ashtanga yoga Ashtanga only?

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[Guest guest]

Hi Drew,

 

I think most purists would agree that Ashtanga alone is enough. I'm sure this

is the case as a practitioner advances through the series. I personally feel

that it is entirely up to the yogi/yogini. I myself practice 6xweek (not quite

through the entire primary series yet) for about an hour an a half. On top of

that, I also like to run (~40 miles/week) and cycle (~40 miles/week). For me at

least, running and cycling is another form of yoga and it can be a meditative

experience. It is also just another way to ease my stress from work and school.

I may not have answered your question exactly though - are you asking if

ashtanga is enough physically? I would think that depends where your practice

is - how precise, how "tight" (i.e. pace-wise), etc. Just my two cents, though.

 

Rayna

 

Drew Corrigan <alohaspirit61 wrote:

> OK, so with that short intro, I'd like to ask a question. Do many, or

> any,

> of you share the belief that Ashtanga alone is enough to get or keep

> one in

> shape? Does anyone know if Madonna shares this view and whether or

> not this is

> all she does? (I'm a big fan of hers.)

 

I attend classes 3 days a week at Maya Yoga, here in Kansas City. The

owner and founder of the school, Kathleen Kastner, has a masters degree

in exercise physiology and once served as a personal trainer to Deepak

Chopra. According to her Ashtanga is more than enough ...

 

"As an Exercise Physiologist, I view Ashtanga yoga as the MOST

effective form of exercise and physical therapy that I have ever

experienced. After moving to Kansas City, I quit gyms and fitness

centers completely in 1999 and have never felt happier and healthier in

my life! On the physical level, Ashtanga yoga is cardiovascular,

strength and flexibility training all rolled into an hour and a half

experience. Ashtanga yoga can replace your current exercise routine,

especially if you are bored with the Kansas City health clubs and

personal trainers. Or, it can enhance your current fitness program(s)

or sport of choice by increasing your performance and keeping you from

getting injured." (http://www.mayayoga.com/2004/articles.html)

 

Honestly, if you look at the posture's in the series, especially the

advanced series, you need to be very, very strong and very, very fit to

master them.

 

I've not viewed the videos of which you have spoken, but I would

seriously recommend you attend an actual class if at all possible.

 

The other thing I want to say is that Ashtanga is really a breathing

meditation ... it is a spiritual practice ... not just an exercise

routine. The postures are merely a distraction to help you master your

thoughts and calm the inner chatter which constantly fills our minds.

The real magic is learning how to stay in touch with your breath, go

within, and still the mind.

 

That is why I like Kathleen's classes so much ... we address the

spiritual aspect of Ashtanga along with the physical challenges it

offers.

 

Namaste,

Drew.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ashtanga yoga

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Regarding Madonna, she does ashtanga and pilates and has of course a

personal trainer for fitness. Don't forget her education is in dance and

she does a lot of that, as you can see on TV.

 

So, she does more than just ashtanga, but it seems that ashtanga changed her

life significantly.

 

As for me, I teach yoga and I love ashtanga but after a while a felt limited

by it and I do other styles of yoga as well. I teach ashtanga and vinyasa

style yoga in my studio, since sometimes I prefer more stretching and less

physical exercise.

 

-jana

 

 

 

On 8/20/04 5:16 PM, "Drew Corrigan" <alohaspirit61 wrote:

>

>> OK, so with that short intro, I'd like to ask a question. Do many, or

>> any,

>> of you share the belief that Ashtanga alone is enough to get or keep

>> one in

>> shape? Does anyone know if Madonna shares this view and whether or

>> not this is

>> all she does? (I'm a big fan of hers.)

>

> I attend classes 3 days a week at Maya Yoga, here in Kansas City. The

> owner and founder of the school, Kathleen Kastner, has a masters degree

> in exercise physiology and once served as a personal trainer to Deepak

> Chopra. According to her Ashtanga is more than enough ...

>

> "As an Exercise Physiologist, I view Ashtanga yoga as the MOST

> effective form of exercise and physical therapy that I have ever

> experienced. After moving to Kansas City, I quit gyms and fitness

> centers completely in 1999 and have never felt happier and healthier in

> my life! On the physical level, Ashtanga yoga is cardiovascular,

> strength and flexibility training all rolled into an hour and a half

> experience. Ashtanga yoga can replace your current exercise routine,

> especially if you are bored with the Kansas City health clubs and

> personal trainers. Or, it can enhance your current fitness program(s)

> or sport of choice by increasing your performance and keeping you from

> getting injured." (http://www.mayayoga.com/2004/articles.html)

>

> Honestly, if you look at the posture's in the series, especially the

> advanced series, you need to be very, very strong and very, very fit to

> master them.

