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My Approach Special Programs 911! Red Carpet Ready Vacationers Yogalates Boot Camp Yoga for Kids Volunteer Class Schedule Books FAQ What is Ashtanga Vinyasa? A vigorous, flowing yoga practice that consists of a series of linked postures - standing, forward bends, backbends, lateral stretches, twists, inversions, and balances. Like all methods, Ashtanga can be practiced at varying levels depending on the client. Much of the teaching is done through hands-on adjustment of the body. This is a wonderfully energetic form of yoga in which you will move dynamically and sweat profusely. What is the difference between Ashtanga vinyasa and Hatha Yoga? Strictly speaking, ashtanga vinyasa is a form of hatha yoga (‘hatha’ denotes simply a physical form of yoga); however, recently the term hatha has come to be used colloquially to refer to less dynamic styles of yoga in which there are pauses between postures rather than one posture flowing to the next, linked by vinyasa (a sequence of connecting movements). There are many forms of hatha yoga, but generally hatha classes are slower and gentler than ashtanga and include more passive forms and relaxation. Do I need to be “in shape” to pracitce Ashtanga? You need to have a reasonable basic level of fitness and a desire to work hard and sweat, but you don’t need to be super-fit. Remember to respect your current level of stamina and practice where you actually are rather than where you aspire to be and your practice will be beneficial. Do I need to be very flexible to practice Ashtanga? No! In many ways, a stiff body offers an easier, safer starting point than one that is very mobile. I encourage clients to adapt postures so that they can practice safely given their own degree of flexibility. The emphasis is on internal experience rather than on striving to achieve the full posture. The intention is simply to be where you are. Will Ashtanga improve my level of fitness and flexibility? Yes, a regular ashtanga practice will increase your strength (particularly in the upper body) and general flexibility. It can also help you to relax and cope better with stress, normalize your body weight, increase your sense of wellbeing, improve your immunity, loosen the grip of bad habits and addictions, and foster a generally healthier and more harmonious lifestyle. Ultimately, like all forms of yoga, ashtanga is a spiritual practice. It brings us closer to the real meaning of life and into relationship with that which is beyond our small sense of self. Can I start Ashtanga if I’m pregnant? Ashtanga is very vigorous, so if you are new to yoga and pregnant, you will find a prenatal or gentle hatha yoga class more suitable. How soon after giving birth can I start? This really depends on individual circumstances - how fit were you before birth, what sort of birth you had, whether you are new to ashtanga and so on.