This is widely regarded as the strongest, most physical style of Yoga, as taught by Shri. K Pattabi Jois and his Grandson Sharath Rangaswamy in Mysore India.
This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures. The process produces intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.
This class is taught just as we learned it from its creators in Mysore, India.
There are three aspects of the practice of Ashtanga which make it a little different from other styles: Vinyasa, Breath and Practice.
"VINYASA" means breath synchronized movement. The breath is the heart of this discipline, and quite simply a vinyasa is a series of movements timed to match your breath. These series of movements link asana (posture or position) to asana in a precise order.
By synchronizing movement with breathing you produces an intense internal heat. This heat purifies muscles and organs, expelling toxins as well as releasing beneficial hormones and minerals.
The vinyasa also develops efficient circulation of blood in the body and it results is a light strong body.
BREATH - The continuity of deep, even breathing cannot be overemphasized in the Astanga Yoga system. Each breath leads us to a new action and each movement becomes gentle, precise, and perfectly steady.
According to the teachings of Sri K.Pattabhi Jois, "Breathing is our most fundamental and vital act". When we control the breath then we can control the mind, meaning we can concentrate and focus on the practice.
We find that when we practice some of the more difficult postures such as balancing on one leg, people find it difficult at first, but when we focus on our breath and and concentrate on that alone then the balance becomes more stable.
PRACTICE - It is said that where there is no effort there is no benefit. Strength, stamina and sweat are unique aspects of this traditional Yoga, seemingly contrary to Western perceptions of Yoga. This demanding practice requires considerable effort and taps into and circulates a vital energy throughout the body, strengthening and purifying the nervous system. The mind then becomes lucid, clear and precise.
As the practice develops there are three groups of sequences in the Astanga system.
The Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) detoxifies and aligns the body.
The Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels.
The Advanced Series A, B, C and D (Sthira Bhaga) intergrate the strength and grace of the practice. This requires higher levels of flexibility and humility.
Ashtanga is traditionally taught in a set sequence of postures. To allow us the freedom to change this sequence slightly, we call the class "Ashtanga Flow". Check our timetable for availability and please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Pregnancy Yoga
Yoga is highly recommended by health professionals as an ideal form of exercise during pregnancy. The style of class is yoga flow but with many modifications to make the practice safe and comfortable for pregnant women. Suitable for women who are over 12 weeks pregnant, unless they have an established yoga practice pre-pregnancy. This Class is taught by laragh gave birth to our first child Noah in mid June. The class is on at 5.15pm on tuesdays for one hour and ten minutes. Try it out or join anytime. Please check our timetable for availability and feel free to contact us to book your position.
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