Hatha Yoga Sequencing Ideas

  • 8 years ago
Here's a short and relaxing Hatha Yoga sequence that takes you from seated to supine postures.

How To Sequence A Hatha Yoga Class

Hatha yoga is one of the most popular forms of yoga because it is easy for beginners and also provides a basic routine for advanced students. Knowledgeable yoga practitioners have developed a sequence of movements or poses that are suitable for a hatha yoga class.

One: Relaxing Meditation Practice

A teacher should begin a hatha yoga class with guided meditation that helps their students to clear their minds of distressing thoughts in order to focus on their body movements throughout the session.

Two: Stretching the Neck

Stretching the neck while sitting in a comfortable position on the floor or on a chair helps a student to begin to relax because most tension is contained in the neck muscles. A teacher can guide their students through circling, side-to-side and forward to backward movements to improve the circulation of blood to the brain.

Three: Rotating the Shoulders

Next, the instructor can progress to slow shoulder rotations that involve the students having their elbows touch as they move their bent arms forward.

Four: Tabletop Position

Students should use a mat for the tabletop position that involves placing the hands directly beneath the shoulders and having the knees below the hips. A student must roll their inner arms outward while looking at the floor. For the cat position, lift the upper body slowly while bending the back. In this position, a student will look at the ceiling before returning to the neutral pose and then gently move their head so that their chin is toward their chest. A student must make sure to hold this pose for three seconds while breathing normally.

Five: Side Stretches

Students will stand on a mat with their feet apart slightly to provide balance while engaging in left to right side stretches.

Six: Palm Tree Posing

For this pose, students are still standing but place their feet closer together to maintain balance. When a student lifts their heels off the floor, they must raise their hands into the air slowly. As the student moves their heels back to the floor, they place their hands on top of their head.

Hatha Yoga encompasses many forms. In its simplistic definition, "hatha" simply means effort. When combined with the word “yoga”, it is a reminder that the path will be a strenuous, conscious movement; one designed to you open your inner channels and your mind to prepare you for meditation.

Combing together a proper sequence is important. Each pose prepares your body and mind for the next pose to come. Think of it as a proper warm-up for athletes. In the case of yoga, proper sequencing will not only warm up the body, but will put you in balance with the desired outcome of your energy and intentions.

Sequencing Hatha Yoga should be treated similarly to climbing upward. You naturally start at the bottom with the first pose; each step acting as a new sequence that elevates you through new, more difficult poses. It is essential to avoid practicing a move that is not to your level.

An excellent way to start from the bottom, especially for beginners, is to start your Hatha Yoga sequence with the fundamentals. Begin with the Sun Salutation, traditionally known as Surya-Namaskar (A), completing that pose, and then move into a Surya-Namaskar (B). Then add in two standing poses. Add as many standing poses as necessary until you feel almost one with your sequence. And if necessary, repeat Surya-Namaskar as desired. Only then when you feel it’s more than safe to move forward should you move into floor work.

Sometimes yogi students want to try a specific pose for any number of reasons. In the West, yoga has been identified as an intense exercise to numerous people with some moves representing the peak of yoga or physical prowess. But remember, the intended purpose of yoga is to help you quiet your mind; unite yourself with a higher love. Be conscious of your movement. Start with the basics and be safe.

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