Traditional Hatha Yoga Postures
ByThere are so many different philosophies of yoga, it can be hard to know which type of practice is best for you. Often times, rather than studying hatha yoga postures and philosophy in advance, many people wind up using the hatha yoga techniques they learn at the gym or on their yoga DVD by default.
That's great from a fitness perspective because Hatha yoga means Powerful Yoga and its meant to give you a good workout!
The hatha yoga postures can look easy, but be much harder to actually execute. You can learn at a gym or yoga center, of if you want to save money, a Hatha yoga DVD can be a great way to learn the positions, or "asanas" as they are known.
Perfect Your Hatha Yoga Postures With A Great Yoga DVD!
Hatha yoga videos can be a good starting place for those who want to learn Hatha yoga postures. Choose your video carefully, though, to ensure that the instructor on the video has the qualifications to teach hatha yoga to students. Hatha yoga postures require that specific techniques be used when holding the different positions so that the individual does all of them safely, rather than injuring himself. These Hatha yoga postures should also be taught with modifications so that if you are unable to attain the rigorously correct position, you can successfully acheive a modified position that will build strength and flexibility, moving you closer to the idea form over time. Those with bad knees or backs will often have to modify some of the positions, which a good instructor should be able to help them do, also. Once you think you have the basics down with your DVD training, it might be worth attending a yoga class every now and then to have a live instructor give you feedback on your technique. In this way, you can be sure you're achieving a close replication of the ideal hatha yoga postures.
What to Expect At A Hatha Yoga Class
When going to a class to learn Hatha yoga postures, individuals should wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move around in. New students often stand in the back (where they will not be embarrassed) while advanced students workout in the front closer to the instructor. See if your yoga center has a policy on this, personally, I like to workout in the front, even if I look like a dork because I enjoy the interaction and attention from the instructor that I am more likely to get there.
Although you may see lots of the other students wearing form-fitting yoga gear that you wouldn't be caught dead in outside, there's a reason for it, and all body types are accepted in the yoga class. In fact, your yoga clothing should not be too loose, otherwise it may slide around too much and get in your way when performing some of the yoga postures in the class, especially inverted positions. Usually yoga pants are ideal along with a snug fitting tank top. Shorts are permissible too, however, loose shorts can sometimes gape and provide an embarrassing view to others in the class. The sports bras that are worn for women should also be high coverage because some of the poses are upside down, and no woman wants an embarrassing "wardrobe malfunction" during class.
Begining yoga students can bring their own mat or can usually borrow a mat from the gym where they will be participating. It's important to use a hatha yoga mat when performing hatha yoga postures because the mat provides cushioning and stability to help you stay in positions that are fairly awkward at times and can result in falling or a lot of pressure in certain areas where you're in contact with the ground in an unusual way (such as a headstand). Although the mats at the gym are fine, they are not always the most sterile, and when there are bare feet, sweating and faces to the mat in some cases, you may be more comfortable investing in your own mat if yoga is something you plan to participate in long term.
The mats that will work best for Hatha yoga postures can be found in various sporting goods stores and online. Once you know you are committed to your hatha yoga practice and are working through your routine of hatha yoga postures on a regular basis, getting an inexpensive hatha yoga mat makes good sense.
A workout routine comprising a number of Hatha yoga postures (my favorite is the Sun Salutation first thing in the morning) will help you gain flexibility, strength, coordination, balance and confidence.
Hatha yoga has been proven to be excellent for many aspects of your health and as you make progress in achieving and holding hatha yoga postures, you'll find you have added a richly rewarding habit to your healthy lifestyle.