>

> I've not viewed the videos of which you have spoken, but I would

> seriously recommend you attend an actual class if at all possible.

>

> The other thing I want to say is that Ashtanga is really a breathing

> meditation ... it is a spiritual practice ... not just an exercise

> routine. The postures are merely a distraction to help you master your

> thoughts and calm the inner chatter which constantly fills our minds.

> The real magic is learning how to stay in touch with your breath, go

> within, and still the mind.

>

> That is why I like Kathleen's classes so much ... we address the

> spiritual aspect of Ashtanga along with the physical challenges it

> offers.

>

> Namaste,

> Drew.

>

>

Links

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

it has been my experience that Ashtanga is more than enough to keep one fit!! i

have been practising seriously now for about six months.my body is changing

almost on a weekly basis.i practise 5 to 6 days per week. nothing in my past has

been nearly as effective as my ashtanga practise has. and i have been in and out

of gyms quite frequently in the past. besides that i do not think a gym or

personal trainer can bring the most important benefits that ashtanga has to

offer. it has changed my perspective in life, emotionally,mentally and

spiritually. which in effect is what i was essentially looking for but didn't

know it!!!!!

please do find yourself a good studio or shalla that you can practise

in...there are so many different aspects to ashtanga that one can not adjust by

looking at a cd or book. alignment is so important to an asana practise and one

can't fully see themselves to properly adjust themselves.having a reputable

teacher looking over your practise can take you to hights that you may have not

thought possible.

this is just my two cents worth!

 

take very good care!

Namaste.

 

Drew Corrigan <alohaspirit61 wrote:

> OK, so with that short intro, I'd like to ask a question. Do many, or

> any,

> of you share the belief that Ashtanga alone is enough to get or keep

> one in

> shape? Does anyone know if Madonna shares this view and whether or

> not this is

> all she does? (I'm a big fan of hers.)

 

I attend classes 3 days a week at Maya Yoga, here in Kansas City. The

owner and founder of the school, Kathleen Kastner, has a masters degree

in exercise physiology and once served as a personal trainer to Deepak

Chopra. According to her Ashtanga is more than enough ...

 

"As an Exercise Physiologist, I view Ashtanga yoga as the MOST

effective form of exercise and physical therapy that I have ever

experienced. After moving to Kansas City, I quit gyms and fitness

centers completely in 1999 and have never felt happier and healthier in

my life! On the physical level, Ashtanga yoga is cardiovascular,

strength and flexibility training all rolled into an hour and a half

experience. Ashtanga yoga can replace your current exercise routine,

especially if you are bored with the Kansas City health clubs and

personal trainers. Or, it can enhance your current fitness program(s)

or sport of choice by increasing your performance and keeping you from

getting injured." (http://www.mayayoga.com/2004/articles.html)

 

Honestly, if you look at the posture's in the series, especially the

advanced series, you need to be very, very strong and very, very fit to

master them.

 

I've not viewed the videos of which you have spoken, but I would

seriously recommend you attend an actual class if at all possible.

 

The other thing I want to say is that Ashtanga is really a breathing

meditation ... it is a spiritual practice ... not just an exercise

routine. The postures are merely a distraction to help you master your

thoughts and calm the inner chatter which constantly fills our minds.

The real magic is learning how to stay in touch with your breath, go

within, and still the mind.

 

That is why I like Kathleen's classes so much ... we address the

spiritual aspect of Ashtanga along with the physical challenges it

offers.

 

Namaste,

Drew.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ashtanga yoga

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post your free ad now! Canada Personals

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/22/2004 11:07:56 AM Central America Standard Ti,

jonahjameson2003 writes:

please do find yourself a good studio or shalla that you can practise

in...there are so many different aspects to ashtanga that one can not adjust by

looking at a cd or book. alignment is so important to an asana practise and one

can't fully see themselves to properly adjust themselves.having a reputable

teacher looking over your practise can take you to hights that you may have not

thought possible.

this is just my two cents worth!

