Hatha Yoga Classes Exeter

What is Hatha Yoga?

Hatha yoga is great form of yoga for everyone including beginners and those who prefer working deep into their yoga postures. It concentrates particularly on breathing and your physical posture. Poses are held for longer than with some other forms of yoga.

What is its history?

Historically, classical Hatha Yoga is described primarily in three texts of Hinduism: Hatha Yoga Pradipika by yogi Swatmarama (15th centrury BCE), Shiva Samhita by unnkown author (~16th centrury BCE) and Gheranda Samhita by yogi Gheranda (17th century BCE). Swatmarama made a complilation of earlier hatha yoga texts. Hatha yoga is based on asanas (physical postures) and pranayama breathing techniques) as a preparatory stage for physical purification of the body for the purpose of higher meditation or Yoga.

Functions and benefits of Hatha Yoga

This form of yoga can be practised by all levels from beginners upwards. It requires a healthy balance between effort and relaxation. Classes normally begin with a gentle warm up followed by a sequence of deep sequential poses. These poses will align the body and breath. It will also lengthen and strengthen your muscles and ligaments. These different postures will take place either standing up or some are seated, or floor based.

In these classes you will learn to work with your body into the postures to where you are most comfortable. Your body will learn how to release tension. Each class will finish with a deep relaxation to help calm the mind and relax the body. We will also practice short meditation and breathing practices in class.

If you’d like to find out more about this form of yoga and how it can help, please do get in touch today or book below.