Ashtanga Yoga Classes – Beginner to Advanced Levels
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Are you looking to dive into the heart of traditional yoga’s power? Welcome to Ashtanga Yoga – an amazing world to explore. I offer a wide variety of Ashtanga Yoga classes suitable for everyone. Whether you’re just starting or already know your way around, there’s a class for you.1
What sets Ashtanga Yoga apart? It’s a method with deep roots, first shared by sage Vamana Rishi and later by the great Sri T. Krishnamacharya. With a carefully planned set of poses and steps, it’s flexible for each student’s progress. This happens with the help of a skilled teacher.2
Ready for a journey with Ashtanga Yoga? Let’s start with the Mysore style, then move through the Primary Series and Intermediate Series. We’ll truly dive into this traditional practice. Whether you’re aiming to perfect your Vinyasa Yoga or want to know the Ashtanga Yoga method better, I’ll be by your side. Every step of the way.12
Key Takeaways
Discover the transformative power of traditional Ashtanga Yoga
Explore a structured system of poses and levels, progressing at your own pace
Experience the Mysore style, Primary Series, and Intermediate Series
Cultivate a dynamic Vinyasa Yoga practice or dive deeper into Ashtanga Yoga
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth through yoga
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga is a classic yoga system given to us by Vamana Rishi. It’s noted in the Yoga Korunta, an old script. This book teaches us about asanas, vinyasa, drishti, and much more.3 In the early 1900s, Sri T. Krishnamacharya learned these teachings from his guru. He later shared them with others like Pattabhi Jois, who started teaching Ashtanga Yoga in 1948.4
Traditional Yoga Practice
Ashtanga Yoga is well-loved in the Western world since the 1990s. It shows a big interest in this type of yoga.3 The Ashtanga system has eight parts or limbs that cover the philosophy. It’s like a full body system for the mind and spirit too.3 There are six series of poses in Ashtanga Yoga. Each one has a set order of movements and postures.3
Recorded by the Sage Vamana Rishi
In the early 20th century, T. Krishnamacharya and his student K. Pattabhi Jois laid out the Ashtanga Yoga method.3 They used ancient principles like Ujjayi pranayama and Drishti. These, along with Vinyasa and Bandha, are at the heart of the practice.3
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Imparted by Sri T. Krishnamacharya
Ashtanga Yoga is different from Vinyasa Yoga. Ashtanga follows a set sequence, while Vinyasa is creative and free-flowing.3 Ashtanga helps in overcoming mental and emotional blocks. It improves focus, flexibility, and mental strength.3 Practicing Ashtanga Yoga boosts physical health and mental well-being. Its rewards include better flex, strength, more stamina, and less stress.3
Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga Classes
In Mysore style Ashtanga Yoga classes, students move at their own pace. The teacher helps them as needed.5 This approach helps students become more independent. They can advance in the Ashtanga series in their own time.5Mysore classes allow for open practice time. This means students can join their session at any time during the class hours.5
Self-Paced Practice
Classes run from Monday to Friday at 6:30 am in Downtown.5 The Mysore program at Castle Hill Fitness started in 2005. It’s the longest one in Austin.5 To see progress, it’s suggested to practice at least three times weekly. For the first two weeks, start with three practices a week to build a strong base.5
Individual Guidance
6 In Mysore style Ashtanga Yoga, each student practices on their own sequence. They adjust the postures to their level.6 Mysore teachers are skilled, with years of practice.5 Juan Anguiano, the Mysore instructor, has been teaching for over 20 years.5 New students without any yoga experience can start here.5
Open Practice Time
5 Moondays, new or full moon days, are for rest. On Saturdays, there’s a Led Primary Series. The teacher guides the class through steps and breaths.5Ashtanga Yoga welcomes all, no matter their health or experience level, as Pattabhi Jois said.5 Students get modifications for their needs. There’s a common myth that beforehand Ashtanga knowledge is necessary, but it’s not true.5
Ashtanga Yoga Classes for Beginners
Ashtanga Yoga classes for beginners give a first look at the Ashtanga method. They start with private lessons to teach the first set of poses.7 Your teacher guides you with tips and changes, making yoga easy from start to finish no matter your skill level.7
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Introduction to the Method
These classes are great for those just starting Ashtanga Yoga. They help you get to know the basic principles and poses.7 You’ll focus on getting your alignment right, controlling your breath, and using traditional Ashtanga methods. This builds a strong base for your yoga journey.7
One-on-One Instruction
