Ashtanga Yoga isn’t just about getting fit. Sure, it helps your body get stronger, but it’s also a way to feel calm and balanced inside. It’s an ancient practice that helps your body and mind work together. Let’s explore what Ashtanga Yoga is, how it can help you, and why it’s great for people of all ages—especially kids and teens.
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
"Ashtanga" means "eight limbs," like a path with eight steps, this is mentioned in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Ashtanga Yoga is an energetic practice that involves a series of specific postures (asanas) done in a set order, all while focusing on your breath. This includes:
Yama - Being kind and honest.
Niyama - Taking care of yourself.
Asana - Doing yoga poses.
Pranayama - Breathing exercises.
Pratyahara - Focusing inside, not on distractions.
Dharana - Learning to concentrate.
Dhyana - Meditating.
Samadhi - Feeling peaceful and happy.
How to Practice Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga follows a sequence called the Primary Series. It’s like a routine where each pose flows into the next.
Here’s how to do it:
Start with Sun Salutations: These poses warm up your body.
Do Standing Poses: They help you balance and feel strong.
Try Seated Poses: These poses make you more flexible and relaxed.
End with a Cooling Sequence: This helps you calm down and feel peaceful.
Doing this routine regularly helps your body get better over time.
Why is Ashtanga Yoga Good for You?
1. For Your Body:
Builds strength and makes your muscles flexible.
Fixes your posture and helps your back stay healthy.
2. For Your Mind:
It helps you release stress.
Helps you to pay attention, to be perseverant.
3. For Your Health:
Helps in getting rid of waste materials from your body.
Enhances the capability of your heart and lungs to function.
How Can It Help in Daily Life?
Ashtanga Yoga doesn’t just stay on the mat—it changes how you live. You’ll feel calmer, more focused, and ready to face challenges. Many people say it makes them better at making decisions and handling relationships.
Why Should Kids and Teens Try It?
School, friends, and growing up can be stressful. Ashtanga Yoga is like a secret superpower for young people. It helps:
Build confidence.
Handle stress better.
Stay focused on what matters.
Is It Better Than the Gym?
Ashtanga Yoga is a great choice if you want more than just a physical workout. Unlike lifting weights or running on a trea
dmill, it works on your body and your mind. You’ll still get stronger, but you’ll also feel happier and more balanced.
Final Thoughts
What is Ashtanga Yoga, if it is not just a physiological activity. It is a way of becoming physically as well as mentally muscular, peaceful, and assertive from within. And in fact, this is a practice that will be useful throughout one’s childhood or adolescence all the way through adulthood. Just to do it—you might be surprised at how great it feels to do it!
Comments