Hatha to Iyengar

**Alix** · 04-11-2007, 02:42 PM

I have been practicing Hatha for some time now, and my instructor recently told me that she has elements of Iyengar in her practice as well. She is not going to be able to teach throughout the spring and summer so I am searching for a new place to settle in.

The place I am looking at offers both Hatha and Iyengar (and Ashtanga and Vinyasa) and I'm wondering if there are significant differences and if I would be comfortable with a shift? Can anyone advise me? TIA.

InnerAthlete · 04-12-2007, 01:22 AM

The shift you are aasking about is specifically Hatha to Iyengar?
Just for a second let's set aside classical definitions and so forth because we'll easily get mucked up in that.

Iyengar yoga (depending on the teacher and the work they've done) is a method. It is alignment-based and to some can seem meticulous. Hatha yoga (in the U.S.) works as more of a catch-all term for physically based yoga. Thios is NOT the classical definition of HaTha. It is however it's common application. So it is likely you will get a bit of variety from one Hatha instructor to another. In an Iyengar practice you are more likely to get commonalities from one instructor to the next. There are some things done the same way each time and other things not dane at all each time.

With Hatha, as it's applied here, you can get one teacher instructing Sarvangasana on a bare floor and another requiring props.
I don't think the transition would be that tough depending on where you are in your practice.

**Alix** · 04-12-2007, 02:28 PM

Thanks for the prompt reply. I've only changed instructors once before so this shift is a bit out of my comfort zone.

You have confirmed my initial impression, and although I personally feel that I am still very new to yoga, I think I could manage the Iyengar classes. I'm going to give it a try and see how it feels.

souljourney108 · 04-17-2007, 12:44 AM

Hi Alex...
Iyengar yoga is a form of Hatha yoga...Ha means sun/male & Tha moon/female...asanas and pranayam and various cleansing practices to balance the male and female energies within our bodies...
But these are just all labels.... i think it's best to try a teacher for afew classes and then see how you feel...if you are expanding...
Hari Om,
Soul

04-11-2007, 02:42 PM	#1
Alix Administrator Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Edmonton Posts: 328	I have been practicing Hatha for some time now, and my instructor recently told me that she has elements of Iyengar in her practice as well. She is not going to be able to teach throughout the spring and summer so I am searching for a new place to settle in. The place I am looking at offers both Hatha and Iyengar (and Ashtanga and Vinyasa) and I'm wondering if there are significant differences and if I would be comfortable with a shift? Can anyone advise me? TIA. __________________ You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it. Robin Williams

04-12-2007, 01:22 AM	#2
InnerAthlete Mostly Good Egg Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Certified Purna Yoga Teacher - Seattle, WA Posts: 1,035	The shift you are aasking about is specifically Hatha to Iyengar? Just for a second let's set aside classical definitions and so forth because we'll easily get mucked up in that. Iyengar yoga (depending on the teacher and the work they've done) is a method. It is alignment-based and to some can seem meticulous. Hatha yoga (in the U.S.) works as more of a catch-all term for physically based yoga. Thios is NOT the classical definition of HaTha. It is however it's common application. So it is likely you will get a bit of variety from one Hatha instructor to another. In an Iyengar practice you are more likely to get commonalities from one instructor to the next. There are some things done the same way each time and other things not dane at all each time. With Hatha, as it's applied here, you can get one teacher instructing Sarvangasana on a bare floor and another requiring props. I don't think the transition would be that tough depending on where you are in your practice. __________________ ---- http://www.yogamojodojo.com http://www.teamyoga.com http://www.innerathlete.net/forum

04-12-2007, 02:28 PM	#3
Alix Administrator Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Edmonton Posts: 328	Thanks for the prompt reply. I've only changed instructors once before so this shift is a bit out of my comfort zone. You have confirmed my initial impression, and although I personally feel that I am still very new to yoga, I think I could manage the Iyengar classes. I'm going to give it a try and see how it feels. __________________ You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it. Robin Williams

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04-17-2007, 12:44 AM	#4
souljourney108 Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: byron bay, australia Posts: 43	Hi Alex... Iyengar yoga is a form of Hatha yoga...Ha means sun/male & Tha moon/female...asanas and pranayam and various cleansing practices to balance the male and female energies within our bodies... But these are just all labels.... i think it's best to try a teacher for afew classes and then see how you feel...if you are expanding... Hari Om, Soul