Hatha Yoga…

What is it?

Hatha yoga is an ancient form of yoga (approximately 2500 years old) that is the most popular type of yoga practiced in the West. A traditional Hatha yoga practice includes and incorporates various body postures and poses as well as some breathing techniques.

What is the specific style that you teach?

I have been trained in the style of Integral Yoga^® Hatha through the academy at Satchidananda Ashram in Virginia. Being a style of Hatha yoga, there is the characteristic focus on postures and breathing, but as Integral Yoga, there are also portions of the class devoted to chanting and meditation, providing the practitioner with a very multi-dimensional and well-rounded yoga practice.

 What is an Integral Yoga^® Hatha Class like?

Integral Yoga^® Hatha effectively combines four components of yoga - asana, pranayama, meditation, and chanting - to provide you with a holistic yoga experience  designed to  illuminate and restore the connection between your body, mind, and spirit. This style is very gentle and quite suitable for anyone from the total beginner to the advanced practitioner.  

Why do yoga?

Because yoga is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Research has shown that yoga helps reduce stress (which is associated with an array of physical and psychological issues – obesity, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, etc.). Hence, any healthy way to reduce stress can also reduce its associated negative effects. Yoga also improves flexibility and ease of movement by improving the health of bones, muscles, and joints. Yoga improves the flow of prana, or energy, throughout the body, enhancing the function of the body’s own immune system. These are only a few of the vast possibilities of how yoga can improve your health and well-being. Lastly, one of the most important reasons for doing yoga – it just plain feels good! And when you feel good, you emit that feeling and mindset to others around you, so it also indirectly benefits your loved ones as well as they get the benefit of enjoying the company of a healthy, happy, radiant YOU!

What do I have to do?

            Simply come with an open mind and a willingness to experiment and go places with your body that you may not have gone in a while...  though rest-assured that, in this style of yoga, being gentle and easy with your body is top priority (ie, the goal is not to see how good you are at imitating a pretzel). 

 What do I wear/bring?

            Wear loose comfortable clothing that breathes and moves with you. There is a portion of the class when you will remain still and relaxed for a long period of time, so your blood pressure will likely drop which corresponds to a decrease in body temperature. It is recommended that you bring socks and a long-sleeved top to wear or small blanket if needed to maintain a comfortable body temperature and remain able to relax. If you have a yoga mat, excellent! If not, you can bring a large towel to start (as long as we’re on a carpeted floor).  

How is it different from other types of yoga?

            Integral Yoga^® Hatha follows a particular pattern and flow throughout each class. Thus, if variety and something new and different each class is what you are wanting, then this style will probably not keep your attention for very long. However, if you like consistency and the way it affords diving deep into the study of a particular topic or movement practice, then Integral Yoga’s steady, stable, and predictable approach to Hatha is perfect for you! This is one of the very reasons why I fell in love with the practice of Integral Yoga Hatha: I knew that every class would follow a consistent format that I could depend on, and I was also able to directly compare my practice and progress from week to week.

 Don't you have to be a hippie, a health fanatic, skinny, “in shape”, able to imitate a pretzel, young, flexible, or … (fill in the blank)  … to do yoga?

No. Absolutely not! Integral Yoga Hatha can accommodate anyone and every body. So don’t be shy and give it a try! All that is required is a willingness to learn how wonderful yoga is for you. Integral Yoga Hatha meets you exactly where you are and in whatever state of mind and body that is.  

As often as you like! A weekly class is helpful to keep the momentum of your personal practice and provides the benefit of group synergy, but it is also very beneficial to do yoga several times a week on your own. Even if it’s just a few minutes worth each day, your body will love you for it.

Breathe. Relax. Restore. Rejuvenate.