Health benefits of Ashtanga

The benefits of Ashtanga yoga are like no other. To make sure you get the most out of this powerful practice, it is crucial to get as close to the source as possible. Krista Shirley studied under Pattabhi Jois, the father of Ashtanga yoga, for 10 years and teaches the way she was taught.
Ashtanga Yoga employs a multitude of techniques, such as postures, breathing, concentration and meditation exercises; we could call it the yoga of techniques.  Ashtanga Yoga differs from other forms of yoga in that it is dynamic, whereas most forms are static.  The benefits of this particular practice may be grouped into three categories: physical, emotional, and mental.  

Physical

All the schools of yoga promote flexibility, but very few emphasize physical strength and muscle training. This is where Ashtanga stands out. Ashtanga aims to not only make the practitioner calm of mind and peaceful of soul, but also have a strong, toned, controlled body. Because of its weight management and strength building routine, Ashtanga has become a popular choice of not just yoga practitioners, but also athletes looking to augment their sport by adding flexibility and core strength.

Not only that, because of the strict series and fast pace of the pose changes for seasoned practitioners, it also promotes stamina and endurance. And because it only uses body weight, Ashtanga makes the practitioner stronger but not give a bulky look, instead making the practitioner a lean, toned human being.

Mental

 In our daily lives we are overstimulated. Work obligations, family responsibilities and noise from outside overwhelm our senses constantly.  A dedicated Ashtanga practice brings you back to yourself on a daily basis, keeping you centered. Your inner world is replenished and nourished so there is more of you to go around.  

​Dedicated Ashtanga practitioners report they feel “calm” and “energized” after practice.  Ashtanga relieves your body of nagging pains and your mind of ongoing worries. It’s like getting an internal massage every day giving you a youthful glow and presence.

emotional

The emotional benefits consist in being able to not be a slave to one's emotions but to remain the witness. Most of our suffering is caused by emotions. These emotions may become unbearable by identifying with them and often may cause negative results if we follow their urge.

​It's important to know the difference between emotions and feelings. A feeling is an authentic sensation arising in the present moment such as love. An emotion is a reliving of a previously imprinted condition. For example because we have been hurt in the past we are acting in the present moment not out of love but out of jealousy or fear. Whenever we are emoting, we are in the past; whenever we are feeling, we are in the present. Yoga makes you feel more intensely because it removes layers of old conditioning.

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