The Birth of Modern Yoga: How Hatha Yoga Changed the Way We Move

What exactly is yoga—and why are there so many different styles? In this episode, we continue our journey through the history of yoga by exploring the teacher who helped shape modern yoga as we know it: Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, often called the "Father of Modern Yoga." We'll also dive into Hatha Yoga, one of the foundational styles behind many modern yoga practices. You'll learn where Hatha came from, how it evolved, what to expect in a Hatha class, and why slowing down can actually help you develop greater body awareness, balance, and control. For golfers, this awareness is everything. Understanding how your body moves—and learning to move with more intention—can help you build a stronger foundation for performance on and off the course. Whether you're new to yoga, someone who has said "I tried yoga once and it wasn't for me," or a golfer looking to move better, this episode will help you understand why yoga is so much more than stretching. In upcoming episodes, we'll continue exploring different styles of yoga, including Iyengar, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin, and more. Show notes: Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice — Mark Singleton The Yoga Tradition: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice — Georg Feuerstein The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice — T.K.V. Desikachar Yoga Makaranda — Tirumalai Krishnamacharya The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — Patanjali Hatha Yoga Pradipika — Swami Svatmarama YoGolf Performance® Golf Mobility Guide Contact me