Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners

Intermediate I
(50 Reviews)
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If you are new to ashtanga yoga, this is where you want to begin. Please note that this is still a tough class, very similar to an intermediate power yoga flow. The difference between this class and a regular ashtanga class is that the pace is a bit slower and Jenni takes the time to explain the poses in more detail.

Equipment

  • None

Focus

  • Vigorous/Energy
  • Twists
  • Spine
  • Flexibility
  • Core Strength
  • Balance
  • Backbends

Style

  • Ashtanga Yoga

Comments

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Irishlove
May 14, 2018

I practiced Ashtanga for many years prior to a hit and run crash that left me badly injured. I've just completed this class which I will do again in the days to come. I like to vary my practice, as I find it helps to settle me as a tri-dosha. This class is challenging, but not impossible, even if a practitioner does not understand all the bandhas. I would say that learning the bandhas would be very helpful, as they are not explained here. I found the practice thorough and healing, with many options I can take knowing the practice from previous experience. I am grateful to have it here!! The only thing I wish to respectfully address would be the 5 breath count varies from too fast (especially during the vinyasa which is important to go within so to feel the body and not become injured) to very slow. A more standardised 5 breath count would make this class shine even brighter and be very helpful. I really enjoyed it and I hope I do not sound critical. Thank you and Namaste from Ireland.

Comment Replies

David Procyshyn
May 14, 2018

<p>Yes, great feedback thank you. I do have a series of videos that covers the bandhas, if you want to check them out. You'll see them as the first three class in our 3-week program, <a href="Establish">https://www.doyogawithme.com/core-stability-strength">Establish Your Core Stability and Strength. </a>And yes, a more standardized 5-breath count would be nice. I find that's quite common with Ashtange teachers - they vary the timing of the count based on the difficulty of the pose.</p>

Comment Replies

Irishlove
May 15, 2018

Thanks very much, I have seen your videos. They are incredibly helpful and concise. I used them as a refresher. I've been practicing for a long time and was taught the bandhas and the kriyas prior to any asana work in Ashtanga, so I was a bit surprised that the title (Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners) of the class conflicted with the label of the class (Intermediate). As a teacher, I would have found that students would have been very frustrated with a class that had so little of the basics of alignment (to keep the pelvis level and prevent injury) and to move only with the breath as well for the same reason. I enjoyed the class, so please do not misunderstand me. It's excellent to see it here. I just know a lot of beginners that would be able to jump and hop, but would still be out of alignment and also miss the purpose of the bandhas and breath centered movement. Thank you again for your response, I believe having it posted here will most likely help if anyone needs it. Namaste.

Comment Replies

David Procyshyn
May 15, 2018

Yes, you're absolutely right. Practicing yoga safely is a constant concern, particularly in big classes and online. More basic references to alignment would definitely be helpful, particularly in a flow that many would consider challenging - even though it's called a beginner class!

It was tricky naming this class, since in the ashtanga yoga world this is a beginner class, but for most others it would be considered intermediate. We're getting pretty deep into the workings of my brain and the things I would think about when posting classes on the site!

Cheers,

Ktrirogoff
October 6, 2017

I have recently come from seeing MC Yogi where he spoke so highly of this particular type of practice that I felt it was time to try Ashtanga..It was a great choice. It is crazy challenging, but the pace of this particular class is lovely. I would honestly love to see the complete primary series at some point as well...It really helps those of us that are honestly trying to explore yoga as a complete life choice. ..this is a great video and I look forward to trying it again until I can graduate to half primary...