Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga
Not suitable for beginners. 60, 90 or 120 min.
A traditional, systematic sequence of flowing postures linked with breath. Strong, rhythmic, rewarding, and a practice of self discipline.
When it runs
- Monday 17.00 to 19.00 with Kat
- Wednesday 09.15 to 10.45 with Kat
- Thursday 18.30 to 19.30 with Kat
- Saturday 07.00 to 08.45 with Kat
What is Ashtanga yoga?
Yoga is a philosophy of life, which also has the potential to create a vibrantly healthy and fit body and mind. Practised in its correct sequential order, astanga (pronounced 'ash-tan-ga') yoga gradually leads the practitioner to rediscover his or her fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness: physical, psychological and spiritual.
Through this practice of correct breathing (ujjayi pranayama), postures (asanas), and gazing point (dristi), we gain control of the senses and a deep awareness of ourselves. By maintaining this discipline with regularity and devotion one acquires steadiness of body and mind.
There are three groups of sequences in the astanga system. The Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) detoxifies and aligns the body. The Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels. The Advanced Series A, B, C and D (Sthira Bhaga) integrate the strength and grace of the practice, requiring higher levels of flexibility and humility.
Each level is to be fully developed before proceeding to the next, and the sequential order of asanas is to be meticulously followed. Each posture is a preparation for the next, developing the strength and balance required to move further.
Who it's for
Anyone who wants a repeated practice to develop a deeper understanding of yoga, and is willing to learn the sequence over time. Not suitable for complete beginners, start with our New to Yoga? class or a Led class before joining Assisted Self-Practice.
What to expect
- At the Yoga Loft you can learn Ashtanga yoga in two different ways. First, a traditional Assisted Self Practice (Mysore style), where you learn and progress at your own pace under the teacher's close observation. Please contact Kat on 07766 226966 before your first class.
- Second, a Led style class, where you are guided step by step through the sequence.
- Ashtanga is traditionally a daily practice.
The Eight Limbs
Ashtanga yoga is based on the philosophy of the 8 Limbs of yoga, a yoga practice to help us master the relationship with ourselves and the world around us. Through the repetition and steady breath, it offers a mirror for our minds and behaviour.
- Yamas:
- Moral rules for living peacefully with others, like kindness and honesty.
- Niyamas:
- Personal habits for self-care, purity, and inner discipline.
- Asana:
- Physical yoga poses done in a specific, set order.
- Pranayama:
- Controlled breathing techniques to manage body energy.
- Pratyahara:
- Pulling your mind away from outside distractions.
- Dharana:
- Focusing your mind on one single point.
- Dhyana:
- Deep, uninterrupted meditation.
- Samadhi:
- A peaceful state of complete unity and joy.