Types Of Ashtanga Yoga Positions

Ashtanga yoga is also known as "power yoga" because of the stamina, strength, speed, and skills that it requires. This type of yoga is very different from the other yoga types which often focus more on meditation, flexibility, breathing, and relaxation. Ashtanga requires these three of its students but also incorporates its own factors. The types of ashtanga yoga positions are similar yet very different from their counterparts.

The only other type of yoga that can be compared with ashtanga in terms of difficulty and skill level is bikram yoga which is only ideal for a yoga "veteran". Still, in both yoga types, the "veteran" must also be very physically fit and could handle the extreme positions that these two are often associated with.

Ashtanga yoga positions are often the most difficult positions among all yoga types; thus, this yoga is often practiced only by those who have a long time experience in yoga. In fact, beginners to yoga should practice other yoga types before trying their hand at ashtanga as the positions for beginners in this type are in fact very difficult to execute.

The Sequence

Usually, the types of ashtanga yoga positions will follow a sequence. Each position could not really stand alone. Each of these yoga positions will be coordinated with the other positions but in ashtanga there is a group of starting and ending positions on top of the yoga proper. The starting positions are sun salutations known as surya namaska A. The surya namaska B then follows - this group is often characterized as the most beautiful of the ashtanga yoga positions.

Often, these sun salutations will be followed by the six standing positions of fundamental asanas. The asanas can then be followed by the primary series which is comprised of the most demanding of the types of ashtanga yoga positions. The intermediate series then follows which make the yoga become more energetic. This is then topped by the advanced series which is aptly named due to the impossibility of the positions.

The finishing positions may qualify as the second easiest (after the sun salutations) of the types of ashtanga yoga positions but are still considered extremely difficult for yoga beginners. The yoga classes will run through all these positions at a step by step manner but it is always important to gain mastery of the starting steps to ensure fluidity and consistency of motion.

Digital Yoga

The types of ashtanga yoga positions are exemplified in various yoga DVDs that one can obtain to practice the ashtanga or merely to satisfy one's curiosity of how this yoga type is done.