Ashtanga Yoga 101

Why Choose This Course?

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga has a reputation for being a strong and vigorous form of Hatha Yoga, which can be intimidating to newcomers. Although it's true that Ashtanga Yoga can be physically demanding, it is supposed to be taught gradually and can be easily adapted for all levels of students.

Ashtanga Yoga 101 is a unique 10-week programme specifically designed for beginners who want to slowly build a daily yoga practice that will last a lifetime.

Starting with the fundamentals You will learn a new section of The Primary Series each week. You will repeat each section for six days, then expand on what you've learned the following week.

By the end of the 10-week course you will have learned what is known as 'Half Primary Series', which will give you solid foundation for attending Mysore Style Ashtanga classes and continuing your practice at home.

What is Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga?

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is characterised by its focus on vinyasa (synchronised breath and movement), that creates a constant flow between the more static, traditional yoga postures.

It is a dynamic system that emphasises the connection between breath and movement through a series of postures specifically designed to balance strength and flexibility, whilst simultaneously focusing and calming the mind.

In the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga method, asanas (postures) are performed in a specific order, which has the effect of ‘unlocking’ the body in an intelligent and progressive way, each pose preparing the body for ones to come. Each Ashtanga student begins by practicing The Primary Series, progressing through this therapeutic sequence of postures one-by-one.

Traditionally Ashtanga Yoga is taught in a Mysore-style environment, where each student practices the sequence according to their own individual capacity. Practice is based upon each person’s physical ability, so it accommodates all levels. Beginner students will likely have a much shorter practice than more experienced ones, and then slowly, when the teacher sees that the student is ready, additional poses are added to the routine, building stamina, strength, flexibility and concentration but without overexertion or risk of injury. Over time as the breath and mind become strong the practice becomes a meditation in motion.

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