Gentle Hatha: what it is and where to practice it

The secrets of Gentle Hatha yoga

Gentle Hatha is a gentle approach to the discipline of yoga. It allows you to achieve the perfect balance between body and mind to live in harmony with yourself and with others.

The adjective ‘gentle’ referring to yoga indicates a discipline that does not enhance physical effort or extreme flexibility. On the contrary, it focuses on stretching, breathing, body control and peace of mind.

Ideal for all levels of preparation, Gentle Hatha Yoga is softer than Hatha Yoga, the most famous and practiced style in the West. Indeed, you do the exercises at your own pace, without effort, learning how to get in tune with your body and breathing. More specifically, gentle yoga combines relaxing postures with meditation, dedicating great time to stretching and sitting positions to release muscle tension and joint stiffness.

In Gentle Hatha the asanas are accessible to everyone. For this, it is suitable for beginners, the elderly or people with reduced mobility, or pregnant women. It is also suitable for those who suffer from stiffness, muscle tension, spine or joint trauma, who need to relax, get in touch with body and regain well-being. In general, gentle yoga is perfect for anyone who wants to disconnect from everyday tensions and try a slow, meditative discipline.

Styles and benefits of Gentle Hatha yoga: here’s why to practice it

There are several types of gentle yoga. These are the most popular:

1. Integral Yoga: master Sri Swami Satchidananda brought this gentle Hatha Yoga style to the West. It includes breathing exercises, chanting and kriya (advanced meditation techniques);
2. Kripalu Yoga: named after the Indian master Swami Kripalu whose teachings were introduced to the West by the yogi disciple Amrit Desai. He founded the Kripalu Center in Massachusetts in 1974. At the heart of Kripalu Yoga is the spiritual transformation through meditation, breathing and awareness of one’s body;
3. Sivananda Yoga: it arrived in the West thanks to the master Swami Vishnudevananda. Sivananda yoga is based on five elements, fundamental for health and spiritual growth. They are: gentle practice of positions, correct breathing, relaxation of body and spirit, positive thinking through meditation and a vegetarian diet;
4. Yin Yoga: it refers to the Taoist concept of yin and yang, the balance between the opposing forces of nature. It teaches to relax the body, calm the emotions and stimulate the energetic flow of the meridians (Nadi). The practice of Yin Yoga acts on the deep connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bones). It contrasts with more dynamic (yang) styles, such as Ashtanga yoga or Iyengar Yoga, which focus on stretching the muscles;
5. Restorative Yoga: it is a meditative practice that calms the mind and relaxes the body through restful positions, simple stretches and light twists. Restorative Yoga is a “passive gymnastics” which includes short sessions and the use of particular tools, such as yoga blocks, bolster (long pillow) and elastic belt;
6. Chair Yoga: asanas, meditation and pranayama are practiced while seated. This relieves tension, improve posture, decrease joint pain, tone the body, keep the mind active and reduce stress. The Chair Yoga is suitable for people with reduced mobility or who have a sedentary job. You can practice it anywhere: all you need is a sturdy chair without edges and armrests.

Like all yoga styles, Gentle Hatha ensures several health benefits:

1. – improvement of muscle flexibility, posture, breathing and sleep quality;
2. – prevention of contractures and strains;
3. – relief from arthritis symptoms and muscles strengthening;
4. – lower back and joint pain reduction;
5. – lowering of blood pressure;
6. – relaxation of physical, mental and emotional tensions.

Where can you practice Hatha Yoga in Sardinia?

Forte Village is the award-winning resort surrounded by the crystalline waters of the Sardinian sea. Within it, is the splendid Ayurvedic Park, an intimate and welcoming place. Here guests can discover the ancient Ayurvedic beauty rituals and practice Gentle Hatha Yoga.

Surrounded by 50 hectares of beautiful gardens on the white southern coast of Sardinia, Forte Village is the ideal destination for a holiday dedicated to mind, body and soul wellness.

Indeed, within this accessible luxury resort, hidden in the lush green of the Mediterranean bush, is the Aquaforte Thalasso & Spa. This is a real temple of wellness. Here guests can enjoy the extraordinary benefits of the thalasso circuit and rediscover psychophysical balance thanks to yoga, meditation and pilates. The wonderful Acquaforte garden also houses the Private Spa, for those who want to relax without giving up their privacy.

But Forte Village means much more than relaxation and well-being. Indeed, guests can play their favorite sport or try new ones, and go shopping in the boutiques of the most prestigious fashion brands. They can also discover the most interesting trends in national and international cuisine. Moreover, the resort includes different accommodation designed for a truly unforgettable holiday in Sardinia: 8 elegant five and four-star hotels, refined suites and 13 luxury villas with extra services, such as butler, chef or chaffeur.

Do you want to discover the benefits of Gentle Hatha and live a dream vacation in a true paradise? Discover the Forte Village Resort in Sardinia