competitive activity. There are alternatives to customize each pose for every age, ability and comfort level. Props can be used if the facility has them available but they aren't necessary. Make sure to let the teacher know of any existing injuries or problems so she or he can aid you accordingly.

There are almost endless pose options and combination of poses. There are some poses and some series of poses (such as the Sun salutation) that will be repeated every class but there are enough poses that new ones can be introduced all the time.

Each teacher does have a style of their own, so be sure to try out a number of teachers within each style that you are trying.

Benefits are endless but some examples are: renews, invigorates, heals, stretches, strengthens, enhances lung capacity, promoted balance, alignment, circulation, stress management, ability to reduce problems such as back aches & constipation, raises energy levels, tones muscles, boosts metabolism, aids digestion, increases body awareness and much, much more.

This article by Gaylene Thoeny, a 500hr Registered Yoga Teacher, Personal Trainer, Lifestyle Manager, Yogi and mom. Go to [groundinglifestyle.ca] for more information. Gaylene specializes in creating a grounded life on and off the mat. You can also follow her at gaylenet on Twitter and on Facebook.