What Is Ashtanga Yoga? Explaining the 8 Limbs

{"slug":"ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs","recentPosts":[{"id":"cldebisqj8am10bk2riasiyyy","slug":"self-love-yoga-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event: Empower Yourself This Valentine’s Day","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Empower yourself this Valentine's Day with our Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event. Find inner peace and self-acceptance through yoga and meditation practices","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-27T09:24:55.671424+00:00","coverUrl":"rvpz4az7wyk8pdo4fvyg.png","content":{"text":"Announcing our free Self Love Event February 13-14!\\n\n\\nEmbrace yourself and practice self love this Valentine’s Day and every day with the help of MyYogaTeacher’s expert yoga teachers.\\n\\nYoga has been a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth for centuries, and self-love yoga is no exception. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-doubt, self-criticism, and negative self-talk. Self-love yoga can help to change that by promoting self-acceptance and self-compassion.\\nThis special yoga and meditation event\\n focuses on building self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-compassion through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices.\\nSelf-love is the foundation of all healthy relationships, including the relationship with ourselves. Without self-love, we cannot truly love and accept others!\\n\n\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Self Love Event:\\n\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know!  We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\\n\\n\\nNurturing Relationships Through Self Love \\n\\nMonday, February 13 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\n\\nSelf love isn’t selfish! It’s critical to creating deeper, more meaningful relationships and becoming the best version of yourself you can be! Join us in this discussion based self love class with a guided meditation and walk away prioritizing your health and happiness!\\n\n\\n\\nEmbrace Yourself: Balancing the Heart Chakra\\n\\nTuesday, February 14 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\\nReady to love yourself (and others) more and better? Need more compassion and kindness in your life? Join this yoga for self-love class designed to open your heart chakra and help you walk away feeling empowered to have more meaningful relationships and showing more love\n\\nThis special event will offer a unique opportunity to nurture yourself and discover the power of self-love.  Don't miss out on this transformative experience. Sign up today and awaken your inner strength and self-love.\\nAnd don’t forget to check out other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\n\n\\n\\nAnnelise Piers\\n\\n\\nShika Sood\\n\\n\\nSwati Dalvi\\n\\n\\nAbhishek Bodhi\\n\\n\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\n\\nRohan Shroff\\n\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Self Love Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"clczdmysytyzn0ak616x0ikhn","slug":"yoga-for-fitness-event","author":null,"title":"Join the Yoga Movement: Free MyYogaTeacher Yoga for Fitness Event for Everyone!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Join MyYogaTeacher's new free Yoga for Fitness Event starting soon and get fit faster with yoga!","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":["Fitness","HathaYoga","Ashtanga","Yoga","Vinyasa","Hatha"],"createdAt":"2023-01-16T22:27:36.746406+00:00","coverUrl":"fegu2jin0qfhgaefpml6.png","content":{"text":"Are you ready to get fit, flexible, and unleash your inner radiance?! Don’t miss our 3-day FREE Yoga for Fitness Event January 29-31!\\nYoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This event will feature a variety of yoga styles and levels to suit everyone from beginners to experienced yogis.\\nOur authentic, expert yoga instructors from India will guide you each day through sessions focused on improving your physical fitness and overall well-being. Plus, the even is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to come give it a try!\\nHow to join the Yoga for Fitness Event:\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know!  We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\nDiscover all the best ways yoga can help you get fit fast. So you can live your life to the fullest and move with more ease.\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of yoga for fitness classes dedicated to helping you relax and sleep better.\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n Hatha Yoga for Physical Fitness with Ankit\\n\\nSunday, January 29 at 6:00 am PST/ 9:00 am EST\\n\\n\\nHatha yoga is focused on the physical practice of yoga and is perfect for helping you build strength, get fit, and improve flexibility. Bonus? You’ll feel more relaxed and rejuvenated after this hatha yoga class! Join us for asanas, Sun Salutations, and other strength building poses!\\n\\nFind Fitness in Flow: Vinyasa Yoga with Monica\\n\\nMonday,  January 30 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nReady to get fit while finding your flow? The fluid movement of this challenging vinyasa yoga class is perfect for building up a sweat, improving flexibility, and building strength, making it a perfect class for overall fitness! Join us!\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga for Increased Fitness with Sujit\\n\\nMonday, January 31 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nDo you like structure in your yoga class? Need a workout focused on building strength through muscle training? This is for you! Join the ashtanga yoga class designed to help you get fitter and stronger faster!\\nWhether you're looking to improve your physical fitness, reduce stress, or simply try something new, our free yoga for fitness event is the perfect opportunity. So come and join us, and discover the many benefits of yoga for yourself!