Hatha Yoga Vs. Vinyasa Yoga

What is Hatha Yoga or What is Vinyasa yoga? I want to spend some time explaining the differences and similarity between the two classes. Watch the video that goes with this post! 


Hatha Yoga is an ancient practice. Hatha is a lineage of yoga that began around 800 CE and is a style most practiced today. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika was written by Swatmarma in the mid-1300s and is the classical manual of Hatha yoga. Hatha yoga teaches a six-limbed practice.

1. Yama's & Nyiamas ( Moral and Ethical conduct)
2. Asana (posture)
3. Pranayama (breath restraint)
4. Shatkarma (six purification practices)
5. Mudra and Bandha (seals and locks that help create, and direct energy within the body)
6. Samadhi (liberation)

In a public yoga practice, you can expect to practice asana (posture) that includes breathing work, mudra, and bandha. Hatha yoga is sometimes only directed towards beginners because it is taught at a slower pace. Students have time to master alignment, breath, and bandha for each posture. Hatha yoga is great for beginners because for this reason. Just because this practice is taught slower and held for a specific count of breath does not mean it is easier. You may hold familiar postures(downward facing dog, Warrior 1, Triangle) for a longer period. It can be challenging to hold side angle pose for 8-12 breaths using breath and bandha.
Hatha yoga is my favorite style of yoga because I have to explore my breath and the sensations of my body in the shapes in creating.


Unlike Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga is not a lineage of yoga. Vinyasa means order or placement. In Vinyasa you are continually moving or transitioning from pose to pose. Whereas hatha yoga you hold postures. The transitions are very strong, heating and smooth. Vinyasa yoga for the most part honer the sequencing principles of hatha yoga through more transition is incorporated.
Vinyasa yoga you are constantly moving. I believe students should have a strong hatha yoga background to safely, and effectively transition through the postures.


Both Hatha and Vinyasa yoga are similar because you will more than likely still be doing the same postures. Hatha yoga is more relaxing while Vinyasa yoga is more energizing. Both practices help with flexibility, strength, and focus on bring your body towards balances.


Which style of yoga do you enjoy the most and why? Comment below to share! ​