Ashtanga Yoga is a very complete practice that allows you to work your mind while lengthening your silhouette. A little motivation, and let’s go!
L’Ashtanga Yogaalso called Raja Yoga (“royal yoga” in Sanskrit), is a traditional form of yoga which has its origin in the Patanjali yoga sutraa collection of 195 short sentences considered to be the founding book practice. The term “Ashtanga” is made up of the words “Asta”, which means “eight”, and “anga”, which means “members”. These eight members correspond to the eight basic principles of Ashtanga Yoga, including the relationship with others, concentration, meditation or even self -realization.
Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic discipline where series are repeated and whose practice as well as well as well the body, breath and mind. It is a yoga of the outcome, that is to say that it brings together all the precepts of the other traditional paths, a particularity which allows it to be often presented as the most complete yoga of all.
What are the essential postures of Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga being made up of Six series of postures Who do not change (the level of participants evolves, but the Asana remain the same), it is better to start her practice with a qualified teacher in order to acquire a good mastery of the first series of movements and breathing techniques. It will be very useful if we then decide to practice at home.
There are two types of courses: the directed courses, called “LED class”, where the teacher guides students aloud, and “mysore-water” courses, where everyone performs the series of postures at their own pace, under the supervision of the teacher. L’Ashtanga Yoga Being very popular in France, many studios offer slots for all levels. Whatever the style chosen, The course always starts with the recitation of an opening mantra. A second mantra is recited after the realization of the Asana, just before the final meditation phase.
What are the benefits of Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga is Very beneficial for the bodybut it also brings positive and emotional positive effects. Physically, it strengthens the joints, lengthens the muscles, tones the silhouette, boosts blood circulation and promotes the elimination of toxins thanks to perspiration. This practice being very dynamic, it even helps to lose a few pounds When accompanied by a balanced and varied diet. Mentally, Ashtanga Yoga allows you to find a good psychic balance. Thanks to his breathing exercises, he promotes stress management and reduces anxiety. It also improves the capacity for concentration and resistance.
Ashtanga Yoga, for whom?
Although relatively physical, Ashtanga Yoga is accessible to all And this, whatever its level and its physical condition. There is No specific contraindication To his practice: pregnant women, if they exercised before pregnancy, can continue without problem provided that they inform their teacher so that he can adapt the postures (“asana” in Sanskrit) accordingly. For beginners, it is advisable to wait until the first trimester of pregnancy has passed to get started.
To start this type of yoga, The only prerequisite is motivation. Indeed, it takes time to master the different series of postures and to be able to appreciate the effects on the body and on the mind. If patience is not your strong, it may be better to choose another way like Vinyasa Yoga or Yoga Bikram.
