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Ashtanga yoga means eight limbed yoga and this yoga has a kind of flow between the poses. First four limbs, namely Yama, asana, niyama and pranayama are useful for external cleansing and defects in these can be corrected. The other four limbs, namely pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and Samadhi are meant for internal cleansing and if there is a defect in one of these, it is very hard to correct and can be dangerous to one’s mind.

It follows the vinyasa style of yoga and there is a flow in movements. The graceful continuous motion is also linked with breathing. In most forms of yoga one concentrates on perfecting the postures but in ashtanga yoga, the way you switch from one posture to the next is also given attention. It is a variation of the Surya Namaskara also known as the sun salutation.

The external cleansing concentrates on strengthening, detoxifying and stamina building of the body. This part of the ashtanga yoga involves about 75 poses. These are performed in a span of one and a half to two hours. The class begins with a standard surya namaskara and a number of standing, seated and other poses follow. The internal cleaning concentrates on the nervous system. There are a few variations in some poses in the second set and there may be some new poses as well.

Yoga classes can cost a lot and before you commit and pay the fees for a long duration, it is always a good idea to sign up for free yoga classes. At these free yoga classes, you will not only see how the poses suit you but also learn about the various benefits of the particular yoga. By attending free yoga classes of different styles, you can decide which one you want to stick to for a long term practice. The free classes are also a great way to choose a good instructor.

Ashtanga yoga teacher training are conducted in a number of different centers across the world. This yoga is quite vigorous and once the basics are known, one can self instruct as well. Ashtanga yoga teacher training will include basic beginner training and advanced teacher training. As almost all people enrolling into classes look for some qualification before enrolling in any class, it is very important for every yoga studio to have well qualified yoga instructors.

Even if you are an athlete and yoga seems too stationary for you, you will realize how useful it is when you actually start practicing it. Your flexibility will increase a lot and injuries can be reduced to a good deal. Even if you have an injury, yoga can help speed your recovery. Even though you are not allowed to exercise, yoga will keep the workout light and you will still be able to perform the poses such that they don’t affect the injured area. Most often athletic injuries can be healed by yoga and it also helps in post surgery recovery.