Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

What is Ashtanga?

Ashtanga Yoga (sometimes called Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga) is a style of yoga that was taught by Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Ashtanga is broken into 6 separate series (sequence of poses), each one building upon the last.

Each ashtanga class starts with five suryanamaskara (sun salutations) As and Bs. A standing sequence comes next, followed by a seated series, finished off with a finishing series and savasana (resting pose). The style has proven extremely popular with yoga practitioners looking for a challenging sequence that always has room for development.

Traditionally, ashtanga is taught “mysore” style, where each student practices the sequence at their own pace. The teacher does not lead the class, but instead works with students on an individual level, adjusting students one at a time. (Think an unlead group private). Ashtanga mysore practice also traditionally skips moon days, or days when there is a full or new moon.

Ashtanga translates as: ashta=eight anga=limb, and refers to the eight limbed path, which is an underlying foundations for all forms of yoga. Yoga Eight derives our name from the ashta part of ashtanga, in a way of honoring the style of yoga that we teach and derive our vinyasa classes from.

Ashtanga has gained a reputation as being a difficult and rigorous practice. At Yoga Eight, we believe students of all levels are capable of practicing ashtanga with modifications. It is always important to listen to your body and move with proper care and consideration. Our ashtanga classes are all levels, advanced practitioners practice at their level, while newer students are given modifications appropriate to their bodies. If you have never practiced ashtanga before, don’t be scared, just let us know and we will make sure you have an enjoyable practice.