What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga is A Traditional Practice of Breath, Movement, and Focus; a physically engaging style of yoga that links breath, movement, and focused attention through a carefully structured sequence of postures. Known for its steady pace and flowing transitions, Ashtanga builds strength, flexibility, stamina, balance, and mental clarity while encouraging a deeper connection between body, breath, and mind.
Rooted in the classical traditions of yoga, modern Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga was popularized by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India, during the twentieth century. Drawing on teachings he received from his teacher, T. Krishnamacharya, Jois developed a method that organizes yoga postures into specific sequences, practiced in a particular order and coordinated with the breath. Ashtanga has since become one of the most influential styles of contemporary postural yoga, helping shape many of the flowing vinyasa practices found in yoga studios today.
The word Ashtanga comes from Sanskrit and means “eight limbs.” It refers to the eightfold path, or Eight Limbs of Yoga, described by the sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, a foundational text of classical yoga philosophy. These eight limbs offer a framework for living with greater awareness and intention, encompassing ethical principles, personal discipline, physical postures, breath regulation, concentration, meditation, and the deeper states of awareness that yoga seeks to cultivate. Although modern Ashtanga Vinyasa classes are best known for their physical sequences, the broader tradition extends far beyond the postures themselves.
In an Ashtanga practice, breath serves as the foundation for movement. Each posture and transition is coordinated with a specific inhalation or exhalation, creating a continuous rhythm throughout the sequence. This intentional relationship between breath and movement helps develop focus, steadiness, and a meditative quality during practice, even within one that is physically challenging.
Ashtanga also traditionally incorporates ujjayi pranayama, a soft, audible breathing technique, along with drishti, or a designated point of focus for the gaze, and bandhas, subtle muscular and energetic engagements used to support stability and control. Together, these elements help cultivate concentration and bring attention back to the present moment. Rather than moving through a series of poses on autopilot, practitioners are encouraged to approach each movement with awareness and intention.
The traditional Ashtanga system is organized into a series of sequences, beginning with the Primary Series, known in Sanskrit as Yoga Chikitsa, or “yoga therapy.” The Primary Series follows a specific progression of standing postures, seated poses, forward folds, twists, backbends, and finishing postures. Its structure allows practitioners to develop familiarity and consistency over time, returning to the same sequence while exploring how their strength, mobility, concentration, and understanding evolve with practice.
A led Ashtanga Primary Series class follows this traditional sequence under the guidance of a teacher, who calls the postures and coordinates the pace with the breath. The practice is steady and intentional, offering opportunities to build physical endurance while developing the ability to remain focused through challenge. Although Ashtanga can be vigorous, its deeper emphasis is on cultivating a consistent, attentive practice rather than simply pushing harder or achieving more advanced poses.
Ashtanga is generally considered an intermediate to advanced style of yoga, and prior yoga experience is recommended. Familiarity with common yoga postures, flowing transitions, and breath awareness can help practitioners feel more comfortable with the pace and structure of the series. The practice can be demanding, so listening to your body, respecting your current abilities, and working with appropriate modifications are important parts of developing a sustainable relationship with it.
At Breathing Room Collective in Hillsboro, Oregon, Ashtanga practice is currently offered as a 90 minute class as well as in private yoga classes. This format provides an opportunity to explore the traditional sequence with focused guidance and a more individualized approach to your practice.
Whether you're looking to deepen an established yoga practice, build greater strength and stamina, refine your breathwork, or explore the meditative qualities of a traditional sequence, Ashtanga offers a structured path for continued growth.