Ashtānga Led Class

Welcome to our Ashtānga yoga class, a 90 minute dynamic and invigorating practice that follows the traditional teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey that will challenge your body, focus your mind, and cultivate inner strength and discipline.

As you enter the studio, you'll be greeted by a vibrant and energizing atmosphere. The class is led by a skilled and experienced Ashtānga yoga instructor who will guide you through the primary series or a modified version suitable for your level of experience. The primary series is a carefully sequenced set of poses designed to purify and strengthen the body, while cultivating mental clarity and spiritual growth.

The class begins with a brief centering and the ashtānga opening chant, allowing you to ground yourself and set an intention for your practice. You'll be guided to synchronize your breath with movement, flowing through a series of sun salutations to warm up the body and build heat from within. This heat will clear energy blockages to allow prāna (energy) to flow more freely and effectively throughout your body. The focus on breath and movement coordination creates a moving meditation, drawing your attention inward and promoting a state of mindfulness.

You will be guided through the Primary Series in the traditionally taught manner. Sandskrit counting and posture names are used to guide you to synchronize your breath and movement as you are led through each āsana (posture) and vinyāsa (movement). As the class progresses, you'll move through a specific sequence of standing poses, seated poses, and inversions. Each pose is linked with a smooth and continuous flow of breath, creating a dynamic and energetic practice. The poses build upon each other, providing a framework to deepen your practice over time.

Your instructor will provide you with guidance and hands on adjustments to help you get deeper into each pose and to help you to work with and move your prāna (energy) more effectively. Ashtānga yoga encourages a disciplined approach, but it also honors individuality and personal growth. You'll be encouraged to challenge yourself while respecting your limits, finding the balance between effort and ease.

The practice of Ashtānga yoga emphasizes the importance of bandhas (energy locks) and drishti (focused gaze), which help cultivate internal awareness and concentration. These techniques facilitate the flow of energy and enhance the meditative quality of the practice.

In Ashtānga yoga, the breath, called Ujjayi breath, plays a central role. You'll learn to cultivate a deep and audible breath that fuels your movements and creates a sense of heat and purification. The breath acts as a guide, helping you stay present, centered, and connected to your practice.

As the class nears its end, you'll move into a sequence of closing poses that bring a sense of grounding and integration. This is followed by a well-deserved relaxation and śavāsana, allowing you to absorb the benefits of your practice and find deep relaxation and stillness.

Our Ashtānga yoga class offers an opportunity to explore the transformative power of this traditional practice. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you'll find a supportive environment that encourages growth, self-discovery, and a deeper connection to body, breath, and mind.

Join us on this journey of self-transformation and experience the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of Ashtānga yoga. Prepare to sweat, build strength, and cultivate inner resilience as you embrace the dynamic and disciplined practice of this ancient tradition.

Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the start of class.