HATHA VINYASA YOGA

‘Ha’ means the "sun" and ‘Tha’ means "moon" ~ together, uniting the sun and moon, feminine and masculine, the different channels in our bodies and other dualities which are present around us. ‘Hatha’ can also be translated as "force" or "power" or the ‘yoga of force’, and therefore any physical practice that you do with the body to give effect to this force. This can include asana (poses), meditation, pranayama (breath work), mantra.

Vinyasa in Sanskrit means to “place in a special way”, which often means a flowing sequence.

When combined together, Hatha-Vinyasa blends a continuous flow of sequences with other yogic elements like sound, mantra, breathwork, and meditation. This combination helps to build strength and flexibility while enhancing energy and calming the mind.

History

Hatha-Vinyasa Yoga is a modern evolution of traditional Hatha Yoga, blending its ancient principles with dynamic, flowing sequences. The term "Vinyasa" means "to place in a special way" and refers to the synchronization of breath with movement, creating a continuous flow from one posture to the next.

Hatha Yoga, with roots in ancient India, was systematized in texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (15th century) and emphasizes physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and cleansing practices to prepare the body and mind for meditation and spiritual awakening.

The "vinyasa" aspect, often associated with the Ashtanga Yoga system popularized by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the 20th century, introduced dynamic sequences characterized by a smooth, flowing style. This approach incorporates elements of Surya Namaskar (sun salutations) and continuous movement, focusing on building strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.

Hatha-Vinyasa Yoga emerged as a fusion of these traditions, combining the grounding and alignment-focused aspects of Hatha Yoga with the energetic and rhythmic qualities of Vinyasa. It appeals to modern practitioners seeking a balance between physical challenge and mental clarity. This style emphasizes breath awareness, intentional transitions, and a meditative flow, making it adaptable for all levels and fostering both inner stillness and vitality.

Why practice hatha-vinyasa - Benefits

Overall, this practice helps ease stress and anxiety, raises awareness of the mind and body while increasing your overall wellbeing. Typically after a establishing and maintaining a regular practice, you will feel increased strength and flexibility, stimulation and movement of the spine and joints, better posture, release of tension and stress in the body and mind, expansion of breath, increased awareness of mind, body and breath, increased level of mindfulness, feeling lighter and more joyful, renewed focus and attention, higher level of energy, increased mental wellbeing.

What to expect in my classes

Classes are typically 75 minutes and focused on more gentle, but effective movements within your range and capacity. Each class focuses on providing a holistic experience and integrates sound, mantra, meditation, breathwork as well as asana.

Current classes

Most of my hatha-vinyasa classes are taught at Origin Exercise Studio, Inglewood, but I occasionally do a community class at Kookaburra Yoga, Bedfordale and Common Earth Studio, Guildford.

Click on the below button to book my next class. Private and one-on-one hatha-vinyasa sessions are also available.

Hatha-Vinyasa