Ashtanga Yoga: a dynamic traditional Yoga

Ashtanga yoga is also called " Raja yoga ". It is a traditional form of dynamic yoga where postures follow one another at a sustained pace. This method combines the synchronization of breathing with a series of progressive asanas adapted according to the level of each person. This process increases your internal body heat, which allows for purification and elimination of toxins from your muscles and organs. It is an ideal form of yoga to refocus and calm your mind while exerting yourself.

What does “Ashtanga Yoga” mean?

Ashtanga Yoga comes from “ Ashta ” which means “Eight” and “ Anga ” which means “branches” (or limbs). As for the term “Yoga”, it means “union”. This brings us to this translation: “ The eight limbs of yoga ”.

The author of the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali , describes the different aspects of Yoga by comparing them to the branches of a tree. The eight branches of Yoga are:

• Yama (moral ethics)
• Niyama (self-ethics)
• Asana (posture)
• Pranayama (breath control)
• Pratyahara (control of the senses)
• Dharana (concentration)
• Dhyana (meditation)
• Samadhi (the state of joy and peace)

What is the origin of Ashtanga Yoga?

Ashtanga Yoga was originally taught in Mysore, India by the master Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois . He opened his own school there, where many Westerners came to study. He also trained many Ashtanga teachers as well as his grandson. Later, in the 1960s, Ashtanga Yoga was exported to Western countries, mainly to the United States.

The main principles of Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga exercises aim to synchronize your breathing with the movements performed. Its particularity is the practice of a fixed sequence of postures, composed of 6 series . The first being the easiest to reproduce and the sixth the most demanding. The series are always identical and follow one another in a very specific order. The course can be guided or not depending on your level.

If we wanted to summarize the main principles of Ashtanga Yoga , it would consist of:

• A fixed sequence of positions composed of 6 series,
• A dynamic traditional yoga,
• A synchronization of breath and movements,
• A rather morning practice,
• A notion of gaze in asanas (drishti).

Who is Ashtanga Yoga for?

Ashtanga Yoga can be practiced by beginners , athletic people or not, whether you are flexible or not. The only difference will be the difficulty of the sequence to be performed. In this case, the easiest series will first be worked on in a guided class. There are also different classes depending on the level and intensity required. Of course, Ashtanga Yoga remains a dynamic yoga ! You must therefore be ready to sweat and chain the postures.

How does an Ashtanga Yoga class take place?

Ashtanga Yoga allows you to develop your concentration, your balance and your physical strength of course, but also your mental strength. During your class, you will be led to perform series, always the same and in a very specific order. In total, you will find 6 series whose difficulty is ascending. You must not mark stops between the different postures. The sequence must be fluid and for this you will use " transitions " (dynamic movements) which will connect the asanas.

Each position can be held for about 5 breaths . Breathing is done in " Ujjayi " (inhalation and exhalation only through the nose) which will warm up your entire body. A mantra at the beginning and end of the class can also be cited.

What is the ideal equipment for practicing Ashtanga Yoga?

For the practice of Ashtanga Yoga , you need a non-slip Yoga mat suitable for perspiration production in order to prevent you from slipping during your session.

The eco-friendly PROlite and MatPro Manduka yoga mats , guaranteed for life, are ideal for the practice of Ashtanga and will allow you better transitions rather than an ultra-adherent mat which can cause a slight blockage in the sequence.

You will also find some in natural rubber mixed with EcoYoga jute. The Ekolite mats or the Tree mat YogaMad will be less "slippery" in transitions. If you are looking for a floor mat that will help you in your alignment for the realization of your postures, the Align Liforme yoga mat will be ideal!

What are the benefits of Ashtanga Yoga?

The benefits of Ashtanga Yoga are numerous:

• An increase in body heat which allows for detoxification of the body,
• A sculpted silhouette,
• Increased concentration,
• Better breathing capacity,
• Smoother blood circulation,
• Better capacity of the heart muscle.

Discover an Ashtanga Yoga session

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8In0I1WHFs

Discover all Ashtanga yoga mats on the Tayronalife store.