The only problem with that is two-fold: 1. I can't afford it and 2. I don't

live near any Ashtanga yoga instructors.

 

I do see what you mean though about alignment and not being able to see

myself. I was doing a forward stretch of some kind one day, reaching toward my

toes, when my husband walked in and said, "April, your back is all hunched at

the

shoulders." I had been having a burning pain in my upper back too and that

explained why.

 

~April

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/22/2004 11:07:55 AM Central America Standard Ti,

amechan217 writes:

Hi Drew,

 

I think most purists would agree that Ashtanga alone is enough. I'm sure

this is the case as a practitioner advances through the series. I personally

feel that it is entirely up to the yogi/yogini. I myself practice 6xweek (not

quite through the entire primary series yet) for about an hour an a half. On

top of that, I also like to run (~40 miles/week) and cycle (~40 miles/week).

For me at least, running and cycling is another form of yoga and it can be a

meditative experience. It is also just another way to ease my stress from work

and school. I may not have answered your question exactly though - are you

asking if ashtanga is enough physically? I would think that depends where your

practice is - how precise, how "tight" (i.e. pace-wise), etc. Just my two

cents, though.

Wow, how many hours do you spend altogether each week?

 

~April

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

April,

 

First, I should mention that I don't have kids - which I think would make a

schedule like this impossible! Every morning at 4:30 is Ashtanga, then off to

work. After work, and on days I don't have night classes, I'll go for runs.

Saturday is devoted to a long 40-mile bike ride and Sunday is devoted to my long

runs. No ashtanga on Sunday (I think most take Saturday off...not sure).

Anyhow, I admit that some days I just cannot get myself to do a morning practice

- sometimes I just lay there on my mat in child's pose because I'm too tired.

If I were to add a family to this equation, the exercise portion would certainly

be minimized to ashtanga only!

 

Rayna

 

In a message dated 8/22/2004 11:07:55 AM Central America Standard Ti,

amechan217 writes:

Hi Drew,

 

I think most purists would agree that Ashtanga alone is enough. I'm sure

this is the case as a practitioner advances through the series. I personally

feel that it is entirely up to the yogi/yogini. I myself practice 6xweek (not

quite through the entire primary series yet) for about an hour an a half. On

top of that, I also like to run (~40 miles/week) and cycle (~40 miles/week).

For me at least, running and cycling is another form of yoga and it can be a

meditative experience. It is also just another way to ease my stress from work

and school. I may not have answered your question exactly though - are you

asking if ashtanga is enough physically? I would think that depends where your

practice is - how precise, how "tight" (i.e. pace-wise), etc. Just my two

cents, though.

Wow, how many hours do you spend altogether each week?

 

~April

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ashtanga yoga

 

 

 

 

 

 

New and Improved Mail - Send 10MB messages!

 

 

[Guest guest]

Why not to take advantage to everything.

 

I've an ashtanga yoga studio round the corner. The classes are fine, but there

is not much alignement. So I mix it with a very good CD - Iyengar style and

other CDs. I noticed very much improvement. Sometimes I do an ashtanga CD. It's

very exhausting, even though I pay a lot of attention, it often happens that I'm

slightly overstretched. Then I do the next day a more calm style of yoga. I was

calmed down when I read in one of the Swensons brother's books, that one guy had

the same overstretching issues. He started to mix yoga with outdoor exercises.

 

Something in general:

 

One can distinguisch sports into three categories: Group sports, like soccer and

so forth, sports with a partner, like aikido, tennis and those activities that

you do alone, like belly dance, yoga and so forth. If you have a partner or a

group you are often forced to give more. With activities that you do on your

own, your self-discipline is important. And there is the challenge. I agreed for

myself to see the advantages different activities that I like, even though my

focus is on ashtanga yoga. To stay open can be supporting for ashtanga as well.

 

Before all, to do something is better than to do nothing. I do not have everyday

the power to do ashtanga. Sometimes I need it more relaxing. In Yoga you can

find the relaxing parts as well.

 

Ursula

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Guest guest]

Hi Drew,

 

It depends on what you mean by "enough". If you are looking for

something to help your general fitness level - cardio, flexibility and

strength, then I think that like most people mentioned here, Ashtanga is

more than enough. Plus I think the benefits are more than merely

physical. If done with full awareness of our alignment and breath,

you'll find that your practice can help you develop emotionally,

mentally and spiritually. In that way, I believe that Ashtanga is the

most complete exercise.

