About Astanga

Astanga (also called astanga vinyasa) yoga is a dynamic, flowing form of classical yoga. It employs postures (asana), breathing (pranayama), meditation (drishti) and fine abdominal muscular control (bandha) giving rise to heat and stability in the body core which is essential to the development of stamina and strength alongside a vibrant, quiet mind and resilient emotions.

Through frequent repetition of easily learned basic techniques the practice brings major holistic health benefits. By regular practice and with the help of a teacher, even significant physical limitations may be overcome and mental and emotional imbalances resolved.

Astanga was first developed thousands of years ago in India, before the rise of Buddhism. It's often associated with Buddhist or Hindu belief elements, but stands independently of all religions. It is a personal practice, not a belief system itself, and requires no particularly spiritual leanings.

In recent times it was brought up to date by the pioneering teachings of Krishnamacharya and his students: Patthabi Jois, Desikachar and BKS Iyengar, who went on to develop a specific form of the practice which now bears his name - Iyengar yoga.

As you will see, many of us in LYA began as Iyengar students. This is the most commonly found form of classical yoga teaching in the UK - it combines precision of posture and therapeutically integrated pose sequences that are particularly suitable for us Western chair-bound types. For a deep understanding of the structural subtleties and benefits of the yoga postures Iyengar yoga is unsurpassed.

So, why astanga? Astanga, or dynamic, yoga, suits us better, is the simple answer. We have found that this practice is more in tune with our personal needs. If you are new to yoga, why not try all styles? We each need different things. If you keep an open mind, you will find the style for you. If you're like us, you'll stick mostly with astanga, but we all like to 'keep our hands in' with other styles from time to time, although some teachers of other styles may not take the same view.

All yoga practices have the same goal - to bring together in union all the person's various elements. When we are whole, then we are able to live our lives to the full, enjoying ourselves, our environment and others. Yoga lets us be who we are, without limit. That's what it's for. How you achieve this union is far less important than that you achieve it. For us, Astanga is our vehicle of choice.