\\nExperience getting fit in a way that works for you and \\nwith\\n you! We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check out other fitness related yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n\\n\\nShweta Jain\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMonica Agarwal\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nArchana\\n \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Fitness Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clct2nkfx04xw0bk3fr4lrcjp","slug":"yoga-poses-for-osteoporosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis: Maintaining Bone Health","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can prevent and in some cases reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia by stretching and strengthening muscle tissue to rebuild and maintain bone density.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to prevent osteoporosis with a few simple yoga poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:33:31.959847+00:00","coverUrl":"pmkhkhuxo5s9dq2qkevm.jpg","content":{"text":"Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis with Yoga\\n\n\\nIf you suffer from the painful symptoms of osteoporosis, or if you are at risk of developing this limiting disease, there is help (and health) in starting your own regular yoga routine. In fact, doctors are now prescribing yoga as treatment and prevention for osteoporosis and osteopenia, making it an important part of maintaining physical health and wellness throughout your 50s and 60s — and beyond.\\n\\nOsteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions that commonly emerge throughout our later years, and if left untreated they can affect your mobility, bone density, and even your ability to remain self-sufficient. These conditions cause bones to be come weak and brittle, and over time more vulnerable to fractures and even breakage. \\n\\nBut a recent\\n \\n2016 study\\n discovered that yoga can be used in conjunction with other treatments to prevent the loss of bone density and in some cases reverse early onset of osteoporosis. Plus, as an added benefit, yoga is also a low-cost and low-risk treatment option, meaning there is little to lose by giving it a try.\\n\\nHow Yoga Can Treat Osteoporosis\\nThe process by which yoga treats and prevents osteoporosis is simple — through stretching and strengthening your muscle tissue you can build bone density and prevent fractures. Yoga postures exert subtle force upon your bones, prompting them to build up density and become stronger.\\n\\nYoga also improves your balance, which can help prevent falls — which may result in fractures or breakage. Along with building strength and flexibility, yoga also increases your mobility, endurance, and energy levels, helping you stay active no matter your age.\\n\\nIt should be noted that yoga may not cure osteoporosis on its own, and for some advanced cases it may not be effective in reversing this disease. Results vary on an individual basis, depending on your age, bone density, and other factors such as weight and co-existing conditions\\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Osteoporosis\\nIf you’re thinking of starting your own yoga regimen to prevent or reverse osteoporosis, there are a few things you should know. It’s important to first consult your doctor before practicing yoga for osteoporosis or osteopenia, to find out if there are any specific precautions you should be taking and whether or not it’s a safe activity for you. \n\\nPatients with advanced osteoporosis who have suffered fractures, breaks, or acute bone loss may need to avoid practicing yoga. If you’ve recently undergone surgery or if you’re still healing from an injury, you should wait until you’ve fully recovered before getting started.\n\\nMost importantly, you should take care to listen to your body when practicing yoga for osteoporosis. If a particular yoga pose causes pain or strain on your bones or joints, stop for a moment and take a break. Or, try using a modification like a bolster, block, or yoga blanket if applicable.\\n\\nIn their 2016 study, scientists found that the best results for using yoga as treatment for osteoporosis came from regular practice. Try performing yoga poses at least 3-4 times per week, or daily if you can. The more regularly you practice, the more bone density you’ll build, and the more strength and balance you’ll develop in your body.\\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis:\\nIf you’ve been cleared by your doctor to practice yoga and you’re ready to get started, there are some simple yoga poses you can do at home to help prevent osteoporosis. You can also try taking a yoga class specifically designed for patients with osteoporosis. Here at\\n \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, certified instructors can help you stay safe and injury free while giving you the independence to practice yoga in the comfort of your home.\\nReady to get started? \\nFollow the steps below to begin your own personal yoga journey.\\n\\n1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)\\n\\nThe foundation of all balance poses, Mountain pose helps you find stability and improve your posture.\\nStart by standing at the front of your mat. Keep your feet hip distance apart, and you can rest your arms at your sides or bring your hands together in prayer formation. Inhale and feel your chest opening and your collar bones widening as you focus on balancing your weight proportionally on both of your feet. Gaze straight forward and maintain this pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)\\n\\nFrom Mountain pose, you’ll begin to transition into Tree pose to further improve your balance and stability.\\nBring your awareness to your left foot and firmly ground it into the mat. Begin to shift your body weight to your left foot, while gently lifting your right foot. Depending on your ability to balance, you can place the sole of your right foot on your left calf or thigh. As you do this, be sure to keep your pelvis aligned, your spine straight, and your gaze focused forward. Give yourself a moment to steady yourself, and then, if you feel comfortable, press your hands together in prayer formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths and repeat on the other side, then return to Mountain pose.