Why Ashtanga?

YogaBabe · Joined: 11 Jan 2006 Posts: 14

Why did you choose Ashtanga as opposed to the other yoga styles?

For me it was more to do with the location of the shala than anything else. Ashtanga is all I've known and practiced.

Once I started, I enjoyed the physical work out, after a while I enjoyed the dynamic flow of practice.

Right now, I like it for it's stress-relief properties, I feel calm, in control and relaxed after practice and can enjoy the rest of my day.

Dhalsim · Joined: 13 Jan 2006 Posts: 1

I didnt really put too much thought into what style of Yoga I should practice, it wasnt a planned part of my life! I actually stumbled across an Ashtanga Yoga session in a park as I was leaving my Tae Kwon Do class. I was curious so I had a chat with the instructor once the class had finished and now Ive signed up.

Flexibility is something I have always had trouble with in my martial arts training, and I have also been looking for something to do in the mornings (most of my martial arts classes are in the evening). So Yoga seemed like the perfect choice Smile

Tamar · Joined: 11 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

I've done mostly Iyenger before I settled on Ashtanga. I like how it makes you sweat like nothing else! it's such a good workout and not to mention it really helps with the extra pounds!

What I'm struggling with is the sequence of asanas... i'm getting better, but i'd get to like marichyasana c (i've not been given d!!) then i'd be like... what's next?!

arrgh it's frustrating... i swear i've already got dementia!

Shanti · Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 4

i haven't done any other styles of yoga, just Ashtanga. i haven't felt the need to try other styles since i'm very happy with ashtanga.

i like the sweat that ashtanga builds Smile

i also like having a sequence (i heard in iyenger that they don't have a sequence?!), i get up to the front of my mat and even on groggy mornings, i can do my practice without too much thought.

JumpingBean · Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Posts: 2

i like that ashtanga because it's very much based on the premise of "doing"... like guruji says, "do your practice and all is coming".

Lauren · Joined: 09 Feb 2006 Posts: 4

I love the flow of practice... moving in and out in of postures sync with the breath. As guruji says, it's moving mediation.

I think I've calmed down and become more balanced emotionally since starting Ashtanga, at least that's what my partner tells me!