 

But it all depends on what you're looking for. Relaxation, distressing,

general fitness, increasing cardio-fitness, losing weight, better

balance, personal/spiritual development, mind-body-spirit

connection.....etc. but ashtanga would do all these things. If you are

looking to get really fit to run a marathon, train for a marathon.

...etc.

 

I (like a lot of people who start Ashtanga, I have discovered) used to

go to the gym a lot and run a lot as well. I was also doing kickboxing.

I initially started Ashtanga to improve my flexibility (and was getting

really bored with "gym stretches"), but found that I enjoyed it so much

and got so much out of it that in the first 6 months, I stopped running

and doing kickboxing (finding that it contracts my muscles and tightens

up my body, reversing the progress I was trying to achieve with ashtanga

- opening my hips, hamstrongs, shoulders..etc)

 

However, I really do love running as well. So recently I started running

again, not as much as I used to, which was nearly everyday, but just

once or twice a week. Now I'm finding that i'm open enough that my

running hasn't impeded my practice. However, that is just where I am

right now. I'm still doing full primary series. Perhaps when I advance

on further ..into 2nd...i'll find that running is not good for my yoga,

and preventing me from going further. In which case I will stop running

once again.

 

Anyway, like everyone who has posted, just my 2 cts.

 

You will find what works for you if you listen to your body.

Enjoy the discovery!

 

 

 

 

 

Drew Corrigan [alohaspirit61]

20 August 2004 16:16

ashtanga yoga

ashtanga yoga Ashtanga only?

 

> OK, so with that short intro, I'd like to ask a question. Do many, or

> any,

> of you share the belief that Ashtanga alone is enough to get or keep

> one in

> shape? Does anyone know if Madonna shares this view and whether or

> not this is

> all she does? (I'm a big fan of hers.)

 

I attend classes 3 days a week at Maya Yoga, here in Kansas City. The

owner and founder of the school, Kathleen Kastner, has a masters degree

in exercise physiology and once served as a personal trainer to Deepak

Chopra. According to her Ashtanga is more than enough ...

 

"As an Exercise Physiologist, I view Ashtanga yoga as the MOST

effective form of exercise and physical therapy that I have ever

experienced. After moving to Kansas City, I quit gyms and fitness

centers completely in 1999 and have never felt happier and healthier in

my life! On the physical level, Ashtanga yoga is cardiovascular,

strength and flexibility training all rolled into an hour and a half

experience. Ashtanga yoga can replace your current exercise routine,

especially if you are bored with the Kansas City health clubs and

personal trainers. Or, it can enhance your current fitness program(s)

or sport of choice by increasing your performance and keeping you from

getting injured." (http://www.mayayoga.com/2004/articles.html)

 

Honestly, if you look at the posture's in the series, especially the

advanced series, you need to be very, very strong and very, very fit to

master them.

 

I've not viewed the videos of which you have spoken, but I would

seriously recommend you attend an actual class if at all possible.

 

The other thing I want to say is that Ashtanga is really a breathing

meditation ... it is a spiritual practice ... not just an exercise

routine. The postures are merely a distraction to help you master your

thoughts and calm the inner chatter which constantly fills our minds.

The real magic is learning how to stay in touch with your breath, go

within, and still the mind.

 

That is why I like Kathleen's classes so much ... we address the

spiritual aspect of Ashtanga along with the physical challenges it

offers.

 

Namaste,

Drew.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Links

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/24/2004 10:52:52 AM Central America Standard Ti,

amechan217 writes:

April,

 

First, I should mention that I don't have kids - which I think would make a

schedule like this impossible! Every morning at 4:30 is Ashtanga, then off to

work. After work, and on days I don't have night classes, I'll go for runs.

Saturday is devoted to a long 40-mile bike ride and Sunday is devoted to my

long runs. No ashtanga on Sunday (I think most take Saturday off...not sure).

Anyhow, I admit that some days I just cannot get myself to do a morning

practice - sometimes I just lay there on my mat in child's pose because I'm too

tired. If I were to add a family to this equation, the exercise portion would

certainly be minimized to ashtanga only!

 

Rayna

Whew, that makes me feel better! I have two teenagers, and getting in an

hour workout a day is all I can seem to accomplish.

 

-April