Posts In: Ashtanga

Do you remember your first yoga class ever? We’d love to hear about it!

“When I was sixteen, I went to a low-income high school. They offered a weekly Ashtanga yoga class for kids who wanted to stop smoking. The teacher who organized the class loved yoga and wanted everyone to have the chance to practice, whether or not they smoked. At her encouragement, I fibbed on the intake forms and joined the class.

I fell in love with Ashtanga. I learned how to breathe consciously. I felt like there was some power locked within my awkward teenage body that I never knew existed before. Students gathered in the classroom and sometimes spilled out into the hallway. Once the lights were dimmed and practice began, the room was transformed into another space altogether. I am so grateful to that class and my first teacher who made such a deep impact on me.”

– Yoga One Student, Allison Page

There are many ways to explain the differences between styles of yoga practice. Most people will describe the technical and philosophical tenets of one style by comparing and contrasting it with others. I prefer to think of yoga as a giant banquet with many courses. Each style of yoga practice is its own course, with its own delicious qualities.

Hatha is like the salad course. It is fresh and easy to dive into. It doesn’t require fancy utensils or prior knowledge of a particular etiquette. It can be served before the main course or after. Sometimes people come to Hatha before moving on to more rigorous forms of yoga and sometimes they are led back when they realize how satisfying Hatha can be in its simplicity.

Vinyasa and Ashtanga are two very different main courses, each fulfilling in its own way. Vinyasa has such a beautiful presentation, each move carefully orchestrated by the chef to create an intended effect on the palate. While Ashtanga has a predetermined set of ingredients, its spice and vigor will keep you coming back for more. When you sit down to either of these practices, you know in advance how wonderful you’ll feel at the end but also how much you’ll have to work in order to get there.

While there are many other styles of yoga that certainly have a place at the table, in my opinion, Restorative yoga is undoubtedly the dessert. It’s perfect at the end of the day when you want to unwind with something indulgent. But restorative yoga also feels good at any time of the day. When you step into a restorative class, you can really take your time and savor every moment. As any eight year old can tell you, sometimes dessert before dinner really is the most satisfying choice. Everyone from young to old, in every type of body can find relaxation and enjoyment from restorative yoga.

Naturally, the food that tasted good to you yesterday might not be as satisfying today as some other dish. Sampling is definitely encouraged!! If you’ve never treated yourself to the dessert of the yoga world, come check out Yoga One’s new restorative class held on Friday afternoons at 4:00, you’ll be glad you came!

This month brings you the fabulous and hardcore Janike Robinson who teaches Thursday’s noon class, Ashtanga-inspired Vinyasa. Seriously, I dare you to read her answer to question #7 then go take her class and not be inspired by her arms alone! Check out our full schedule here, no reservations required for class.

1. What is your favorite style of yoga?

Ashtanga!!! As a type-A, pitta, high-energy, athletic person, I naturally gravitated toward Ashtanga.  It is physically demanding but very meditative once you are acquainted with the series. You move and breathe through the poses and there is little time to look around. I’ve greatly benefited from the Ashtanga tradition of a mysore practice – a self-study in which you practice whatever series you are working on at your own pace. It is not led, but there is a teacher present to give you adjustments and personal attention. I love that Ashtanga is very direct and traditional. We usually practice pranayama, meditation and the spiritual aspects of the practice outside of class, so once you roll out your mat – class begins!

2. What first attracted you to yoga when you began your practice?

My first class ever was Bikram, and I immediately felt like I was home – I’d found something that came naturally and began to explore other styles until I alighted upon Ashtanga.

3. What is your favorite yoga pose right now?

Viparita dandasana (inverted staff pose) because it combines an inversion, an arm balance and a backbend.

4. What pose is still the most challenging?

Mayurasana or peacock posture because it requires whole-body strength. Mayurasana is a challenging arm balance in which your upper arms support under your solar plexus and your legs are raised straight out behind you. Many people “cheat” by putting their chins on the mat and raising their legs at a diagonal toward the ceiling. To perform this posture fully requires significant upper body strength and control.

5. If you were an animal, you would be: a tiger (one of my nicknames is ‘Tigger’)!

6. Describe what yoga means in your life using just 6 words: Moving to a special place with breath.

7. What might your students be surprised to learn about you?

I do NOT lift weights! People always assume I work out at a gym but all my muscle comes from my Ashtanga practice!

8. Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for new students?

“Do your practice and all is coming,” said Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Practice at least 4 times a week and give yourself at least a year for amazing results. Yoga is not something you ‘do,’ it’s a life-long practice. One day down dog will become a resting pose! At first you will be sore, fatigued and maybe even frustrated, but if you are consistent, your practice will become the most important part of your life!

Also, consider taking a teacher training even if you don’t want to teach – it will deepen your practice tremendously.