Nowadays there are many varieties of group yoga classes offered in recreation centers, yoga studios, gyms, and other locations. The word “hatha” is often used to refer to these physical classes in a general way. “Hatha” is a Sanskrit word that literally means sun-moon. The practice is designed to engage the body in a balanced way using opposites (sun-moon) such as right/left, up/down, forward/backward to help maintain physical health and well-being.
Prospective yoga students often feel stumped about the wide variety of names used for group classes. How to decide on a class that would be most appropriate for one’s needs? Here is a useful guide I designed for my university students:
— Gentle classes may be called Intro to Yoga, Beginners, Gentle, Hatha, Chair Yoga or (the most gentle) Restorative Yoga.
— A focus on deep stretching is called Yin Yoga (based on Taoist Chinese practices).
— Moderate intensity classes may be called Hatha or Slow Flow Yoga.
— Intense classes may be called Flow, Power, Vinyasa or Ashtanga Yoga.
I recommend a variety of styles depending on what you need each time you practice. For example, sometimes you need to be challenged, and sometimes you need to take it easy and de-stress. Private sessions can be a wonderful way to get exactly what you need each time you meet with your teacher.
Please use my Contact Page to ask questions or share your concerns. Namaste….
Holistic Yoga & Spiritual Guidance 