Whats the difference between astanga vinyasa and hatha yoga?
Strictly speaking, astanga vinyasa is a form of hatha yoga ( hatha denotes simply a physical form of yoga); however, recently the term hatha has come to be used colloquially to refer to less dynamic styles of yoga in which there are pauses between postures rather than one posture flowing into the next, linked by vinyasa (a sequence of connecting movements). There are many forms of hatha yoga, but generally hatha classes are slower and gentler than astanga and include more passive forms and relaxation. Do I need to be very fit to do an astanga class? You need to have a reasonable basic level of fitness and a willingness to work hard and sweat, but you don t need to be super-fit. Remember to respect your current level of stamina and practise where you actually are rather than where you aspire to be and your practice will be beneficial. Do I need to be very flexible to do an astanga class? No. In many ways, a stiff body offers an easier, safer starting point than one that is very mobile.
