Hatha Yoga uses postures (asanas) and stretches in combination with the breath to develop flexibility and relaxation. There are many styles of Hatha Yoga. Some use a specific series of postures; others use a flow of movements, while some may use props such as blocks or belts to assist a posture or maximize a stretch. All styles of Hatha Yoga, however, encourage proper alignment of the body and bring balance, strength, and calmness to the practitioner. Our Hatha Yoga classes are based on the classic and ancient practices with a strong ashtanga influence.

Ashtanga
Ashtanga means eight limbs, it is a style of practice introduced by Patabhi Jois. This style is a dynamic form of Hatha yoga in that there is a vigorous flow as one moves from one posture  to another. There are traditionally six series or combinations, however usually only the first and second series are taught.

Iyengar
B K S Iyengar created a style of hatha yoga in the early 20^th century that focuses on the importance of precise physical alignment during the execution of poses. At times Iyengar has been compared to a drill sergeant because his teaching style is somewhat strict with its extreme attention to positioning.  Iyengar students have many different types of props, which enable people at all levels to proficiency to go deeper or stay longer in postures with more accurate physical alignment.

 
Vinyasa
Another style of hatha yoga is the practice of linking surya namaskaras (sun salutations) or similar postures between poses.  Practioners repeat each pose in sequence before going on to the next one, and after adding a new pose they do a Vinyasa (a flowing movement linked with breath).  The use of variations creates a flowing  from pose to pose as opposed to stopping one posture and starting again.

Bikram
Once known mainly as “the yoga of the stars”, this style of hatha spread throughout the united states via Beverly hills.  Bikram is better known today as “hot yoga” because it is taught in a room kept at 41 degrees Celsius.

Kundalini
Yogi Bhajan introduced a form of Sikhism to the west, and  with it came a form of hatha that resembles callisthenics. Those who follow Yogi Bhajans teachings wear white outfits and turbans.  People practicing Kundalini Yoga often chant syllables and perform segments of rapid deep breathing or “breath of fire” while holding pose.

 
Children’s Yoga
Children's yoga is a natural and healthy way to exercise, relax, focus, and strengthen their mind/body/spirit connection. Yoga games, breath meditations, and deep relaxations are wonderful self-help therapies for hyperactivity, and have helped with ADD/ADHD, Autism, and children's health and well-being.

With such positive benefits for children, schools in Britain and America are incorporating regular yoga sessions in to educational fitness programs. By using imaginative words for yoga poses, usually those of an animal, bird or insect, teachers believe yoga for kids can foster a child's creativity. In addition to building a foundation for fitness and well being, children learn how to deal with choices and feelings. Unlike team sports such as football or basketball, in which both players and parents can get aggressively competitive, in yoga, the individual competes only with him or herself.

More than ever before, children are under tremendous amounts of stress from school, peer rivalry and expectations from the media. With regular yoga practice, children as young as three can be educated to look after their bodies, learn to relax and value their environment with yoga for kids.

Yoga is one of the best ways to establish a child's emotional harmony and to help nurture body, mind and spirit.