What is Hatha Yoga

It’s not about wrapping your legs around the back of your head….!!

The most common thing people say, when asked about yoga is, ‘I won’t be any good at it because I’m not flexible’.  This is exactly the reason why you should be giving it a try.   Everyone can benefit from being more flexible, particularly those of us with a sedentary occupation, such as desk jobs. Our bodies are designed to move and practising yoga puts your joints and muscles through a range of beneficial movements.

But yoga is about more than being flexible.  It is about respecting your body and using it correctly.  It stretches and strengthens the muscles, ligaments and tendons; it lubricates the joints through a set of gentle and fluid movements.  It is non-competitive and everyone works within their own limits.  This makes it suitable for people of all ages and capabilities.  The exercises improve your balance, body alignment, increase your stamina, tones your muscles, releases muscle tension and strengthens areas of your body, particularly the back.  It promotes body awareness in everyday life.

Yoga not only tones muscle groups but also works on internal body organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys, as well as flushing out toxins from the body.  It is therefore excellent as a means of preventing illness and of boosting the immune system.  Above all, it is relaxing and has a remarkable calming effect on the body thereby improving your quality of sleep.

Don’t hold your breath!