Difference between Hatha and Vinyasa

Difference between Hatha and Vinyasa forms of yoga.

In one of my recent Yoga Teacher Training classes, we were discussing the differences between Hatha and Vinyasa styles of yoga. Coming from a background of education and practice in both styles, I incorporate both methods into each yoga class.

Hatha Vs Vinyasa

HATHA VS VINYASA – MORE SIMILAR THAN DIFFERENT

From my observation, hatha yoga has claimed the image of being gentle, slow, or perhaps even boring. I would like to shed some light on what the two mean and how a well rounded and balanced yoga practitioner benefits from the use of both – movement and stillness. Vinyasa moves Hatha is still.

What is Hatha Yoga?

First, I would like to clarify that hatha style yoga is not limited to a “gentle” practice. The word hatha actually means willful or forceful – and refers to a set of postures that are designed to align the skin, the muscles, and the bones. They are designed to open the many channels of the body – specifically the spine (referring to the sushsumna nadi) so that energy can flow more freely through the body. Held stretch with breath is all about it! A true favorite.

What is Vinyasa Yoga?

Vinyasa is similar to dance. Vinyasa yoga is also called flow yoga because the yoga postures flow from one posture into another. Vinyasa is a modern version of Yoga and attracts many people. An authentic Vinyasa yoga incorporates the breath with every movement but tends to flow at a quicker pace than a held posture.

Hatha and Vinyasa

While the practice of hatha yoga is slower paced, it is by no means a gentle practice. Hatha is also broken down as ‘ha’ meaning ‘sun’ and ‘tha’ meaning ‘moon’. This refers to the balance of the masculine – sun, hot, active – and the feminine – moon, cool, receptive – within all of us. Hatha yoga is a path toward creating balance and uniting opposites. In our physical bodies we develop a balance of strength and flexibility – something that is much needed with our current day lifestyles. We also learn to balance our effort and surrender in each pose.

Hatha yoga is a powerful tool for self-transformation. It asks us to bring our attention to our breath, which helps us to still the fluctuations of the mind, and be more present in the unfolding of each moment. Our attention is on within us, where it should be. Not the sport or the ball or the score. The focus turns inward and the relationship to be more connected to yourself? Is the first step to becoming healthy.

Today, yoga is generally practiced to improve or restore health, to reduce stress, to age the body gracefully, and/or to build up the body and beautify it. Hatha yoga fulfils these objectives and goes beyond them. I have experienced a combination of the beloved Vinyasa and a quiet held pose. The two yoga styles share space perfectly.

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