1. Join a Class
Ashtanga yoga classes are very popular and available in yoga studios and community centers around the world. The first thing you learn in these classes is how to sequence Ashtanga yoga poses. This school of yoga is based on a specific set of postures, broken down into the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. As the Ashtanga Yoga student processes, the difficulty of the Ashtanga yoga poses increase to continually challenge the student to improve. The beginner series is also called Yoga Chikitsa. In this level, there are 75 postures to complete. The first set of posture are the sun salutations. Standing postures are completed next, followed by the seated poses. In Ashtanga yoga, students quickly progress to the inverted postures, where you stand on your head. Backbends and relaxation round out the course.
2. Practice at Home
To practice Ashtanga yoga at home, create a dedicated yoga space in your house. The room needs to be clear of furniture, bright and well ventilated. Install a full length mirror to check your body position as you move through the postures. There are many full length wall charts, books and other visual aids to direct you through the different postures. As your skills improve, try the more advanced skills by carefully following the diagrams and descriptions. The focus of this yoga practice is quality and correct body position. Yoga skills take time and practice to develop. The benefits of yoga have an impact on your entire body, so take the time to practice the postures correctly.
3. Mysore Practice
After attending several Ashtanga yoga classes, intermediate and advanced students often join an independent or Mysore style of Ashtanga yoga practice. In these types of classes, all the students are at different levels. The instructor walks around and provides individual advice or tips, but the students move through the postures independently. It provides the best of both worlds, allowing students to progress at their own pace, while gaining the benefit of correction from an instructor. These types of classes are most beneficial to students who practice yoga on a daily basis. Check the credentials of the instructor to ensure they are making the correct suggestions. This simple step improves the quality of your yoga practice and helps you advance through the postures more effectively.
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