Vinyasa vs Hatha Yoga: What's the Difference?
Key facts
Vinyasa yoga is a style in which postures are linked by breath into a continuous flowing sequence. Hatha yoga is a slower style in which each posture is held for several breaths, with a pause between poses.
Vinyasa moves continuously with the breath, while Hatha holds each pose for several breaths.
Hatha suits beginners and alignment work, Vinyasa suits people who want a moving, cardio-style practice.
At Summer Healing in Brunswick, Vinyasa Flow is available from $12 and Vinyasa Flow Hot, in an infrared-heated studio, is $30.
Classes are in person at 878a Sydney Road, Brunswick.
Ready to book? Book online · View the timetable · First visit? Ask about the free pass · Membership plans
Short answer: Hatha yoga holds each pose for several breaths with a clear pause between postures, focused on alignment and stillness, while Vinyasa links movement to breath in a continuous, flowing sequence with minimal pauses. Think of Hatha as closer to a stretching and alignment practice, and Vinyasa as closer to a moving, breath-led workout. Here's what actually separates the two, and how to know which class suits you.
Pace
Hatha classes move slowly. Each pose is held for several breaths, giving you time to focus on alignment, muscle engagement, and steady breathing before transitioning to the next posture. Vinyasa moves continuously, postures flow into one another in time with the breath, with far less time spent static in any one shape.
The Breath-Movement Connection
Both styles connect breath to movement, that's true of most yoga. The real difference is how tightly they're linked. In Hatha, there's a clear break between postures, breath supports the pose rather than driving the transition. In Vinyasa, the breath is what carries you from one movement into the next, inhale and exhale are directly mapped to specific transitions, which is what creates that fluid, dance-like quality.
Structure
Hatha | Vinyasa | |
Format | Structured, poses practised sequentially with pauses | Flowing sequence, poses connected through continuous movement |
Focus | Alignment, precision, stillness | Flow, rhythm, cardiovascular engagement |
Best compared to | A stretching and flexibility session | A moving, breath-paced workout |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you're newer to yoga, want to focus on alignment, or prefer a slower pace where you can really settle into each pose, Hatha is the more accessible starting point. If you want a more physically demanding, cardio-adjacent practice with continuous movement, Vinyasa is the better fit. Neither is more advanced than the other, they're simply built for different outcomes, and many practitioners do both depending on what they need that day.
Want to go deeper on either style? Read our guides to Vinyasa yoga, what Hatha yoga is and its benefits, and what to expect in a Hatha yoga class.
If you're drawn to something slower still, our Yin Yoga classes sit at the opposite end of the spectrum entirely, long-held poses targeting connective tissue rather than active movement.
Key Takeaways
The core difference is pace: Hatha is slower with pauses, Vinyasa flows without them.
Neither style is more advanced, they suit different goals.
If you are new, a slower Hatha-style pace or a standard Vinyasa Flow class is a gentler start than a heated class.
You can compare both styles hands-on by trying a class at Summer Healing before you buy a membership.
Vinyasa Classes in Brunswick: Prices and Booking
If you want to try Vinyasa rather than only read about it, here is what is on offer at Summer Healing in Brunswick.
Option | What it is | Price |
Vinyasa Flow | Dynamic, breath-led flow at regular room temperature | From $12 |
Vinyasa Flow Hot | The same flowing style in an infrared-heated studio, about 1 hour 15 minutes | $30 |
Yin Yoga and Sound Immersion | The slow end of the spectrum: long-held postures with sound, about 1 hour 25 minutes | $30 |
How to book
Choose a class on the timetable.
Book online, or ask about the free pass for your first visit.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to settle in and set up a mat.
Summer Healing, 878a Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056 · 1800 281 366 · Open 7 days, 6:00am to 8:30pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vinyasa harder than Hatha?
Physically, generally yes, Vinyasa's continuous movement makes it more cardio-intensive. Hatha can be challenging in its own way through longer holds and alignment focus, just at a slower pace.
Can beginners do Vinyasa?
Yes, though many people find Hatha an easier entry point first, since the slower pace allows more time to learn correct alignment before moving into a flowing practice.
Which burns more calories, Vinyasa or Hatha?
Vinyasa, generally, due to its continuous movement and higher physical intensity.
How much is a Vinyasa class in Brunswick?
Vinyasa Flow is available from $12 and Vinyasa Flow Hot is $30. Check the timetable for current prices and times.
Can I try a Vinyasa class before buying a membership?
Yes. Ask about the free pass for first-time visitors, and see the membership plans page if you decide to attend regularly.
Where can I do Vinyasa yoga near Carlton, Fitzroy or Coburg?
Summer Healing is at 878a Sydney Road, Brunswick, a short tram, bike, or drive from Carlton, Fitzroy, and Coburg. Book a class on the online timetable.
Sources and method: The pace, breath, and structure comparison reflects commonly published descriptions of the two styles from health and yoga education sources including Healthline, WebMD, and YogaRenew. Class prices are from the Summer Healing booking pages, checked September 2026, and can change.
Try a Class in Brunswick
Vinyasa Flow, Vinyasa Flow Hot and Yin classes on our regular timetable.
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