Ashtanga Yoga: The Athletic Yoga

Yoga is a mind-body exercise. Yoga incorporates physical postures, breathing methods, and meditation or relaxation into many styles. Actually, Yoga is a centuries-old practice believed to have originated in India.

The term ‘Yoga’ comes for the first time in the ‘Rig Veda’, a collection of ancient scriptures. Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit term ‘Yuj,’ which means ‘To unite’ or ‘Unity.’ Yoga may be dated back over 5,000 years to northern India. During the late 1890s, Indian monks brought their expertise in yoga to the West. By the 1970s, modern yoga teachings had become quite popular in Western nations.

But Modern yoga emphasizes strength, agility, and breathing as well as exercise. It has the potential to improve both physical and emotional health. According to this, there are many styles of yoga that a person’s fitness level and goals should guide them in selecting a preferable style.

Ashtanga yoga is one of the styles of yoga. This yoga practice is based on ancient yoga principles. However, it became popular in the 1970s. Ashtanga uses the same postures and sequences to relate every action to the breath quickly. On the other hand, it is called the most athletic yoga. 

Ashtanga Poses to try and Some Instructions

These poses are included in the Ashtanga primary series sequences, which make up the whole 90-minute flow. While practising, move from one pose to the next, exhaling as you bend into each and holding each for five full breaths.

Here are some poses and instructions:

Forward Bend:  

1. Firstly, place your feet parallel and hip-width apart when standing.
2. Secondly, bend from the hips
3. Have to place your hands on the floor and next to your feet
4. Then try to concentrate your eyes on the tip of your nose.

Extended Triangle:

1. First, you have to place your feet 3.5 to 4 feet apart while standing, with your right foot, turned outward and your left foot turned slightly inward.
2. Then extend your arms in a T-shape
3. You have to reach towards your right toe by bending your hips to the right.
4. Finally, have to concentrate on the rising hand’s fingertips.

Extended Side Angle:

1. First, you have to place your feet 3.5 to 4 feet apart while standing, with your right foot, turned outward and your left foot turned slightly inward.
2. Then bend your right knee to a 90 degrees angle
3. Next, bend to the right and lay your right hand on the outside of your right foot or your right thigh softly.
4. And swing your left arm in line with your body, straight above your head.
5. Finally, try to keep your concentration on the uplifted hand’s fingertips.

Wide-Legged Forward Fold: 

1. Place your feet parallel about four feet apart while standing.
2. Then bend forward at your hips.
3. Try to reach your hands behind your back and link your fingers together.
4. Bend forward and keep your back straight until your head is facing toward the floor.
5. Let your hands hang over your head if they’re clasped behind you.
6. After this, try to focus your eyes on the tip of your nose.

Intense Side Stretch:

1. Place your right foot 2.5 to 3 feet in front of your left and roughly hip-width apart when standing.
2. Then bend your front leg over your hips.
3. With both hands, extend towards the floor on either side of your right foot, keeping your back as straight as possible.
4. Then Focus your eyes on the toes of your front foot.

The Benefits of Ashtanga yoga:

There are many benefits of doing Ashtanga yoga. Ashtanga yoga will help you become more flexible over time while it’s crucial to listen to your body and go carefully. It is a great way to rebalance your body. It improves focus, coordination, and balance. You will establish a balance between feelings and emotions by practising Ashtanga. Your organs and entire body will perform more efficiently when you balance your emotions, and you will notice how closely your body and mind are linked.

Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic series of poses, breathing exercises, and concentration points. A regular 90-minute workout requires a lot of strength and flexibility, but you’ll be rewarded with better concentration, fitness, and overall well-being. Beginners can participate in a unique group class or practice at home alone. Because it has a fixed set of schedules that they have to do every day.