Hatha yoga is a generic term that encompasses a wide range of yoga traditions that share an emphasis on physical practices such as postures (asanas,) breathing exercises (pranayama) and cleansing techniques. Within the umbrella term hatha yoga are lots of styles and traditions. For example Ashtanga, Iyengar and restorative are all essentially Hatha Yoga. Where a class is described as Hatha Yoga: it tends to be a traditional approach to the practices, often with a focus on breathing and relaxing in postures for longer than some of the more modern styles.

The word Hatha refers to the balancing of the physical and mental energies. 'Ha' is solar and represents the energy of the body. 'Tha' is lunar and represents the energy of the mind. 'Yoga' means union. Hence, Hatha Yoga is the union of the body with the mind.

Hatha yoga helps to cleanse the physical body and tones, strengthens the muscles and organs. Flexibility is naturally increased and the spine is restored to a state of optimum health. Hatha yoga also works on an energy level and helps to release blockages of energy. The ultimate aim of Hatha yoga is liberation from suffering and realisation of our innate divine nature.

All the teachers at Derekthedog are teaching Hatha Yoga in one form or another. Three of the teachers Cicely and James and Alice specialize in the traditional application of Hatha Yoga, which they all learned at the same institute in Southern India.

For more information on Hatha yoga classes please see our schedule: