Hatha, the physical practice, includes moral discipline, physical exercise (such as asanas/postures) and Pranayama (breath control), and meditation. Hatha yoga refers to the physical practice of yoga and is what most of us in the west refer to when we speak of yoga. It works to bring balance between the opposing energies of the mind and body via physical exercises, or "asanas", controlled breathing, and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation. The word Hatha is a compound of the words Ha and Tha meaning sun and moon in Sanskrit and represents opposing energies - hot and cold, fire and water (following the same concept
as the yin-yang), male and female, positive and negative.

Vinyasa means to move with the breath. Most of the popular yoga styles, such as Ashtanga and Power Yoga, are taught in a Vinyasa style, which means that one flows through each series of poses in a fluid motion moving to the breath. These classes in the Vinyasa Flow category blend the ancient wisdom of many yogic traditions, including Ashtanga, Iyengar and Power Yoga, into a new expression. These classes offer more variety in their sequencing than a traditional Ashtanga class, are slower paced than a Power Yoga class, yet more vigorous than an Iyengar class. Vinyasa flow classes are athletic in nature and they combine hard work with deep relaxation to build strength, flexibility, concentration and a sense of balance.  This type of yoga can promote weight-loss while building strength, stamina, and flexibility.

Iyengar Yoga was created to prevent the pain or injury that can result from student’s straining in a yoga pose. This style of yoga uses props, such as a chair, block, blanket and belt or strap, so that the student can practice without the risk of pain or injury. Restorative yoga is a popular type of Iyengar yoga and involves a sequence of poses designed to help restore the body to a more blissful state. This type of yoga is slow paced and poses are often held for long periods of time, making it ideal for helping people recover from injury, illness or stress. It can be a very powerful tool in helping to reduce stress and restore health. Restorative yoga is synonymous to “active relaxation.” The body is supported by props so that it can be stimulated and relaxed, helping it to move toward balance.

The development of Iyengar yoga is credited to B.K.S. Iyengar, of Pune, India. Author of the contemporary classic Light on Yoga and numerous other books, Iyengar has been teaching yoga for more than sixty years. Widely recognized as a worldwide authority, he is one of the most creative teachers of yoga today.