Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a traditional method of Yoga that involves synchronising the movement of the body with a breathing technique known as Ujjayi Breath (breathing with sound) and the use of internal locks or Bandhas. This approach – the combination of the breathing, the use of internal locks (bandhas), as the practitioner moves dynamically through a series of postures (asana), is understood to activate internal heat which purifies the body’s internal organs & nervous system. Apart from increased flexibility, stamina & strength, regular practitioners enjoy many health benefits on many different levels of well being.

The Sun Salutations or the Sūryānamaskāra start every practice and are followed by the fundamental āsanas after which the students starts the ‘series’ they are currently working on.

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Ashtanga Yoga Safety Information

Listen to the Live Yoga Life Ashtanga Introductory Audio for guidelines on preparing for your practice.

For additional guidelines for your practice or for specific safety information on other styles or areas of yoga (such as Prenatal Yoga) check out our Safety Information page.

Download Safety Information MP3 audio

Download PDF Safety Information

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Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga originated in Mysore, India where it’s founder Sri K Pattabhi Jois taught up to 300 international yoga students daily until the age of 92. A Brahman Priest and scholar, Pattabhi Jois said “Ashtanga Yoga is 99% practice and 1% theory ”. Sri K Pattabhi Jois was trained by Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. It is said that while working under the convalescing Maharaja of Mysore, Krishnamacharya set up a shala, or yoga school in the palace grounds and adapted the practice outlined in the Yoga Korunta for the young boys who lived there. Vinyasa has since been thought of as a physically demanding practice, which can be successful at channelling the hyperactivity of young minds. It is a system of yoga which has been utilised to help calm the ongoing chatter of the mind, reduce stress and assist extroverted personalities to redirect their attention to their internal experience.

The term “viṅyāsa” refers to the alignment of movement and breath, a method which turns static yoga postures into this dynamic flow. The length of one inhale or one exhale dictates the length of time spent transitioning between postures. Poses are then held for a predefined number of breaths. In effect, attention is placed on the breath and the journey between the postures rather than solely on achieving perfect body alignment in a pose

As a dynamic practice, being physically fit is essential. If you are new to yoga, we recommend you start with Yuki Nakazawa’s Beginners Course. If you are an advanced yoga practitioner, you will enjoy Paul Frechtling’s Intermediate Ashtanga Class.

PLEASE NOTE: Paul Frechtling’s Intermediate Level Ashtanga Class is for advanced ashtanga yoga practitioners. It is not designed for beginners or anyone new to yoga. If you are an advanced practitioner but have never practised Ashtanga Yoga before, we recommend practising this under the supervision of a certified Ashtanga Yoga teacher.

Live Yoga Life digital classes are powerful & energising tools for overall well-being, but they are not to be a substitute for medical care. If you are dealing with any sort of mental, emotional or physical disorder, or are undergoing psychotherapy, are experiencing seizures, or have any other neurological or neuro-respiratory disease, we suggest that you consult your doctor or therapist, and use this audio-class under their supervision. Neither the teacher or Live Yoga Life Pty Ltd, assume responsibility for your improper use of our audio-classes.