Ashtanga Yoga is made up of different series. The idea is that you don't progress into the next series until you've mastered the previous series. Each individual series is a lesson preparing you for the next lesson. So to break Ashtanga yoga down for a beginner such as myself, I've established 5 lessons to progress into during my journey.
Lesson 1: Terminology
Ashtanga Yoga: The classical yoga writings, the Yoga Sutras, were compiled in the second century B.C. by Patanjali, who described yoga as having eight major parts, sometimes referred to as the eight limbs of yoga. The word Ashtanga comes from the words ashta (eight) and anga (limbs).
Asana: An asana is a pose or posture. The names of almost all yoga poses end in "asasa".
Vinyasa: Vinyasa refers to a series of connected movements, performed in sequence. The sequence of warm up postures, Surya Namaskara A and B, are examples of vinyasa, as are the short sequences of movements used to connect one pose to another.
Ujjayi breath: Ujjayi breath is a type of pranayama (controlled breathing) in which you breathe in a constant, even rhythm through both nostrils, holding your glottis partially closed. (When you do this right, it sounds a bit like Darth Vador.) You should practice Ujjayi breath throughout the entire Ashtanga yoga series. The word ujjayi means victory.
Warm-Up Poses: Surya Namaskara A & Surya Namaskara B; surya - sun namaskara - salutation
This is just the beginning of the terminology used in ashtanga yoga practice. There is also a series of cool down poses. Then probably about hundred more terms used to describe the core poses. For more information about the terminology check out the website: http://www.harley.com/yoga/
Ashtanga Yoga: The classical yoga writings, the Yoga Sutras, were compiled in the second century B.C. by Patanjali, who described yoga as having eight major parts, sometimes referred to as the eight limbs of yoga. The word Ashtanga comes from the words ashta (eight) and anga (limbs).
Asana: An asana is a pose or posture. The names of almost all yoga poses end in "asasa".
Vinyasa: Vinyasa refers to a series of connected movements, performed in sequence. The sequence of warm up postures, Surya Namaskara A and B, are examples of vinyasa, as are the short sequences of movements used to connect one pose to another.
Ujjayi breath: Ujjayi breath is a type of pranayama (controlled breathing) in which you breathe in a constant, even rhythm through both nostrils, holding your glottis partially closed. (When you do this right, it sounds a bit like Darth Vador.) You should practice Ujjayi breath throughout the entire Ashtanga yoga series. The word ujjayi means victory.
Warm-Up Poses: Surya Namaskara A & Surya Namaskara B; surya - sun namaskara - salutation
This is just the beginning of the terminology used in ashtanga yoga practice. There is also a series of cool down poses. Then probably about hundred more terms used to describe the core poses. For more information about the terminology check out the website: http://www.harley.com/yoga/
Lesson 2: Surya Namaskara A & B
I've learned that doing three sun salutations A , and then three sun salutations B has proven to be the proper warm up. Following your Ujjayi breathing for each pose, and holding downward dog for five breaths in sun salutation A and holding warrior pose for five breaths in sun salutation B.
I've learned that doing three sun salutations A , and then three sun salutations B has proven to be the proper warm up. Following your Ujjayi breathing for each pose, and holding downward dog for five breaths in sun salutation A and holding warrior pose for five breaths in sun salutation B.
Lesson 3: The Primary Series
This should be done only after you've completed 3 sets of both sun salutation A and B. Every pose doesn't need to be one. Some will be too hard initially to perform. Making sure you're breathing and listening to what your body can or can't accomplish will be the best way to ensure your progress.
This should be done only after you've completed 3 sets of both sun salutation A and B. Every pose doesn't need to be one. Some will be too hard initially to perform. Making sure you're breathing and listening to what your body can or can't accomplish will be the best way to ensure your progress.
Lesson 4: The Intermediate Series
Again if you have not mastered every pose in the primary series you should not move forward to the intermediate series. These poses are far more advanced, but will be easier to accomplished if you are properly prepared for it.
Again if you have not mastered every pose in the primary series you should not move forward to the intermediate series. These poses are far more advanced, but will be easier to accomplished if you are properly prepared for it.
Lesson 5: Advanced Series
You've hit the big dogs! This is the beginning of a truly powerful ashtanga experience. Each and very pose has been in preparation for this series. I deal you would be able to flow through some poses with out you feet ever touching the ground.
You've hit the big dogs! This is the beginning of a truly powerful ashtanga experience. Each and very pose has been in preparation for this series. I deal you would be able to flow through some poses with out you feet ever touching the ground.