We often get asked whats the difference between hatha and vinyasa, or hatha and iyengar or ashtanga, so we thought we’d explain the differences for you.

Hatha yoga is generally a slow to medium paced class where the postures (asanas) can be adapted for any level with focus placed more on posture and breath. Hatha yoga aims to develop a balance of strength and flexibility whilst opening the channels of the body to allow energy to flow freely.

Ashtanga Yoga is a very physically demanding class where you will perform the same series of movements in the same precise order. Ashtanga yoga translates to the eight limbs of yoga as outlined by Patanjali which include moral and ethical guidelines, postures, breath work, sense withdrawal, concentration and meditation. Once you have learnt the set of movements you can practice alone. Generally the postures are not adapted for injuries or levels so is more suited to the advanced student.

Vinyasa flow yoga is a more accessible form of ashtanga yoga. Vinyasa links breath to movement in a flowing rhythm that is both challenging and dynamic. Using meditation and breathing techniques, it provides an all-round yoga experience that ties together mind, body, and spirit.

Iyengar yoga focuses more on the asanas (postures) and achieving precise alignment in the postures before introducing breath. Postures are generally held for longer with the use of props (blocks, straps, etc) to achieve the correct positioning. This type of class is easily adapted for all levels and abilities.

Bikram (hot) yoga is a standardised series of two breathing exercises and twenty four poses. Each pose prepares the body for the next, no props are used and no inversions are taught. The room is heated to 36 – 42 degrees Celsius to help sweat out toxins and stretch further.

We hope this helps you chose the class for you, if you need any further help feel free to contact us or check out the class timetable here.