From the article: Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga yoga inspires strong opinions: some love its fast pace and repetition, others can't stand it. Share your Ashtanga yoga experience here, and let us know why you're an Ashtangi...or not. Readers Respond
For me, I'll leave it
- I find Ashtanga to be too rigid for me. I know it has been great for many, many people and I don't mean to disparage it or Pattabhi Jois's contribution, but for me I prefer the more flexible styles like Vinyasa. I've seen a lot of people who practice Ashtanga end up with injuries especially in their knees from practicing lotus pose without having enough flexibility in their hips. And the primary series is almost all forward bends which leaves me feeling unbalanced. I don't think following a proscribed sequence is necessary, and causes a striving towards end goals for many students.
- —Guest Joyce
Love It!
- I've heard so many awesome things about David Swenson and his teaching of ashtanga. I'm attending a workshop next month at my favorite studio, Hegel Yoga in Tempe AZ, which is where I was introduced to ashtanga. Can't wait!
- —Guest Guest Kate
Love it!
- I get bored in slower paced classes. I like being able to focus on myself during mysore style, and I always feel fantastic after a class. So sorry to hear about the passing of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. We should all live so healthy as to make it to 93!
- —VegJolinda
Love Ashtanga
- I was introduced to Ashtanga about a year after I started doing yoga and I have since fallen completely in love with it! It is challenging, fast paced and can get your heart pumping which helps take me to a better place.
- —Guest Janet
I love ashtanga
- The pace, the breathing, the control, the physicality, it all resonates very highly with me. I found Ashtanga through a DVD by Nicki Doane, I like her very much.
- —Guest Kim
LOVE it
- i love ashtanga because it's about more than the pose: it's also about the effort, the mind, the drishti, the lineage, the love, the honesty, the mat, the earth, the connection to the person next to you and the connection to god. who cares if you can touch your toes - ashtanga is about touching your heart, your soul. it's about changing your life. thank you guruji.
- —jerrypainter
Ashtanga - LOVE IT!
- Hi Ann, Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to study with Guruji. But, I was taught by those who did study directly with him. David Swenson is one of those teachers. I never thought I would be able to go into the headstand until I met David! I teach Ashtanga in the traditional style, including the Ashtanga Invocation before class. I was first introduced to Ashtanga by my teacher (and my inspiration), Barbara Ruzanksy - owner of West Hartford Yoga in CT. Even though I do teach various other styles of Yoga, Ashtanga is my favorite. It is always challenging - never boring! Even though I never met Guruji, he will be missed. Namaste, Marcie
- —yoginimarcie
Love it - but it hurts
- In recent years I have stopped the practise of ashtanga as I am much busier; I'm a full time mom and I work full time. I don't have as much energy, so a gentler practise is for me just now. However I love ashtanga, and would like to go back to it one day. But I have discovered in my mid 30's that I have injuries creeping up that I'm sure come from my ashtanga days in my mid 20's. I don't mind, as it has taught me something important - to respectfully respond to the reactions of my body, as my health is more important than anything!
- —Guest Tracy
