Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is generally a slow-paced, gentle practice of asana that works on the mind-body connection by focusing on the breath and prana. Hatha yoga also works on balancing and bringing together the left and right side, the feminine and masculine, the sun and the moon. In fact, ‘Ha’ means sun and ‘tha’ means moon. According to the popular text, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Hatha yoga is a preliminary practice for Raja yoga. Through regular practice, one can master the prana (life force) and attain complete control of the mind. The text tells us the main practices in Hatha Yoga are Asanas (postures), Pranayama (breathwork), Shatkarma, Mudras (energy gestures) and bandhas ( energy locks).

Hatha yoga is ideal for all levels. The first step is asanas. The classes might vary based on the time of day. For example, morning sessions might be more energizing while evening sessions might be more relaxing. Hatha yoga postures when done in conjunction with the breath helps us develop awareness, strength, flexibility, focus and balance. The practice is very relaxing, yet energizing.

After asana practice, pranayama, shatkarmas (retreats only), mudras and bandhas are performed. These are of different types and each one works on cleansing the body and unlocking energy. Through this, the practice focuses on transforming the physical body through purification and the cultivation of the life force energy of prana.

Meditating yogi with sun, moon, and mountain backdrop in Wales.
Woman practicing yoga on the beach at sunset in Wales.
Group of people celebrating at Tru Dru Yoga in Wales with certificates.
Statue of Lord Shiva with ocean view at Wales beach.
Yoga certificate from Tru Dru Yoga in Wales for completing teacher training.
Woman practicing yoga on a Welsh beach at sunset with arms outstretched.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga yoga or Ashtanga Vinyasa is a dynamic and challenging type of Asana practice. Not to be confused with Classical Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali, (The 8 limbs are yamas (social norms), niyamas (self-discipline), asanas (postures), pranayama (breathwork), pratyahara (withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), samadhi - liberation). Ashtanga Vinyasa is also called Mysore style due to its origins in the mysore palace. The classes focus on a series of asanas that strengthen yet balance and calm the mind and body. Movements are coordinated with the breath and practiced in a mindful and concentrated manner called Vinyasa - flow.

Ashtanga yoga follows a slightly different form of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) from the traditional Surya Namaskar practice. The practice starts with Surya Namaskars, a series of standing postures, then seated and inversions. Ashtanga also emphasizes the breath as a guide to flow between postures. Very often teachers ask students to stay in a posture for five breaths, and sometimes Practice Ujjayi Breath. Due to the strength required in Ashtanga yoga, the sessions are more demanding than Hatha yoga

Diagram of the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga with descriptions.