Yoga has evolved from an ancient art into a global phenomenon. With time yoga evolved into different styles including Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Kundalini. Each of these yoga styles offer a variety of benefits to the practitioner.

It is Ashtanga yoga that stands out from the rest. Do you want to know what is Ashtanga yoga? The information below will give you the answer.

What is Ashtanga Yoga?

The Ashtanga yoga, otherwise known as Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic form of yoga. It follows a set sequence of yoga asanas. It is in Mysore where this yoga style came into existence. It was K.Pattabhi Jois who shared the knowledge of Ashtanga yoga with the world.

The concept of Ashtanga yoga includes Asana (body postures), Ujjayi breathing, and Drishti. Together these help develop the sacred life force in your body.

Do you know about the wonderful benefits of this yoga style? Yoga experts have the answer.

Benefits of Ashtanga Yoga

Given below are 5 health benefits of Ashtanga yoga.

Increased Strength

Ashtanga yoga sequence has many poses that require you to bear own body weight. Doing these asanas with Vinyasa yoga and yoga plank push ups helps build muscle strength. Working with your own body weight helps develop muscular strength. It is a major reason why Ashtanga yoga is quite popular with men.

Improved Mood

An improved mood and peace of mind are good reasons to practice Ashtanga yoga. Maintaining proper focus on deep breathing quietens your mind. It also leaves you with a sense of inner peace and calm.

There are many studies that prove this benefit of Ashtanga yoga. Daily practice of Ashtanga yoga increases the GABA levels in your brain. This helps decrease anxiety and depression.

Improved Flexibility

Want to know what is Ashtanga yoga? Ask those with a flexible body. This yoga style protects you against many injuries. It also provides you with faster muscle recovery after a workout. The stretching happens in your muscles as well as joints.

Ashtanga yoga helps release lactic acid from the muscle cells. This makes muscle contraction easier.

Improved Fitness Levels

Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous form of yoga. You can take it as a cardio workout. Daily practice increases your heart rate, builds heat in the body, and helps you sweat.

Improves Blood Pressure Levels

Ashtanga yoga is quite effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety. This brings your blood pressure under control. Daily yoga practice helps reduce blood pressure. It also promotes inner strength and stillness of mind.

That said, do you know about the 8 limbs of Ashtanga yoga? The information below will give you the answer.

The 8 Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga

Given below are the 8 limbs of Ashtanga yoga.

Yamas – Your behavior and conduct in life

Niyamas – Self-discipline and spiritual observances

Asana – Yoga postures

Pranayama – Breath control in yoga

Pratyahara – Withdrawal or sensory transcendence

Dharana – Concentration

Dhyana – Meditation

Samadhi – State of ecstacy

These eight limbs help you progress on this path of Ashtanga yoga.

As a beginner you might feel a bit overwhelmed when looking to try Ashtanga yoga style.

Tips for First Ashtanga Yoga Class

To help you learn this yoga style with ease, yoga experts have come up with a few tips.

Focus On Breathing

The real magic of Ashtanga yoga happens through your breathing. Deep breathing with sound is what brings your conscious and subsconscious mind together. Doing this makes it easier to practice Ashtanga yoga. Keep your focus on breathing and not on what pose you are doing.

Expect to Fail

Yes! Ashtanga yoga is not an easy yoga style to learn. This lesson is itself a part of your practice. But instead of blaming this fact you have to strengthen your mind in Ashtanga yoga. Yoga experts advise that you learn to embrace failure but not stop trying to learn. With time you will become better at understanding what is Ashtanga yoga style.

Do Not Push

It can be tempting to grab your limbs and force them into a particular asana. Trust the yoga experts, that is never going to end well. You should develop an attitude of understanding with your body and never push beyond what is comfortable. Join a certified yoga school to learn this yoga style from the experts.

Conclusion

Want to know what is Ashtanga yoga? A Yoga Alliance certified school can help you learn this yoga style from experienced yoga teachers with ease. Vinyasa yoga for weight loss