Do you know your vinyasas from your ashtangas? Sometimes a quirky name can be enough to stop us rolling out our mat as we’re not quite sure what to expect.
Don’t fret! Our Vinyasa and Ashtanga teacher Sunny is here to help. Sunny explains below the meaning behind the words and what you can expect in her Vinyasa and Ashtanga classes.
Ashtanga
Ashtanga Primary Series is also called Yoga Chikitsa, meaning Yoga therapy, because of the cleansing and toning effect it has on both body and mind. The Primary Series is an inward practise, noticing the body and stepping away from what goes on around you to find stillness in your mind and to focus on your breath.
In Sunny’s class you will be guided through the Ashtanga Primary series which is suitable for all. You will learn to follow a set sequence of postures (Asanas) building strength, flexibility and endurance in the physical body. It also helps to improve alignment, loosens tight muscles and detoxifies the body and nervous system.
Through regular practise, on a mental level, it improves the focus, willpower, mind body awareness and confidence to overcome the mental obstacles in our practise.
On a subtle level the Primary Series helps with clearing the energy channels in the body (Nadis) which allows the breath (Prana) to flow freely through the body allowing the mind and body to connect.
Ashtanga is a dynamic practise but practising it in a mindful way by synchronising the breath count (Ujjayi breath – victorious breath) and the movement of the body it will become a moving meditation. The energy released will connect you with your own beautiful personal practise and with the fellow Yogis around you.
The primary series will give you the basis to all Vinyasa Yoga practise.
Sunny’s Ashtanga class is on Friday 6.00-7.15pm.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa means conscious orderly placement of a sequence of events. A flowing sequence of asanas (postures) linked by breath and intention.
In a Vinyasa Class Sunny will guide you through a sequence of asanas as one continuous movement from start to finish. Every movement into or out of a posture is linked to an in breath and an out breath with intention – the underlying reason for the practise drives the movement forward.
It’s a well-rounded spiritual practise to introduce you to mantras, different breathing techniques and short meditation, with music guiding you through a strong flow practise. Connecting the breath throughout the practise will leave you balanced, grounded and uplifted physically, mentally and emotionally.
Sunny’s Vinyasa class is on Thursday 10.45am-12.00pm.
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