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| Ashtanga Yoga |
Ashtanga Yoga: The Style
Ashtanga Yoga utilizes a prescribed series of sequential yoga postures. These postures, and the order in which they are performed, are especially designed to progressively heat, strengthen, and release the body. The series as a whole provides a complete workout for body, mind, and soul. Postures naturally complement one another to provide a precise balance of tightening and stretching. (For this reason, Ashtanga Yoga is sometimes referred to as “the hard and the soft” yoga.)
All postures within the Ashtanga Yoga sequence must be performed in the precise order in which they are prescribed to obtain the full benefit of this practice. Therefore, a session of Ashtanga Yoga always follows exactly the same format. There are, however, as many as six series of Ashtanga Yoga practice available—ranked by progressive difficulty—beginning with the Primary Series and moving on to more advanced ones.
The first few series of Ashtanga Yoga are generally taught in a group class, although some men perform this practice on their own or under the guidance of a private teacher.
As relatively few practitioners progress to the most difficult set of sequences, more advanced series are generally taught in individual sessions. It typically takes about 90 minutes to two hours to complete an Ashtanga Yoga practice series session. A session of Ashtanga Yoga typically begins with an opening prayer, followed by a vigorous round of Sun Salutation exercises. (See the opening sequence of “A Complete Yoga
Practice Session for Men,” page 114.) The Salutations, which are performed with jumping movements, consist of several variations followed by a whole series of asanas. These postures, which include standing, seated, and inverted poses, provide a complete workout for the entire body. During the practice of the Sun Salutation and the asanas, practitioners employ ujjayi breathing, apply the bandhas, and fix the gaze on one of nine prescribed points of vision. A session of Ashtanga Yoga routinely ends with a closing series that includes
stretching and relaxation.
As more yoga teachers study and incorporate the principles of Ashtanga Yoga into their practice, a wider variety of approaches to this flowing style are becoming increasingly more available. Because the original approach to the sequences may prove too demanding for some students, teachers are modifying the practice so as to maintain the flow and high energy level that accompanies it with easier and more comfortable postures. Often, they call their approach to yoga simply “Vinyasa Yoga,” emphasizing the flowing quality of the sequences, but downplaying the “Power” aspect of the unadulterated Ashtanga Yoga practice. (See “Vinyasa Yoga,” in web site .)
Ashtanga Yoga is proving itself very popular with men because of its vigorous physicality. Many people who are physically active or who are trying to recover from physical injury are attracted to the practice because of its emphasis on strength and endurance. Ashtanga Yoga can help to align, detoxify, and calm the body. While Ashtanga Yoga emphasizes physical strength and stamina, a man need not necessarily be strong and fit to practice this style of yoga. Indeed, the practice of Ashtanga Yoga can help make you fit and strong. Ashtanga Yoga is a vigorous approach to the practice of yoga. It may not be suitable for all individuals—especially those with severe physical complaints or concerns. However, because the postures of the Ashtanga Yoga series can be modified to accommodate specific needs, you should be able to find a teacher who can help you benefit from Ashtanga Yoga.
This style of yoga is specifically designed to help build strength and endurance and increase flexibility and range of motion. With appropriate instruction, Ashtanga Yoga may, in fact, appeal to some men who are trying to strengthen bodies weakened or compromised by illness or injury.
