Vinyasa or Hatha Yoga: What's The Difference?

Understanding the different styles of yoga is a challenge in itself, and that's before trying to balance on one leg. It's important to know what you've signed yourself up for before attending a yoga class. Let us help you out on this one.

Vinyasa or Hatha yoga... What will it be?

Technically speaking, Hatha yoga is all yoga and what we know modern yoga to be. However, for argument sake, we will refer to Hatha as a common style taught by yoga studios.

What is Hatha Yoga?

Realign and calm the body, mind, and spirit through gentle and restorative Hatha.

Hatha yoga is typically a slower paced class, focused on moving the body mindfully. There are a variety of poses taught, often with plenty of variations and modifications to make the class accessible for all.

You can expect a focus on the breath, alignment and posture throughout as the teacher guides you into common yoga poses and meditation.

Poses you can expect to come across in a Hatha class include downward facing dog, warrior's and tree. The class will transition between seated, standing, balancing and lying down for relaxation.

Hatha Yoga follows the 8 Limbs of Yoga - an ancient philosophy used by yogi's to follow enlightenment and liberation. (This is a whole other topic to explore...)

Benefits of Hatha Yoga

• Lowers stress

• Focus on breathing

• Improves flexibility

• Strengthens muscles

• Healthier joints

What is Vinyasa Yoga?

Stretch, unwind , improve your agility and find your own flow through our dynamic Vinyasa sessions.

Vinyasa yoga is faster paced and generally more physically demanding than a Hatha class. (That's not saying you can't build up a sweat in Hatha!) The teacher will guide the class through a sequence, stringing yoga poses together in a flow. Poses are always adaptable with modifications and props, so be sure to talk to your teacher before the class to get tips to help you out if needed.

You can expect chaturanga push-ups, upward facing dogs, and lots of downward facing dogs. Breath is often used to help hold positions and count movements through a sequence. Alignment is still important, however, there is less focus and time on this compared to a Hatha class.

A typical Vinyasa sequence may look something like this:

• Inhale - arms to the sky

• Exhale - forward fold

• Inhale - step back to warrior 2, hold for 3 breaths

• Exhale - plank or chaturanga

• Inhale - upward facing dog

• Exhale - downward facing dog

Benefits of Vinyasa Yoga

• Lowers stress

• Cardio workout

• Improves stability

• Strength training

• Healthier overall

How To Choose Between Vinyasa or Hatha Yoga

Both styles of yoga offer fantastic benefits, and as always, it comes down to your personal preference when choosing what to do. Here is a simple guide to help you decide:

Hatha Yoga	Vinyasa Yoga
New to yoga and want to learn the poses	Familiar with yoga poses and want to flow
Have a lower level of fitness and want to gently build up	Have a good level of fitness and is up for a challenge
Want to focus on stress reduction and relaxation	Want to focus on strength building and core power
Want a focus on pranayama and meditation	Up for a challenge

Yoga at Pose Fitness

At Pose we offer both Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga classes on our regular timetable:

Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat	Sun
Hatha 5:15pm	-	Hatha 7:30pm	-	-	Vinyasa 8:30am	Hatha 9:30am

All of our Hatha Yoga classes are suitable for beginners as our teachers provide options for all levels, making the class completely accessible. We often incorporate pranayama (breathing techniques) along with the occasional 'OM' to close a practice.

Our Vinyasa Yoga class is fast paced with a strong element of play and fun. This is a mixed level class, offering challenges to those that want to take them. We alternate between Mandala Vinyasa and Rocket sequences to give our classes something different.

Want to come join us for a practice?

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FAQs

I'm a beginner. What yoga class is suitable for me?

Hatha yoga is the class for you. This yoga class is slower and generally provides details on alignment and posture for the poses. The teacher will guide you step by step and offer adjustments if needed to help you into the pose.

When can I come to a Vinyasa class?

Which style is best for relaxation, Vinyasa or Hatha?

I want to get stronger. What class should I attend?

Which style is best for improving flexibility, Vinyasa or Hatha?