Hatha yoga
Physical practices of yoga.
Hatha
Both our Hatha and Slow Yoga classes are based on the traditional understanding of hatha yoga. Traditional Hatha starts from the idea that when the body is in place, the mind is also in place. That is why asanas are held for several breaths, and the challenge is increased by the duration of the asana, and not, for example, by the speed of the asana sequence.
The pace of the Hatha practice is calm, exploratory and aimed at concentration. When a challenge arises, the strength of mind to remain calm is weighed. Calm breathing and conscious observation of it play a key role. Breathing can be considered the most important guiding factor in asana practice. The goal is to find balance at every level.
Asanas are done at each level: standing, kneeling, sitting, supine, prone and inverted. They strengthen, open, ground and balance. Asanas are practised from easy to challenging, depending on the class and need. Mantras, mudras and breathing exercises are an essential part of our classes, and there may also be short meditative practices. Both Anni and Sumit teach Hatha classes.
Slow Yoga
Slow Yoga is a hatha yoga method taught and named by Janne Kontala. So it is not something separate from hatha yoga, but actually a very traditional way of practicing hatha yoga. The classes focus on the conscious slowing down of breathing and movement, as well as the dialogue between challenge and contentment. The asanas are built with the help of slow movement sequences, or kriyas, and the asanas are held for a relatively long time.
The practices in the Slow classes are quite simple, but challenge the practitioner both physically and mentally. Asanas are done at each level. Slow Yoga guides you to a quiet, meditative state of mind. The classes include mantras and various breathing practices and short concentration practices.
The class is suitable for practitioners of all levels. Asanas are easy for beginners to master because the movements and transitions are calm. More advanced practitioners, on the other hand, get a wonderful additional depth to their practice. However, it's good to note that the class probably won't feel easy, especially if you're a beginner. If you feel that it is difficult for you to focus on calm work and breathing, a slightly more mobile Hatha may be a better option for you at first. The instructor at Slow Yoga is Anni.