The ancient practice of yoga has developed into a major health and wellness industry. Classes in various types of yoga take place in health clubs, yoga studios, corporate office buildings, hospitals, schools and community centers. According to MayoClinic.com, the benefits of a regular yoga practice are many and include decreased stress levels, weight loss, and increased flexibility, strength and stamina. Additionally, yoga has been linked with improvement for chronic conditions such as cancer, anxiety, depression and heart disease. Always consult your doctor and a knowledgeable yoga teacher to find the type of yoga that is best for you.
Yoga
Yoga is both an exercise system and a philosophy for living well. The meaning of yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "yuj," which is translated to mean "yoke" or "union." Yoga is the perfect union of opposites. The practice of yoga developed in India more than 2,000 years ago, and its written history was recorded by Patanjali in his book "The Yoga Sutras." Patanjali outlines the eight-limbed path of yoga, which includes the third limb, asana. Asana is the physical practice of yoga that many yogis in the Western world practice.
Hatha
"Hatha yoga" is the umbrella term used to describe all of the physical postures--asanas--of the yoga practice. All types of yoga fall under the term "hatha yoga." The word "hatha" is translated to mean "sun" and "moon" and signifies the connection of opposites within the practice. Hatha yoga asanas are postures designed to bring flexibility to the body and calm to the mind. The postures have Sanskrit and English names, which are animal or nature based, such as downward-facing dog or tree pose.
Namaste
According to "Yoga Journal," namaste is both a phrase and a gesture that is symbolic of the spirit in all people. The gesture is made by placing the hands together in a prayer position in front of the heart, fingertips pointing upward. In India, "namaste" is a traditional greeting. The word is loosely translated as "I bow to you." Namaste is used symbolically to end a yoga class, although each teacher chooses whether to say namaste or not at the end of class. The word "namaste" is sometimes placed in front of yoga classes or studios as a descriptive word, but it is not its own branch of yoga. Namaste yoga is part of hatha yoga, and there is no difference between the two.
Considerations
When the term "hatha" is used to describe a yoga class, you can expect a gentle session that focuses on static asanas instead of a more dynamic flowing style, such as vinyasa flow yoga. Hatha yoga is appropriate for beginners, but it is a good idea to communicate with the yoga studio or teacher to check that the class is appropriate for your level.
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