हठ
Hatha
Hatha is where almost everyone should begin, whatever their fitness.
- Intensity
- 2 of 5
- Level
- Beginner
- Length
- 60 min
- Props
- Mat, two blocks
What Hatha actually is
Poses are entered slowly, held for several breaths, and left with the same care. There is no flowing from one shape into the next, which means you have time to notice what your body is actually doing rather than chasing the next instruction.
It is the oldest of the physical practices taught here, and every other tradition on this page grows out of it. Practised honestly, it builds the strength and the attention that faster work later depends on.
60 min, minute by minute
0—10 min
Seated breath and a body scan
10—25 min
Standing poses, held and repeated
25—45 min
Seated and supine work, twists
45—60 min
Prāṇāyāma and śavāsana
Shapes you will meet
Mountain
Tāḍāsana
Triangle
Trikoṇāsana
Tree
Vṛkṣāsana
Seated fold
Paśchimottānāsana
Corpse
Śavāsana
Online or in studio
Practise Hatha with Dr. Sharma
Classes are arranged around when you are free — live online from anywhere, or in the studio. Your first one is free.
Questions
- Do I need to be flexible to start Hatha?
- No. Flexibility is an outcome of practice, not a requirement for it. Hatha is the tradition most often chosen by people who describe themselves as stiff.
- How often should I practise?
- Twice a week is enough to feel a change within a month. Three times a week is where most students settle.
- What do I need at home?
- A mat, two blocks and a wall. Nothing else is required for a Hatha class.
Still not sure Hatha is yours?
Nine questions, ninety seconds, an honest answer.