- Yamas (moral codes)
- Niyamas (self-observances)
- Asana (postures)
- Pranayama (breath control)
- Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
- Dharana (concentration and focus)
- Dhyana (meditation)
- Samadhi (oneness)
Ashtanga, or eight limbed yoga, comes from the ancient Yoga Sutras and is thought to be one of the first forms of yoga. Ashtanga yoga is a more structured form of yoga than Kundalini or flow yoga, but has all of the wonderful benefits of any yoga practice. There are several limbs to an Ashtanga yoga practice and one can expect many Sun Salutations. There is a playfulness to this practice that keeps it fresh and alive. Ashtanga yoga if very appealing to athletes as it offers a wonderful full body workout while focusing on proper alignment.
Most Ashtanga-focused yoga studios offer classes from beginners to advanced yogis and are always helpful in offering modifications for any fitness level. Many other forms of yoga pull bits and pieces from the Ashtanga tradition, which focuses on aligning the physical body in such a way as to make meditation more powerful.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.