Ashtanga Yoga Classes Vancouver

Semperviva’s Ashtanga yoga class is an athletic and physically demanding form of yoga. The Ashtanga yoga class system is the traditional form that all other styles of Vinyasa Power Flow (Power Yoga) are derived from.

Ashtanga Yoga and Vinyasa Power Flow (Power Yoga) classes are both energetic styles of yoga co-ordinating breath (ujayi Pranayama) with movement. A powerful cleansing heat in the body is created that cleanses, detoxifies, and strengthens the body while calming the mind.

The main difference between these classes is that there is no fixed sequence of postures in the Vinyasa Power Flow classes (Ashtanga classes ALWAYS follow the same set sequence of poses). The benefit to having a set sequence is that the practice can become quite meditative as you come to know what to expect next.

Ashtanga yoga also emphasizes the use of a certain focused gaze (drishti) in each posture. This helps to calm the mind.

Bandhas (energetic body locks) are used to create internal heat and build energy in the body.

There aren’t really any “ashtanga poses” there are simply poses that you may not be exposed to in a gentler style yoga class. What is unique to Ashtanga is the precise sequencing of the class, and the pace of the class (each pose is held for only five breaths).

Beginners may want to try a Hatha class before venturing into Ashtanga or Vinyasa Power Flow (Power Yoga) in order to become acquainted with the poses at a more moderate pace.

All our classes will offer you modified versions of more challenging poses, and attention to alignment. You will be encouraged to move at your own pace and to rest whenever necessary. Over time you will be able to do more and more.

Yoga is “non competitive.” It can be challenging and fun, and can leave you feeling stretched, toned and blissed out.

Each style of yoga offers its own unique benefits. By adding a practice such as Vinyasa Power Flow (Power Yoga) you will be exposed to postures that you may not get a chance to try in your Ashtanga practice.

You may also consider a traditional Hatha class which allows more time to focus on the form and details of a pose.

Yin Yoga is also a perfect complement to a more yang or more active style of yoga such as Ashtanga.

Although Ashtanga and Vinyasa Power Flow (Power Yoga) are hot and sweaty practices, the heat is generated internally by you. This is not Bikram or Hot Yoga where the room temperatures are set very high. The room will heat up from the results of your own hard work, not because of the thermostat setting.

Ashtanga Yoga was created by Pattabhi Jois in the city of Mysore, India.