Practising Ashtanga Yoga on a regular basis is a great way to stay fit, flexible, and healthy. It promotes good physical health through exercises called yoga poses. These poses are done in a flowing sequence which is generally the same wherever you practice.
It is a great workout for your cardio-vascular system – the continual flowing poses coupled with a focus on breathing means you will generate a fair amount of body heat. Regular practice will hence significantly improve your level of ‘active’ fitness.
It is also excellent for improving emotional and mental health. The exercises / poses support improved focus and stability – which are important ingredients in having a balanced emotional and mental state.
Before you start doing Ashtanga Yoga it is worth noting that it is designed for people who have a reasonable level of fitness, or know have some yoga experience. It is not recommended for anyone with an injury or a health condition. It may be better to improve your level of fitness before starting Ashtanga Yoga.
The best way to start Ashtanga Yoga is to visit your local yoga studio that teaches Ashtanga Yoga or check out our downloadable Ashtanga Yoga Beginners Program. The seven class series is the perfect introduction to the fundamental postures and breath-work in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.
When practising these classes, we also recommend that you familiarise yourself with each class as many times as you like before moving on to the next class. Each class is a progression from the previous class, so if you find one of the classes too much then just go back to the previous class.
In terms of equipment – your local yoga studio should have all the equipment you need. That said, you may want to get your own yoga mat.
When practising our downloadable MP3 yoga classes, the only equipment you will need is a clean clear space and a yoga mat!