HATHA YOGA

In Sanskrit, the word hatha (हठ) has two words:

‘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.

Today, hatha yoga classes often have a mixture of all of these elements or different practices - you will often find hatha classes to include different breathing techniques, arm balances, and non-seated postures, as well as meditation and mantra. Classes are often taught at a slower-paced and often incorporate movement with breath, as well as mindfulness in the movement. The goal of Hatha Yoga is to balance opposing forces, calm and align the body and mind.

History of Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga has been around for thousands of years, argued to date as far back as up to 10,000 years ago. This great disparity in time is due to the fact that when yoga was first being practiced, there was no written word, no paper, no way of transmission other than the spoken word.

Hatha Yoga was first systematized in texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swami Swatmarama in the 15th century, which outlined postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and cleansing practices (shatkarmas) to prepare the body for meditation and spiritual awakening. Influenced by earlier yogic traditions found in texts such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Upanishads, Hatha Yoga emphasizes physical discipline as a means to attain inner harmony and self-realization. Over time, it evolved and spread globally, becoming a foundational practice for many modern yoga styles focused on integrating physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Benefits of yoga include

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 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.