Alexandre Beregi
Certified Yoga Instructor
"Yoga is not a work-out, it is a work-in. And this is the point of spiritual practice; to make us teachable; to open up our hearts and focus our awareness"
– Rolf Gates
Hatha yoga is known as the yoga for the physical body. In Sanskrit, “Ha” represents sun and “tha” represents moon
This alludes to the opposites in our lives, such as yin and yang, light and darkness, hard and soft, vigorous and gentle.
Hatha yoga is about finding balance. Through working with the physical body, releasing tensions and traumas stored in the body, you create space in yourself and, through that space and balance, the opportunity for spiritual growth.
Hatha today usually is a slowly-paced class, consisting of asanas. It does not have the flow one might find in Anusara or Vinyasa but its a great place to start if you are new to yoga or to advance or deepen your practice. You get the time and space to become familiar with yoga poses and relaxation techniques. A Hatha yoga class would most likely include asanas, breathing techniques and meditation. The practice of Hatha historically, was used to prepare the body for extreme and prolonged meditation so it is designed to release tension and stress in body and mind.
Hatha Yoga is the basis for all contemporary, physical yoga practices. When you do Iyengar, this is Hatha yoga; when you do Ashtanga, as different as this may seem, it is Hatha too.
