Hatha is defined as - in simple terms - a practice of physical yoga postures, say Yoga Journal. So, what is Hatha yoga and how does it differ to Vinyasa? So now we've hooked you in with a flexible limb, read on to discover what exactly Hatha is, how it differs to the more well-known Vinyasa, if it's good for beginners, and the ten secrets to nailing your flow every time. 17 Yoga Retreats for All Budgets + Yoga Tribes.

There's also evidence it equips you to deal better with stress and anxiety, and a study by Duke University showed it could help certain mental health disorders. Studies have revealed Hatha yoga can improve strength, flexibility, and physical fitness as well as help alleviate chronic conditions like back pain or insomnia. And before you dismiss it as a bit woo-woo and return to your sweaty downward dog, there's a host of research to back up its benefits. These days, while other styles of yoga focus on toning and Insta-worthy poses, Hatha is more of a 'moving meditation' designed to calm the mind and help you self-reflect. In a class you'll normally here the Lululemon-clad yoga teacher mention asanas and pranayama - that's postures and breathing to you or I. Originating from 15th century India Hatha Yoga is the OG of zen and inspires most types of flow practiced in studios across the West today. And you've got it thank for your dose of weekly zen. But there's an older kid on the block that's well worth your precious time - Hatha Yoga. You've probably tried out Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Bikram on the yoga schedule.

Simple hatha yoga sequence