Hatha yoga is one of the traditional forms of yoga that became popular when yoga first started coming to the West. Hatha yoga is the root from which vinyasa, Ashtanga, Anusara, and other forms of powerful and flowing yoga stem. Hatha itself is a system of asanas, or poses, interwoven with breath. Holds in these poses are generally not as long or difficult as other styles of yoga. A traditional hatha yoga practice is gentle and includes sun salutations, stretches, and extra time for breathwork and meditation.