Learn About Ashtanga Yoga 

Ashtanga yoga is a physically demanding style of asana practice that is very rewarding once you start to become stronger.

Perhaps it appeals to me because I like a challenge, but the sense of movement and flow is irresistible, a fondness shared by many worldwide (including celebrities!)

Unlike many forms of yoga, ashtanga (also spelled astanga and ashtunga) involves a set series of poses.

There is the Primary Series to start with, then the Intermediate Series, and the Advanced Series A, B, C, and D. Teachers do not design their own classes. Instead they lead the class through a series, or oversee a class practicing at their own pace.

The latter is called Mysore style (named after the school in Mysore, India, which was set up by Pattabhi Jois, who popularized this style of practice. Jois' school offers ashtanga yoga teacher training, although many people go there simply to refine their personal practice).

Despite the Primary Series being the first, it is often too much for a beginner to take on, at least initially. There are a couple of ways this gap is broached. The ashtanga yoga poses themselves can be modified, as well as the poses offered to a beginners class. This can be a good way to learn by introducing some variety, as well as allowing instruction on the other elements that make up this style of practice.

However, this is not the way beginners are taught in Mysore, and many teachers prefer to introduce people in that more traditional manner. Thus they will give the student the two sun salutations to do, which actually start all of the series. These are repeated 3 to 5 times each, and they are quite an exertion by themselves! After that, a few relaxation poses may be given. If a student is stronger or has more of a background in yoga, other poses may initially be given. But the idea with this style of teaching is to introduce one new pose at a time, and once this is mastered, or at least able to be performed comfortably, a new pose is given.

As well as starting the sequences, the sun salutations are done throughout each of the series, thus linking otherwise static asanas together. This is what gives an ashtanga practice its flow (also called vinyasa). It is also one of the things that help contribute to the heat generated by doing it. This is one yoga practice in which you will sweat!

Other elements of ashtanga that contribute to this are the bandhas, or 'locks', which are internal muscular contractions performed whilst you do each pose. The bandhas are considered by some teachers to be what differentiates it from mere acrobatics, contributing as they do to the development of an inward focus. These aspects are discussed in the section that covers general information on ashtanga.

Ashtanga classes are offered worldwide, from traditional settings in India, to the local yoga center. There are also a lot of great DVD's for ashtanga yoga, some even available online streamed into your computer. And for those wishing to deepend their practice, or have a healthy holiday, there are now many ashtanga retreats available. And unlike iyengar yoga, you don't need any special or expensive props. - Just an ashtanga mat and a willingness to learn.

• Ashtanga yoga pose origins
• Discovering Ashtanga Yoga Postures
• General Information On Ashtanga Yoga