Ashtanga yoga is a physically demanding type of yoga and is considered to be an athletic practice and is not typically recommended for beginners.
Ashtanga yoga follows a specific sequence/set of postures (called “asanas”) and links every movement to breath. Ashtanga yoga is “organized” in that you typically perform the same poses in the same order.
This type of yoga is a more physically demanding type because you are performing poses non-stop. It requires strength and endurance. It is connected to breathing technique. Ashtanga yoga utilizes a special breathing technique to help focus the mind and control the flow of breath throughout your body.
The benefits of Ashtanga yoga, aside from a calmer mind include improved circulation, stamina and flexibility and it helps to build core strength and tone the body.
Take a look at these other Ashtanga poses from our Pose Library
Melanie Schorr has been practicing Ashtanga yoga for many years. She studied and practiced the Ashtanga yoga system under Vijay Amar, a world renowned yoga instructor, during her first trip to India in 2006. She took classes at the Universal Yoga Centre. She used this system of yoga to strengthen her body after her two serious accidents. Melanie is well versed in anatomy and alignment and focuses her practice on these important elements.
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