Yoga in Los Angeles, CA

Yoga comes from the Sanskrit, yog. This simply means, to unite! On the physical level, we are uniting mind, body, and breath. On the spiritual level, we are uniting individual consciousness with universal consciousness. Think of a wave merging with the Ocean. Yogic practices are ones that cultivate Unity, awaken Consciousness, and balance the mind/body systems within the individual for optimal functioning and longevity. Many practices and modalities fall under the heading of Yoga. Meditation is a form of Yoga. Breathwork is a form of Yoga. Service to other humans, devotion to deities, one’s personal diet, human relationships, reading and contemplation. These can all be forms/expressions of Yoga. In the West, we generally associate physical asana practice with the term Yoga. Asana literally translates as ‘seat’ in Sanskrit. We refer to yogic postures and movements collectively as asanas. These are performed in a specific manner, timing, and sequence. Yoga is one of humanity’s most ancient, globally utilized practices. Over the last few decades, it has burst into our mainstream culture as science is able to observe and measure its incredible benefits. Yoga positively supports our physical well-being, mental health, emotional stability, self-confidence, relationships, and the list goes on. The scientific community is helping the cause as it continues to observe and share its findings. People are less stressed, less anxious, naturally happier, more creative, and more fulfilled, when practicing Yoga! We offer in-person Yoga instruction in Los Angeles, CA. Virtual sessions are available Worldwide. Namastè

Hatha Yoga

Most forms of yoga in the West can be classified as Hatha Yoga. Hatha simply refers to the practice of physical yoga postures, meaning your Ashtanga, vinyasa, Iyengar and Power Yoga classes are all Hatha Yoga. The word “hatha” can be translated two ways: as “willful” or “forceful,” or the yoga of activity, and as “sun” (ha) and “moon” (tha), the yoga of balance. Hatha practices are designed to align and calm your body, mind, and spirit in preparation for meditation.

Hatha yoga is the overarching umbrella of yoga that encompasses most of the traditional styles, including Vinyasa and Ashtanga. Directly translated to “willful” or “forceful” in Sanskrit, Hatha yoga is the fundamental system of yoga that focuses on the pairing of poses or “asanas” with breathing techniques or “pranayama.”

Hatha yoga uses the practice of the poses to rinse out the body and build the physical strength and endurance required to spend long periods of time in meditation. Once the Hatha yoga practice is complete, the ideal mind-body harmony has been created to facilitate deep, relaxing meditation.

In today’s yoga community, the term “Hatha Yoga” is often used to distinguish classes that pair pranayama and traditional yoga poses. However, Hatha Yoga classes veer away from the rigorous breath-to-movement flows more commonly found in Vinyasa and Ashtanga yoga, and focus on flowing the breath in static postures to be with them longer.

Hatha yogis can expect an accommodating practice full of static postures, mindful breathwork and a manageable pace. This dynamic allows for a greater focus on alignment and mindful breathing, making the practice accessible to yogis of all levels, especially beginners. Matthew Spangler teaches in-person Hatha Yoga in Los Angeles, CA. Virtual Sessions available Worldwide. Namastè

Vinyasa Flow Yoga

Vinyasa Yoga connects one posture to the next using the breath. This can be thought of as linking or flowing into postures which is sometimes why it’s called “Flow Yoga”. The opposite of this would be an alignment-based class where students engage with a posture, explore it for a period of time and then “break the posture” by coming out.

“Transitions” are what connect one posture to another in Vinyasa. They are the in-between part. What is not always appreciated is that transitions are considered postures themselves. To move in a more graceful, connected way, allot just as much time developing skill in the transitions as you do in the asana.
Vinyasa is synonymous with movement. Moving in and out of postures is the obvious movement but even in stillness Vinyasa is represented by the beat of your heart and inhale/exhale of your breath.

Move with the breath. Breath initiates the movement of Vinyasa which is why you’ll hear it referred to as a “breath-synchronized” practice.
Ujjayi Breath is the breathing technique used. It is done by inhaling and exhaling in a rhythmic manner through the nose. The overall sensation is one of relaxation.

Vinyasa practice generates heat and can add a cardiovascular component not always present in other forms of postural practice. Matthew Spangler teaches Vinyasa Yoga in Los Angeles, CA. Virtual Instruction available Worldwide. Namastè