Intro to Ashtanga Yoga

This opening chant is in the traditional style of the practice. Learning Sanskrit is unique and can be practiced in a "call and response" method. Try something new and explore. This module is optional and included for knowledge sharing.

This is the most important module of the course - the true warm-up of the body and breath. Typically, 5 rounds of Sun A's are completed followed by 3-5 rounds of Sun B's (at the very least 3 Sun B's). You can modify your transitions by walking, stepping, jumping, or floating forward. Building a strong foundation through the Sun Salutations will set you up for success for the remainder of this course. You'll learn to control your breath, understand the count, and acquire strength as you progress.

After warming up your mind and body, this course continues to the standing postures. This section incorporates spinal flexion, balancing and more. Please reference your cheat sheet provided in the beginning, as this section will require you to maintain your drishti (focus point) - a critical element of the practice.

After the standing sequence, the practice transitions to floor-based postures This portion of the practice is where a vinyasa is incorporated in-between each pose. This will build your endurance as you focus on spinal flexion, extension, rotation, core engagement and more. The continuation of focusing on your drishti (outline provided in first lecture as a download) will be critical as your practice advances.

The closing/finishing sequence is the last group of postures designed to cool down the body, focus on longer breath counts, and prepare the body for final rest. The closing chant is included for reference and outlined in the traditional Mysore Ashtanga lineage style for knowledge sharing. After this section, you are welcome to advance either to the strength and conditioning section (drills and functional movements) or select the Half or Full Primary Series, where all the elements are combined together for a full, traditional practice.

This Half Series includes the above modules and portion of the seated sequence. Asanas (postures) can certainly be modified as you learn the breath count, sequencing, and proper alignment. This course blends all your learnings together inclusive of strength, balance, breath and most of all...focused attention.

This full tutorial includes all the above sections (excluding the strength and conditioning component).

This module is led by Aaron Clark, certified personal trainer and certified CrossFit coach. He will help you target and engage specific muscles, with anatomical highlights, that will assist in building strength, mitigate injury, and develop balance for your practice.