Ashtanga: Mindful breathing, self awareness and rejuvenating postures...
What is Ashtanga Yoga...
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois introduced the traditional style of Ashtanga yoga to the west in the early 1970’s. This method for keeping the body healthy and the mind clear and calm is practiced daily by thousands of people around the world.
Yoga is a philosophy and way of life, which is meant to bring the practitioner into a state of vibrant health using physical postures, breathing techniques and internal awareness. The breath is used to synchronize each movement, producing an internal heat, which purifies muscles and organs by releasing toxins as well as beneficial hormones and minerals. Gaining control of the senses by using these techniques with regularity and devotion, one acquires steadiness of body and mind.
The first series, known as Yoga Chikitsa, is translated as ‘Yoga Therapy’. This style of yoga can help to rehabilitate sports and other injuries by restoring motion and agility.
Ashtanga Primary Series (level 2 - 3; intermediate to advanced)
The first series, known as Yoga Chikitsa, is translated as ‘Yoga Therapy’. This style of yoga can help to rehabilitate sports and other injuries by restoring motion and agility. Build upper body strength and endurance practicing this hour and a half long traditional Ashtanga yoga practice.
We offer led class and Mysore (self led). See schedule page for days and times.
Ashtanga Modified Second Series (level 2-3)
This class is for those familiar with Primary Series and having a dedicated, consistent practice. You'll explore the poses in Second Series safely and with modifications as needed. A good introduction to those new to this series, and challenging instruction for those more experienced.
Ashtanga RE-mix (the not Ashtanga class)
This class is for all levels from new students to commited Ashtanga practicioners. Traditionally Ashtanga yoga is practiced Sunday through Friday, with Saturday off. In honoring that tradition, we offer a class that mixes up the flow and sequence of the practice and gives students a chance to experience something different. We change the order, offer variations and take a playful approach to "not doing Ashtanga". We will also be practicing to cool music that is very untraditional, featuring a different playlist each Saturday. Class runs for 1hour, 15 minutes. To get a 2 hour practice, come early for our Power Fusion Intensive at 9 am. The cost of taking both classes is just an extra $5 above your drop-in, or 1 and 1/2 classes from your Class Card.(note: the Power Fusion Intensive has been suspended over the summer and will begin Sept. 18th)
Ashtanga Basics II (level 1 - 2)
This class is for the graduates of the basics session, or current students who want a slower-paced class. We'll introduce you to the flow of breath and movement experienced in the Ashtanga primary series practice as you acquire a deeper internal awareness with the postures (modified as needed), ujjayi breath, and bandhas. This class prepares you to move into a Full Primary Series practice. (Currently not running any sessions.)
For Beginners, start with our 8 week Ashtanga Basics Session.
For new yoga students and students with no prior Ashtanga experience. Learn simplified variations of Ashtanga yoga Sun Salutations, standing, seated and finishing postures. Progress step-by-step each week through the sequence of yoga postures and breathing techniques known as the Primary Series of Ashtanga yoga. Time will be taken to introduce you to Ashtanga Yoga, the philosophy behind it, and the breath control and use of internal locks (bandahs) associated with the practice. Modifications are given for those with injuries or limitations. Next session starts Thursday, Sept 16th at 6 pm.