What is Ashtanga?

A²shtanga

The Ann Arbor Ashtanga Cooperative

Ashtanga is a vigorous form of yoga promulgated by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois that engages both the body and the mind.

The Physical Postures.  Students move through a series of yoga poses beginning with a dynamic cycle of “sun salutations” which warm up the body and prepare it for the rest of the practice.  Standing poses comes next, which build lower body strength and flexibility, promote balance, and develop confidence with the practice.

A transition to more passive seated poses follows.  These forward bends and twists contribute further to flexibility of the legs and spine.  Throughout the practice, poses are connected by “vinyasas” – a brisk series of movements that keep the muscles warm, the heartbeat elevated, and challenge the upper body and abdominal areas.

The practice concludes with finishing poses consisting of several inversions and more meditative seated positions to relieve stress and relax the body.

Concentration of the mind and connection with the breath.  Throughout the practice, students maintain a deep and steady breathing pattern and actively engage the core muscles.  The meditative quality of the practice is also refined in each posture by the practice of "drishti" -- bringing the eyes to quietly focus on a specific point in space.

The overall effect is to create a moving meditation that challenges the body and calms the mind.