About Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga has been practiced for over 5000 years. It is an ancient system that when practiced mindfully will encourage you to gain optimum levels of health, balancing both body and mind and helping to fine tune all of your bodies systems.

Originally Hatha yoga was practiced by the ancient sages and rishes (wise men) to enable them to meditate for long periods of time without being distracted emotionally, mentally or physically, so that eventually they could obtain enlightenment or samadhi.

As far as we know yoga was first practiced by the Vedic Civilisation, whose main settlements were on the banks of the Saraswati River in the Indian states of Haryana and Punjab, between 4500BC and 1800 BC. The first written record of yoga dates from 3000BC. It was written by the Sage Putanjali in the ancient Vedic language of Sanskrit. Even today the Sanskrit names for the postures are still commonly used when teaching yoga.

The Sanskrit words Ha and Tha translate to mean Sun and Moon and Yoga translates to mean Union or Joining. Hatha yoga therefore is the yoga of the Sun and the Moon, the yoga of opposites which work to balance body and mind. Hatha yoga includes breathing techniques (or Pranayamas in Sanskrit), postures (Asanas) and relaxation (Nidra).

Hatha yoga is best practiced mindfully, be prepared to move slowly in the postures and really concentrate on perfecting the postures to the best of your ability. Postures should never be forced just relax into them and you will find that your ability will improve naturally. Your yoga class is for you, it is your time to relax and focus on your body, your alignment and posture. If your mind wanders during a class focus on your breath, this will help you to regain your concentration.

Our Beginners Hatha Yoga Class CDs and Beginners Flowing Sequence/Vinyasa MP3 Downloads provide a practical introduction to yoga and are an ideal way to practice yoga at home or on the go.  For those with more experience, try our Improvers Hatha Yoga Class CDs and Improvers Flowing Sequence/Vinyasa MP3 Downloads. Each of our yoga classes and flowing sequences use clear and easy to follow verbal instructions mixed with a different full length soothing background music track. All are accompanied by a guide booklet that highlights the instructions and gives a series of photos for each posture.

Our Pre & Post Natal Yoga Class CD's & Yoga MP3 Downloads are ideal for expectant and new mothers.  After the baby is born, the first precious months with a new arrival are very important so what better way to strengthen the bond between baby and parent than with the Yoga for Babies DVD.