Ashtanga Yoga for newbies is all about personal attention. The instructor works closely with each student to help them feel at ease.8 This individual help ensures you feel confident as you tackle the Ashtanga sequence. You’ll get the right support to move forward on your yoga path at your own speed.8
Accessible for All Levels
Everyone can join these Ashtanga Yoga classes, whether you’re just starting or have some experience.7 The teacher will show you tweaks and alternative poses to suit your body’s abilities. This makes sure everyone feels at home and able to do yoga.7
Led Primary Series Classes
In a led Ashtanga Yoga class, the instructor guides students through the full Primary Series. Everyone moves together, following the teacher’s pace and instructions.9 This complements the individual Mysore style, teaching proper poses and transitions.10
These classes aim to make practice steady, using a set rhythm that matches each breath’s length. The instructor’s count links breath with movement, aiming for just the right number of breaths with every pose.10 People with a Mysore background, no matter their current pose count, benefit from joined led sessions.10
In Led Primary, the routine includes Mysore-known poses and closing ones.10 It doesn’t cover new poses to avoid rushing and prevent injuries.10 At Ashtanga Yoga Asheville, they recommend joining if you know Mysore postures, doing only what you’ve learnt in Mysore class.10
The Led Primary Series uses a precise count and rhythm through all the postures. It reinforces the vinyasa system and boosts mental and physical strength.11
Ashtanga Yoga Workshops
Ashtanga Yoga workshops are perfect for new students wanting to dive into the basics in a group. They limit each Mysore workshop to 12 students for personalized help.12 To get the most, students sign up for all 5 days of the workshop.
Four-Week Series for New Students
This four-week series teaches the core of Ashtanga Yoga, covering breath, movement, and stance.12 It’s based on three key body points that encourage proper breathing and focus during poses.12
Fundamentals of Ashtanga Yoga
In these workshops, students get a deep look at the essentials of Ashtanga Yoga. They learn about breath’s role, which ties to body parts like the diaphragm and belly.12 Also, they discuss safe ways to tackle tough poses to avoid injury.
Building a Sustainable Practice
The aim of Ashtanga Yoga workshops is to help students create a lasting practice. It focuses on untangling hard poses, like marichyasana D, for steady advancement.12 Plus, it highlights the importance of bandhas, which are crucial for soulful progress in Ashtanga.
Ashtanga Yoga classes
I offer both Ashtanga Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga classes at local spots.4 In these classes, you’ll move through poses with your breath and a set order.4
Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa Yoga mixes Ashtanga’s tradition with a more free style. You flow from pose to pose, breathing as you move. It’s a perfect match for Ashtanga, adding flair and freedom to disciplined yoga.
Yoga Studios
My Vinyasa Yoga is available at many yoga studios nearby. This makes it easy for students to join in. The studios have friendly spaces and skilled teachers for support at any level.
Yoga Shalas
For a different vibe, I host Vinyasa classes at yoga shalas. These are special spaces just for yoga. It’s a chance to really deepen your yoga journey in a close-knit community.
Think about the Intermediate Series if you’ve done the Primary for 2-5 years. To make the leap, you should stand from Urdhva Dhanurasana and do three drop backs alone.13 But, it’s also about how ready your body is and doing the Primary consistently for 2 or more years.13
Before you move on, mastering the Primary Series is key. You should flow without breaks and control your breath. How long you stay in the Primary Series is up to you and your teacher. It looks at your hard work, dedication, and progress.13
Being ready for the next level isn’t just about being physically perfect. It’s about being strong inside and out and keeping up with practice daily.13 Some teachers focus more on your personal growth and less on fixed rules. They use their intuition to guide your journey in Ashtanga Yoga.13
Advanced Ashtanga Yoga Classes
I offer advanced Ashtanga Yoga classes for those who are passionate about it. This includes the Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced Series.14 These classes are for students with solid Ashtanga experience, looking to grow further.
Primary Series
The Primary Series is called Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga Therapy). It is the starting point in Ashtanga Yoga.7 You’ll learn the 76 poses with breathing and movement. This helps you get stronger, more flexible, and balanced.
Intermediate Series
The Intermediate Series, or Nadi Shodhana (Nerve Purification), comes after the Primary in Ashtanga.14 It adds harder poses and sequences. You refine your skills, better your position, and learn more about Ashtanga.
Advanced Series
Advanced Series, or Sthira Bhaga (Centering of Strength), are for the most committed students.14 These classes include the toughest poses. They challenge you to go beyond while sticking to Ashtanga’s basics.
