Stripped Back Yoga: Understanding the Roots Behind the Styles

Yoga has become a global phenomenon, and as it grows in popularity, so too does the variety of yoga class names. Vinyasa, Power Flow, Gentle Hatha, Restorative... the list goes on. These names sound catchy, don’t they? But here’s the problem: they often confuse us. What exactly are we practicing? And more importantly, why does it matter?

The truth is, most of these names are created for marketing purposes. They’re designed to appeal to different types of people, but they don’t always capture the true essence of the practice. So, what’s the solution? We need to go back to yoga’s roots—its traditional teachings—to truly understand the practices.

Why Understanding Yoga's Roots Matters

In today’s world, yoga has become a business. And businesses love labels. But yoga is not about catchy names. It’s about understanding the principles, philosophy, and techniques behind the practice. When we strip away the trendy labels, we get to the heart of what yoga is truly about.

Here’s a breakdown of the traditional styles of yoga and why knowing their true essence is so important:

Hatha Yoga

More than just “slow stretching,” Hatha Yoga is a powerful practice that focuses on balancing energy through postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and meditation. It’s a system that builds strength, improves flexibility, and aligns the body with the mind. When you understand Hatha yoga's origins and philosophy, you can experience the deep benefits it offers.

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is often mistaken for just an “intense” workout. But in reality, it’s a disciplined, structured practice based on an ancient sequence of postures and breathwork. Ashtanga is about precision, consistency, and following a set sequence to build strength, flexibility, and mental focus. It’s rooted in a deep philosophical tradition that aims to align the body, mind, and spirit.

Vinyasa Yoga

At its core, Vinyasa Yoga is not just about “breath and flow.” It’s about the art of mindful movement. Vinyasa links each pose to the breath in a seamless flow, creating a moving meditation. While it can be dynamic and intense, it also provides a space for self-awareness and mindfulness. Understanding its roots allows you to deepen the connection between breath, movement, and intention.

How Traditional Teachings Set You Free

The biggest difference between a trendy, modern yoga class and one rooted in tradition is clarity. When you understand yoga’s roots—whether it’s Hatha, Ashtanga, or Vinyasa—you move beyond the confusion of labels and start to see yoga for what it truly is: a tool for personal growth, healing, and self-awareness.

By diving into traditional teachings, you not only gain a deeper understanding of the practices but also the confidence to practice and teach with clarity. When you know the “why” behind each style, it’s easier to embrace the practice and its true benefits.

Confidence in Your Practice and Teaching

Yoga is about connection: to your body, your breath, and your mind. But it’s also about knowing the essence of what you’re practicing. By understanding yoga from its roots, you’ll feel more confident in every posture. You’ll have a clearer sense of purpose, whether you’re practicing on your own or teaching others.

Knowing the traditional principles of Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa will help you build a stronger foundation—one that’s rooted in authenticity and tradition.

Ready to Go Beyond the Labels?

If you're ready to break free from the confusion and truly understand yoga, it’s time to go back to its roots. At Moola Yoga, our Multi-Style Yoga Teacher Training focuses on the traditional teachings of Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa. We help you go beyond the trendy labels and teach you the foundational principles of each style.

By the end of our program, you’ll have the confidence and clarity to teach any style of yoga—Hatha, Ashtanga, or Vinyasa—without getting lost in the marketing gimmicks.

Let’s strip back the confusion, reconnect with yoga’s roots, and elevate your practice and teaching to the next level.

Join Moola Yoga’s Multi-Style Yoga Teacher Training

Ready to dive deeper into the true essence of yoga? Join our Multi-Style Yoga Teacher Training and discover how traditional teachings of Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa can transform your practice and your teaching.

With a deeper understanding of the roots, you’ll practice with clarity, teach with confidence, and embrace yoga for what it truly is—an ancient tool for transformation and healing.