When most people refer to yoga, they usually mean the physical yoga exercises, or hatha yoga. However, the physical exercises, known in Sanskrit as asanas, are only one of eight limbs of yoga. The other limbs include: Self-Control (yama), Spiritual Observance (niyama), Regulation of the Breath (pranayama), Restraint of the Senses (pratyahara), Steadying of the Mind (dharana), Meditation (dhyana) and Profound Contemplation (samadhi).

The main components of hatha yoga are the asanas and the main function of the asanas is to prepare and condition the body so the mind can practise meditation without obstacles. The word asana means comfortable, stable pose. Asanas are the result of thousands of years of experience, experiment and observation and their names are usually derived from their inventors (eg Matsyendra), certain structures (eg triangle), tools (eg bow), or animals (eg cobra). The names of the asanas also reflect the physical or psychological effects they have on a person. For instance, a cobra pose makes the spine flexible.

Yoga postures should not be confused with regular strength work, which only helps to tone muscles. Asanas are unique positions that strengthen, purify and balance the endocrine, nervous and circulatory systems. While asanas arent commonly prescribed to treat illness, many healers use asanas and other hatha yoga methods to effectively treat chronic illnesses and emotional disorders. Regular practice of asanas will also increase flexibility, stabilise weight and rid the body of toxins.

Practising physical yoga is not meant to be difficult. By definition, asanas are bodily positions that are easy to hold comfortably. Asanas that are correctly prescribed for your specific constitution by an experienced teacher should be easy and pleasant to practise. Most hatha yoga classes include a variety of asanas as well as deep breathing (pranayama) and relaxation exercises.

Many styles of yoga have developed from hatha yoga, but the differences are usually subtle. In fact, the founders of three major styles astanga, iyengar and viniyoga were all students of Krishnamacharya, a teacher at the Yoga Institute at the Mysore Palace in India. The following list is a brief guide to some of the styles offered.