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Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga yoga is very dynamic and, for that reason, a challenge. It focuses on synchronization of asanas (postures) in flow and pranayama (breath control). It's main characteristic is a fixed series of asanas. A regular practice can give you steadiness of the body and mind.

We recommend Ashtanga yoga to those who are interested in a more demanding, athletic style of yoga. The combination of controlled breathing and the bandhas, applied throughout the practice, develops heat in the body. This heat causes you to sweat and promotes cleansing of the joints, muscles and internal organs. And makes you feel great!

The first series of Ashtanga yoga, called the "primary series", is designed to strengthen and detoxify the body, and stimulate balance and 'opening'. Expanding your awareness plays a huge part in this proces. Ashtanga yoga requires considerable effort; the resulting effect is a supple, light and strong body.

The eight limbs of Yoga

Ashtanga yoga, as taught in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, is the practice of the eight limbs of yoga as Patanjali described them in the Yoga Sutras. One starts with asana, the third limb. The limbs to follow will develop gradually, depending on the growth of the practice's context and impact. It is important to get correct instructions in order to progress in the practice without doing any harm to body and mind.

Classes will be taught alternately 'Mysore' or 'Led' and are only suitable for those who are familiar with the practice. Yoga experience based on other yoga styles is not sufficient to join the ongoing classes.

 

 

'Mysore class' and 'Led class'

Classes at Yogashala will be taught alternately 'Mysore' or 'Led'. Please find below an explanation of the class styles.

The Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute is based in Mysore, India. Originally Ashtanga yoga was taught one to one and was intended to form a basis for self-practice. It was later taught in class form as it became more widely known and more people started to practice Ashtanga.

Mysore class - the name comes from the place Mysore - means that everyone practices at their own pace. The instructor is present and can independetly or on request offer support, either verbally or hands-on. In this way the practicioner can deepen his/her selfpractice and the teacher can offer assistance in this. This is an opportunity to bring variation into your practice - in the length of your practice - and indicate to the teacher what you need or would like help with. Just like all other forms of yoga, Ashtanga is traditionally practiced in the morning, the reason being that it has an energizing effect on the body.

In a Led class the teacher will guide the class verbally and with hands-on instructions. This class form does not always offer the opportunity to work on postures to your very individual needs with support from the teacher. You therefore will experience the correct sequence of the series and all Vinyasas in flow.

You can find the monthly overview of Led/ Mysore classes by viewing our  weekly schedule .

This Yogamethod is for everyone - except lazy people. 

Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

 

 

Practice Ashtanga Yoga...if you dare

written by Helen Preston, April 2008

Looking for your next challenge?
This is for you if you can handle a seriously impressive practice. This is kick-ass yoga.
And we’re not just talking in a physical way.

Ashtanga yoga, a traditional yoga system as taught by Indian Guru Pattabhi Jois, is a sweaty, aerobic form of yoga. Hardly surprising then that many celebs were at the front of the queue when Ashtanga yoga became real famous a few years ago. This form of yoga naturally appeals to the body-conscious and health-conscious individual. Model Christy Turlington, Queen of Pop Madonna and legendary singer and saver of the rainforests Sting, Hollywoods stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Dennis Quaid all were, or still are serious fans of Ashtanga yoga. And, yes indeed, this practice suits active, ambitious types who don’t walk away from a real challenge.

Others that are hooked are more attracted to the structure of the system and practice, which not only demands a level of strength and fitness but actually requires a real amount of commitment and discipline. Be warned. People either love it or hate it.

 

You'll be rewarded endlessly...

Most people lack strength and flexibility when they start Ashtanga yoga practice. But consistency – a well-known slogan of this practice is “Practice and all is coming!” – will take you there. Step by step. Centimeter by centimeter.

Your discipline and effort will be rewarded endlessly, starting with increased strength and of course flexibility. The beautiful extras of a dedicated practice are a healthy glowing skin, visibly toned muscles and a regular detox for your body.This comes from the work-out nature of the practice combined with 'breathing with sound' and bandhas which builds up the inner ‘fire’ and – take note - will cause you to sweat!

As well as the physical benefits and increased body awareness, you might also find yourself becoming more mentally awareand experience an improved state of focus and concentration.Certainly not a bad thing considering the incredibly fast pace of the world we live in today!

 

Leave the gym behind you! 

Ashtanga yoga is complimentary to sports, and in fact for some people it becomes their ‘sport’, and although it’s true that it’s most beneficial when practiced in the morning, it is something you can do almost anywhere at anytime. The Ashtanga yoga community is alive all over the world.
Like all yoga practice, Ashtanga is in fact, an investment in yourself. It’s usually the physical impact and benefits that gives people the discipline and stamina to develop a consistent and multi-dimensional practice.

Another element of the challenge we are talking about here is for you to commit to a regular (read: 6 days a week is the traditional way!) practice.We permanently teach the primary series Ashtanga yoga to new students. During the learning proces time you will be taught individually within Mysore style classes which implies supported self-practice. Learning the primary series at Yogashala will fully enable you to confidently join an Ashtanga class anywhere in the world! This is an experience which has proved to be immensely gratifying for many of the students we have taught so far.

Will you be next to join them?

 


 

Introduction course

  • general information about Ashtanga yoga (practice)
  • bandhas + breath + vinyasa
  • a step-by-step approach of the postures including Vinyasa count: 
    • Suryanamaskar A + B
    • standing sequence
    • sitting sequence (forward bends / rotations / balancing postures)
    • finishing sequence (backbends / inversions incl. head-stands/ final postures)

You will get instructions for building up self-practice using handout sheets.

Complete information about the course including dates, costs

 

Advice

Come to our weekly lesson and observe the primary series to get an impression of this seriously impressive practice!

This is possible on Thursdays at 18:30.

 

 

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