Frequently Asked Questions
On this page, we address some of the questions about ashtanga we get asked most. Any questions missing? Let us know and we’ll be happy to update the page.
On this page, we address some of the questions about ashtanga we get asked most. Any questions missing? Let us know and we’ll be happy to update the page.
Ashtanga yoga is a traditional, dynamic and athletic form of yoga, in which you flow through a progressive, fixed series of postures by synchronizing movement, breath and focus. It is an incredibly powerful tool to balance body, mind and spirit and to cultivate awareness and connection. Read more about the practice on our ashtanga page.
Ashtanga comes from the Sanskrit words astau (eight) and anga (limb). The eight limbs refer to the eight foundational principles of yoga as laid out in the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali. Together, they form a holistic path of spiritual development leading to liberation.
The eight-fold path consists of yama (integrity), niyama (self-discipline), asana (the physical practice), pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (sense-withdrawal), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation or contemplation) and samadhi (peace, enlightenment or the ultimate experience of interconnectedness).
According to the ashtanga yoga tradition, the journey starts with the third limb, the physical practice, followed by the fourth, pranayama. Once firmly established in these two limbs, a natural understanding of the first two will arise. Once these four external practices are integrated, resulting in a healthy body, a quiet mind and a heightened awareness, the more subtle layers will be addressed through the final four limbs.
Mysore-style practice is the traditional self-practice approach to ashtanga, deriving its name from the city in India where it developed. Practitioners do their individual practice in a group setting, under the supervision of a teacher. This setting allows for a deeply meditative practice and a high level of individual support on your personal journey. Read all you want to know about the Mysore here.
It depends. Traditionally, ashtanga is considered a daily practice, with six days of practice per week and rest on moon days. That being said, it is not about following a rule, but about finding out what works for you. Although it is a fact that you will benefit most from a regular practice, it is equally important to make the practice fit your life, not your life the practice.
As a general guideline, you can try to practice three to five times per week. But even one or two times per week can already make a big difference. Note that it is always better to practice more often but shorter, than to do a long, intense practice less often or even on an irregular basis. Consistency is key.
Absolutely! We’d even encourage you to do so. Although the practice involves a good range of different movements, it is not all-encompassing. It doesn’t contain pulling or hinging, for example. There is no progressive overload in terms of weight. And practising ashtanga doesn’t do much for your cardiovascular health, either.
Adding strength and mobility work will not only prevent asymmetries and injuries, but it will also deepen and improve your practice. At the same time, it gives a solid base to practice any type of sports in a healthy, long-term sustainable way.
And your yoga practice is beneficial for other sports too: you know how to focus, breathe and engage your core, and yoga helps to prevent tightness from monotonous movements. Experiment to find a combination that works for you, or reach out if you’d like some advice!
Absolutely. Whether you’re into endurance sports, strength training, martial arts, or team sports, yoga complements your existing training with benefits that directly translate to improved performance. With its dynamic, athletic character, ashtanga in particular is a perfect match for athletes.
The practice teaches you to breathe efficiently under physical stress—a fundamental skill for any athlete. It develops precise core engagement and stability, which forms the foundation for power and injury prevention across all sports. For athletes dealing with tightness or limited mobility, the consistent practice systematically improves flexibility and range of motion.
Beyond the physical benefits, ashtanga cultivates the mental skills that separate good athletes from great ones: sustained focus, body awareness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. The practice builds both physical and mental resilience.
Curious how this applies to your sport? Talk to our teacher Lara — an experienced ashtangi and Ironman finisher who understands the demands of serious athletic training.