Ashtanga Yoga

What is Ashtanga Yoga?

Ashtanga Yoga is a powerful sequence of Hatha postures practiced continually in combination with bandhas (internal muscle contractions) and ujjayi breath. This combination creates a deep internal heat and a relaxed, meditative state.

The main components of Ashtanga Yoga are Vinyasa (sychronized breath and movement), Heat, Bandhas (Locks), Breath, and Dhristi (gaze points). The purpose of the vinyasa is for internal cleansing. The locks are internal energy "gates" which help to regulate the energy flow. By "engaging" specific locks within the body energy is directed and internal heat created. There is a breathing technique used to also aid in this creation of heat. The breath is what empowers the movements in Ashtanga and one can ride that breath throughout the practice. Drishtis are gazing points used to direct the attention inward.

Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient system of yoga passed down from Sri T. Krishnamacharya to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois beginning in 1927 during his studies with Krishnamacharya. Pattabhi Jois (known affectionately as Guruji) is the master of the Ashtanga Yoga system today and head of the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India. He is responsible for Ashtanga’s transmission to the west.

Ashtanga Mysore classes are for students of all levels. This is not a led-class and students work through the series at their own pace. Mysore classes are for students who want to deepen their practice with one-on-one assistance from the teacher. Click here to read more.

Ashtanga Mysore Star classes are a beginner-friendly way to learn Ashtanga Yoga with one-on-one assistance from a teacher who helps you advance through the primary series of postures at your own pace and level of ability.

• Builds strength
• Increases flexibility and muscle tone
• Develops mental focus
• Builds endurance
• Provides a strong cardiovascular workout
• Reduces stress
• Builds inner heat for purification and detoxification
• Increases lung capacity for better breathing
• Provides opportunity for advancing practice