hatha yoga

noun

ˈhə-tə- 

ˈhä-

variants or Hatha yoga

1

: a system of yoga (see yoga sense 2) that integrates sustained asana postures with controlled breathing

One study found that three sessions of hatha yoga a week for a month is enough to see a significant reduction in stress, anxiety and depression.

—Sara Buenfeld

She practices Hatha yoga, which focuses on developing strength and correct body alignment, in addition to fostering flexibility and relaxation.

—Alejandra Navarro

2

: a branch of Yoga (see yoga sense 1) that uses physical exercises for the control and perfection of the body and that constitutes a foundational discipline of Hinduism

Examples of hatha yoga in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The resort’s wellness programming also includes a gym, sports courts, and a slate of daily fitness classes, from hatha yoga to circuit boot camps and aqua aerobics. — Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026

The spa The Vitalis Spa has a barrel sauna and cold plunge, one treatment room, and daily programming that includes vinyasa or hatha yoga, Pilates, sound baths, and animal flow, among other classes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026

Instead, the more tranquil experience might involve a hatha yoga class, a soothing massage to prepare your body for another day on the slopes, or relaxing by the pool with a steaming cup of ginger tea. — Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2026

Hot yoga was developed from the traditional hatha yoga practice, according to Live Science. — Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025

Some such types include karma yoga, Kundalini yoga, Bhakti yoga, tantra yoga, yin yoga, hatha yoga, power yoga, yoga nidra and prenatal yoga. — Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 23 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Sanskrit haṭhayoga, from haṭhaḥ "force, violence" + yoga

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for hatha yoga

• conestoga
• toga

Medical Definition

hatha yoga

noun

hatha yo·​ga ˈhət-ə-ˈyō-gə  ˈhät- 

: a form of yoga emphasizing a system of physical postures for balancing, stretching, and strengthening the body