Different yoga styles – 4. Ashtanga yoga.

Ashtanga like the last 2 styles I have done in this series is a well-known but not fully understood style of yoga.

Ashtanga is a physically challenging style that is fast-paced and vigorous, to say the least.

The Ashtanga style is easy to memorize as every class generally has the same sequence which could be one of the six sequences in the series depending on the class level you are choosing.

It is a faster vinyasa-style class that you are led through in a nonstop flow, being encouraged to breathe as you move from pose to pose.

Despite the above statements, most Ashtanga studios will have what is called “Mysore classes” which is a simple term for moving through at your own pace.

These above-style classes will have a senior instructor assessing the students to make sure they are safe, physically capable, and medically supervised.

Ashtanga classes, what are the benefits?

• Enhance Flexibility and strength
  • This style practiced regularly will build core strength, enhance physical capabilities, and reduce the risks of injuries in everyday life.
  • This is due to the strict discipline of posture, breathing, and focus. Although this is in every form of yoga, Ashtanga is strict on all aspects of the “Tristhana method”
• Improved Cardio Health
  • The dynamic nature of Ashtanga and the constant movement help to increase blood circulation, heart health, and breathing capacity.
• Weight management
• Stress relief increases mental clarity making it easier to deal with stress and anxiety that comes your way.
• Detox of the body and improve digestion.
• Better Balance which leads to better posture.
• Increased concentration.
• Better self-awareness and mindfulness
• Emotional Balance – which in a world full of hormones, pills, confusion, and stress is something we all need to get some of.

Who is Ashtanga suited for?

If you want to build physical strength, muscle tone, and flexibility more quickly, beginner or advanced yogis will benefit from this form.

Since Ashtanga revolves around a set of 6 core series of movements you can progress and remember every move from week to week which for some people is a comfort.

The Ashtanga series of moves have all the muscle groups covered in each series, bottom, alarms, legs, core, and chest

Ashtanga is a bit more of a challenge which is fantastic for those who like to be challenged physically and mentally and is also a faster practice than any of the others.

Being structured allows individuals to move with ease from pose to pose once the sequences have been memorized which makes it far less mentally challenging.

Vinyasa is a little less challenging than Ashtanga so depending on what you’re looking for this may just tick those boxes for you.

The worst part of Ashtanga is the high amount of repetitive moves which in people that are predisposed or have a biological/historical injury count could cause further injuries from overuse.

Repetitive strain injuries such as bursitis, strains, joint pain, and tendonitis can be exacerbated or brought about from overuse.

In saying that point Ashtanga like other forms of yoga will strengthen your bones and joints and regularly practicing the poses learned will help with balance, weight loss, strength, core, and circulation of the body.

The jury called on Ashtanga!!1

It is always suggested with most yoga that we do it 5-6 times a week, however, in today’s busy world this isn’t always doable

I haven’t taught Ashtanga, nor am I a qualified teacher of Ashtanga, however personally if I wanted the bikini body honed and toned over the winter months I would choose this form of yoga over any other.

Will I start to do this…..?

No, I find that I enjoy my simpler forms with a little Vinyasa thrown in for the sweat fix needed to feel like I have worked out.

we all have our own needs, physically, mentally, and emotionally and this particular one doesn’t tick the boxes for me.

I like it, I like the fact that I can memorize the moves, but I really love to just flow with how I feel on the day versus the same thing over and over.

That is it on the Yoga mat this month. I will see you for my style of Sivananda next month. To see what workshops are online next month click right here.

“Roll that mat out, sit, relax and feel the flow coming to you”

Megen