Why You Should Consider Teaching Yourself Ashtanga Yoga

  • By: Mugen Seki
  • Date: March 3, 2023
  • Time to read: 6 min.

Have you ever considered taking up Ashtanga yoga but weren’t sure if you could do it on your own? Well, the good news is that you can!

Of course, there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind if you want to successfully learn this type of yoga.

In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know about Ashtanga yoga and how to get started with teaching yourself. So, if you’re interested in learning more about Ashtanga yoga, read on.

Key Takeaways

  • Yes, you can teach yourself Ashtanga yoga.
  • You will need a book or video to guide you through the poses.
  • Regular practice will help you to improve your flexibility and strength.
  • Ashtanga yoga can be challenging, but it is also very rewarding.
  • You may want to find a teacher eventually, but you can certainly get started independently.
A woman in blue top and black pants doing yoga on a grey yoga mat.
Why You Should Consider Teaching Yourself Ashtanga Yoga

Can You Teach Yourself Ashtanga Yoga

Yes, you can teach yourself Ashtanga yoga. However, it is not recommended for beginners. The reason is that Ashtanga yoga is a physically demanding form of yoga, and beginners are not used to strenuous activity.

It is better to start with a less physically demanding form of yoga, like Hatha yoga, and work your way up to Ashtanga

Many resources are available online and in libraries to help you learn Ashtanga yoga. However, it is always best to take a class from a certified instructor.

They will be able to give you proper alignment cues and adjustments that you would not be able to get on your own. 

Ashtanga Yoga Is A Traditional Form Of Yoga That Was Developed By Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

Woman in white top doing yoga on a hill
Ashtanga Yoga Is A Traditional Form Of Yoga That Was Developed By Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional form of yoga developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. It is not recommended for beginners because it is one of the physically challenging yoga styles.

Ashtanga yoga might not be for you if you’re seeking a peaceful and unwinding workout.

If, on the other hand, you enjoy a good challenge and would like to learn some practical skills that can help improve your strength and flexibility, then Ashtanga Yoga might be right up your alley.

Ashtanga Yoga Is A Very Physically Demanding Form Of Yoga

The yoga style known as Ashtanga is quite physically taxing. It requires a high level of flexibility and strength. It is not suitable for beginners or people with injuries or chronic illnesses.

As you will see in this guide, Ashtanga Yoga has been around for thousands of years, so it’s not surprising that its practitioners have developed a few tricks for getting the most out of their practice and staying safe.

In addition to learning about these tips and tricks, reading this guide will teach you how to do poses safely so that your body can adjust gradually over time instead of having one big adjustment all at once (which could lead to injury).

It Is Recommended That You Find A Qualified Teacher

If you are interested in learning Ashtanga Yoga, it is recommended that you find a qualified teacher.

It is important to find a teacher who has a good reputation and who is qualified to teach Ashtanga Yoga.

You should also ensure that the teacher will be willing to teach you one-on-one or in small groups so that they can give their full attention to your individual needs.

There Are Many Online Resources Available That Can Help You Learn The Basic Principles Of Ashtanga Yoga

One of the most physically taxing types of yoga, this is not recommended for beginners. It requires you to hold your body in challenging poses while breathing deeply and focusing intensely on your posture.

The practice involves linking movements in a sequence called vinyasa, which means “breath” or “flow” in Sanskrit.

Many online resources can help you learn the basic principles of Ashtanga Yoga, such as Youtube channels or websites where teachers offer free videos demonstrating how to perform each pose correctly.

Once You Have Learned The Basics, You Can Practice At Home On Your Own Time

Once you have learned the basics and are ready to practice at home on your own time, there are several ways to do so.

  • Taking a class is a great way to learn more about Ashtanga yoga. There are many studios and even more teachers to choose from. If you find one that resonates with you, stick with them. Not only will they teach you new things each week, but they will also help point out where you need improvement in your practice and give advice on how to improve it.
  • Teaching yourself through online videos can be just as helpful because plenty of free resources are available through YouTube and other platforms that show people performing Ashtanga poses. It’s important to watch how someone else does something and try doing it yourself before moving on or attempting anything new for safety reasons (you never know if their form is correct).
  • Learning from friends who practice the same type of yoga has similar benefits since they know what works best for them; however, this option isn’t always feasible since not all friends want/need/know about such intensive workouts as those found in Ashtanga Yoga studios across America today.

What Are The Benefits Of Ashtanga Yoga?

A few people doing yoga in a yoga studio.
What Are The Benefits Of Ashtanga Yoga

You can also improve your posture, strength, and balance with Ashtanga yoga. This type of workout will not make you bulky or strong; rather, it helps you develop lean muscles that are long and toned.

Additionally, the practice will help increase flexibility in your body, which is important for both men and women.

This form of yoga has been shown to improve self-confidence because it increases the ability to focus on what you’re doing at any given moment without worrying about anything else going on in your life.

How Can You Learn Ashtanga Yoga?

You could try to teach yourself, but you’ll still need a teacher. One of the most popular types of yoga is Ashtanga, and it’s also one of the most technical; it takes training and practice to get good at it.

If you do decide to teach yourself Ashtanga Yoga, some things can help make your journey easier:

  • Find a book to guide you through the exercises (many teachers recommend “Light on Yoga” by BKS Iyengar) and create a plan for practicing them every day (this will help keep your motivation alive and keep you from getting bored).
  • Find videos online where someone is teaching Ashtanga Yoga properly so you can see how it should be done correctly before trying it on your own. This will also give you an idea of what form this type of yoga requires before attempting any advanced postures like headstands or handstands because those are very difficult positions where both balances and correct alignment are essential for safety reasons [and because they might hurt].

Are There Any Risks Involved In Practising Ashtanga Yoga?

If you are not used to physical exercise, you should consult a doctor before starting. If you have any injuries or health conditions, consult a doctor.

She will be able to tell you if Ashtanga is right for your body at this time. There are risks involved in yoga, like any other form of exercise. Still, they can be minimized by using proper techniques and listening to your body.

If something doesn’t feel right or looks weird in the mirror (that’s not supposed to happen), stop doing it! Your teacher will help guide you through the poses correctly so that they are safe and beneficial for your body type and abilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are interested in learning Ashtanga Yoga, it is recommended that you find a qualified teacher.

This will ensure that your practice is safe and suitable for your body type. It is also possible to learn from online resources, but again make sure they are reputable sources of information before using them as part of your learning process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of practicing Ashtanga yoga?

There are many benefits to practicing Ashtanga yoga, including a deep relaxation response, increased flexibility and strength, improved balance and coordination, and better breathing.

Is Ashtanga yoga suitable for beginners?

Yes, Ashtanga is a very beginner-friendly form of yoga. If you are comfortable with some light stretching and low-impact exercise, then Ashtanga may be the perfect practice.

How often should I practice Ashtanga yoga?

While there is no set time limit for practicing Ashtanga yoga, it is recommended that you spend about 20-30 minutes each day doing some form of the poses and stretches.

What are the best resources for learning Ashtanga yoga?

Many excellent resources are available to learn Ashtanga yoga fully, including qualified teachers and online courses.

 

MugenSeki

My name is Mugen Seki, and I’m a painter and yoga enthusiast who is passionate about bringing together art and exercise in ways that help people connect with their inner selves. When I’m not painting, I’m practicing yoga. And when I’m not doing either of those things, I’m usually thinking about them.