Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic, physically demanding and flowing practice, incorporating a particular type of breathing known as Ujjayi breathing and the use of internal energy locks or bandhas.
In this class, students are led through a set series of postures, practised in a particular order, known as the Primary series. This type of yoga was first introduced and taught in Mysore, India, by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and continues to be taught there by his grandson Sharath.
This practice aims to build heat in the body to help it to open, become more flexible and to release toxins. Through repeated practice students become familiar with the series of postures and eventually the focus moves away from the postures to following the breath and the gaze points for each posture, allowing the whole practice to be become more like a moving meditation.
My approach to teaching Ashtanga Yoga is one of inclusivity, options and modifications are always given for more challenging poses, and students are always encouraged to listen to their body and rest if necessary.