Mindfulness and Meditation for Ashtanga Yoga
Aside from the main Ashtanga Yoga classes, I teach additional ones that include mindfulness and meditation.15 These add-ons help students get even more from their practice. We work on using the breath, staying focused, and learning deeper yoga principles.15
This approach began in 2002 with Ashtanga Yoga. Then, in 2013, mindfulness was added.15 That year, a course on mindfulness and compassion boosted the practice. A daily body scan practice improved focus and attention significantly.15
Pairing body scans with Ashtanga Yoga made practice richer.15 Soon, yoga became more about being aware and mindful.15 In Indian terms, “citta” means heart and mind, connecting mindfulness with wholehearted living.15
The approach then shifted to moment-by-moment awareness and wholeheartedness.15 This way, yoga nurtures a kind attitude.15Mindfulness teaches to approach practice with love and understanding.15
Encountering challenges showed the value of not giving up too easily.15Mindfulness opens us up, broadens our perspective, and breaks mental barriers.15 It lets us enjoy the simple joys in Ashtanga Yoga.15 Plus, it makes us more aware of special moments each day.15
Ready to get started with this approach? Find out how to sign up for our online and in-person classes and membership.
Finding an Ashtanga Yoga Teacher
Looking for an Ashtanga Yoga teacher means finding a skilled person trained in the Ashtanga method.16 In the U.S., you’ll find many Ashtanga yoga teachers in different states. This shows how widely available they are everywhere.16
Experienced Ashtanga Yoga Teachers
Going to Ashtanga Yoga workshops and visiting known yoga places helps meet experienced teachers. They can help you in your Ashtanga journey.17 In Atlanta, many Ashtanga yoga studios offer their unique settings and practices.17 Places like Balance Yoga Studio in Atlanta provide varied classes and calm spaces, with skilled teachers for yoga fans.17 Ashtanga Yoga Atlanta is known for its genuine Ashtanga teaching and steps, with experienced guides.17
Yoga Workshops
16 California, especially Southern California, has many Ashtanga yoga teachers, showing a big interest in the practice there.16 Hawaii also has a good number of Ashtanga yoga instructors, pointing to its popularity in the state.16 In Florida, famous Ashtanga yoga teachers like Kino MacGregor and Tim Feldmann highlight the state’s strong yoga community.16 New York City sees many Ashtanga yoga teachers, including Zoë Slatoff-Ponté in the Upper West Side area.16 States such as Texas and Virginia too have Ashtanga yoga teachers, making this yoga style widely available across the country.16
Conclusion
Ashtanga Yoga is a powerful practice that changes you. It needs hard work, focus, and an eager mind like a student’s. By looking into different classes and workshops, you’ll find what fits you best. This is true whether you’re a newbie or already experienced.
Guided by skilled teachers, Ashtanga can make yoga part of your life forever.18
The Eight Limbs help you grow in body, mind, feelings, and spirit.18 Moving forward, you might face problems or distractions. But, staying dedicated and eager to learn helps you keep going and grow in your yoga.
Ashtanga Yoga can really transform you if you practice it with care and stick with it.19 Living by Ashtanga’s values every day leads to more focus, strength, and happiness. It doesn’t matter if you’re new or a long-time student. Ashtanga is a wonderful way to grow as a person and learn more about yourself.
FAQ
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional yoga system. Sage Vamana Rishi first wrote it down. It was passed on by Sri T. Krishnamacharya. It includes a set order of poses.Students move to harder poses when they’re ready. This is decided by their teacher.
What is the Mysore style of Ashtanga Yoga?
Mysore style lets students practice at their own pace. The teacher gives help and advice as needed. This approach lets students build their practice over time.
What are the different levels of Ashtanga Yoga classes?
I teach all levels of Ashtanga Yoga. From beginners to those more advanced. We focus on different series like Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced.There are also classes for experienced yogis. They focus on deepening their practice through mindfulness.
How can I find a qualified Ashtanga Yoga teacher?
Look for a teacher with direct Ashtanga training. Workshop attendance and visiting yoga shalas can help. This way, you meet knowledgeable teachers for your journey.
What should I expect in an Ashtanga Yoga class?
Classes focus on breathing and movement. They follow a set order. You might practice alone (Mysore style) or with a group (led class).Beginners get a lot of help learning the basics.
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1 thought on “Ashtanga Yoga Classes – Beginner to Advanced Levels”
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?
Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?