Astanga yoga is one of the most popular styles of yoga currently practised. It was developed by Pattabhi Jois during the 20th Century. It’s a vigorous and intense form of yoga, and many of the flowing styles of yoga including Vinyasa Flow and Power Yoga have been derived from Ashtanga Yoga.

Here are 5 great reasons to practice ashtanga:

1. Increase strength and stamina

Practicing Ashtanga yoga will quickly increase strength and stamina as the sequences are powerful and challenging. It’s a great way to improve fitness level and you will quickly notice your development.

2. Breath Awareness

Ashtanga yoga uses Ujjayi pranayama (ocean breathing) throughout the practice and it’s a great way to keep the mind connected to the breath and increase lung capacity.

It will also teach you to breathe deeply and smoothly in other aerobic exercise, which in turn will help your performance.

3. Wakes you up in the morning

Yoga is traditionally practiced in the morning and it’s a great way to start the day. As Ashtanga is physically intense and relatively fast in pace, it will help to shake off any sleepiness and energise you for the day a head :)

4. Develop focus

Ashtanga yoga uses Drishti for developing concentration. Drishti means internal gaze and it’s a great technique to improve balance and keep the mind focused.

In a group class, it’s easy to be distracted by other people, using Drishti helps to keep the mind on your practice.

5. It’s easier to develop your home practice

Ashtanga yoga follows the same sequence each time so it’s easier to memorise the practice and start doing it at home. The more regularly you practice, quicker you will see the improvements.

We have Thursday morning Ashtanga led class at Bristol Yoga Centre restarting from September and it’s perfect for beginners and improvers!