\\n \\n3. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana 2)\\n\\nThis standing pose also improves your balance and builds strength in your legs and core. If you have trouble balancing and wish to modify this pose, try practicing it next to a wall or with a chair.\\nMove to the back portion of your mat and step your right foot forward. Your right toes should be pointed forward and your left (back) foot should be kept parallel with your mat. Bend your right knee at 90 degrees, taking care not to overextend. Your right knee should not move forward past your toes. With your hips evenly squared, stretch your arms out to both sides, so that your right arm extended out in front of you and your left arm behind you. Open your chest and focus on activating your legs so that you are grounded into your mat. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n4. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)\\n\\nThis pose also requires strength and balance, and can be modified by performing it next to a wall. You can also place a block next to your front foot for easier hand positioning. \\nJust like with Warrior II, step your right foot forward for Triangle pose, keeping your left (back) foot parallel with your mat. Inhale and stretch out both your arms the same as in Warrior II, but keep your right leg straight with a slight, soft bend in your knee. As you exhale, hinge at your hip  and bend forward, placing your right fingertips on the floor, or you can place your hand on the block positioned next to your right foot. Turn your upper body and reach your left hand toward the ceiling, and either turn your head to gaze up at your hand, or keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Cat-Cow Pose (Chakravakasana)\\n\\nThis pose is excellent for increasing mobility in your spine and hips.\\nMove to a tabletop position on your mat, with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. Feel the stretch in your chest and abdomen. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n \\n6. Locust Pose (Shalabhasana)\\n\\nLike Cat-Cow, Locust improves your spinal mobility with a soft backbend, but in this pose you will also be working your core muscles, glutes, and shoulders.\\nFrom Cat-Cow, lower yourself onto the mat so that you are lying face down on your stomach with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides. On your inhale, strengthen your core and lift your head, legs and arms at the same time, balancing your body on your lower abdomen, pelvis and upper legs. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths, and then relax back onto your mat.\\n \\n7. Child’s Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nAfter the strengthening work of Locust pose, give your body a rest with Child’s pose\\nAfter Locust you’ve likely returned to lying face down on your mat. Press your palms and knees into the floor as if you were rising back into tabletop position, but this time bring your hips back so that your buttocks are resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Extend your arms forward so that your palms are resting on the mat in front of you, and bring your forehead to the mat. Breathe gently and allow your body to fully sink into this pose, supported by the floor. Hold for 5-6 minutes.\\n \\n8. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nAfter practicing the above stretching and strengthening poses, it’s important to let your body fully digest the movement by resting in Corpse pose. \\nCome to a seated position on your mat. Slowly lower your body to the floor, so that you are lying flat on your back with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and bring your focus inward. Bring your awareness to your body and check in with each and every body part, noticing if you feel any tension and allowing yourself to fully relax. Soften your face, neck, and shoulders, and let yourself melt into your mat while visualizing any tension leaving your body. Rest in this post for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["pain_management"]},{"id":"clct29qar2mln09k7b9xhmih5","slug":"8-yoga-poses-for-psoas-pain-relief","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief","subTitle":"Learn yoga poses that target your psoas muscle to relieve pain.","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness\n","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:22:46.336259+00:00","coverUrl":"fitbgltpzxzyqblmzhjg.jpg","content":{"text":"Possibly the most integral muscle group in your entire body, the psoas governs the central functioning of your core. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to move properly, walk, stand, or do much of anything, because the muscles in this group also attach your legs to your spine.\\n\\nIssues with your psoas can be deeply painful, and it’s a difficult area to massage. The psoas major, psoas minor, and iliacus combined make up your iliopsoas, commonly referred as simply the psoas. And when the psoas is unhappy, it can cause symptoms with a range of severity, from slightly uncomfortable to totally debilitating, like difficulty walking or standing upright, lower back pain, and pelvic pain. \n\\nAthletic injuries, prolonged periods of sitting and surgery can affect the health of your psoas, and if you’re experiencing a tight and shortened psoas, it’s likely you’re also suffering from weakness and pain. You can relieve your symptoms and fully recover from psoas issues by stretching and strengthening this important muscle group with yoga. \n\\nHow to Relieve Psoas Pain\\n\\nPsoas pain can affect the entire structure of your body, causing adjoining muscles to become overworked and your posture to become off-kilter, leading to widespread chronic pain. Yoga can help correct issues with your psoas and get you back to feeling balanced again. By practicing a few specific yoga poses, you can directly stretch the psoas and surrounding areas, relieving tension, pain, and stiffness.\\n\\nIt’s important to also strengthen the psoas to enable your body to function properly. A weak psoas can put enormous strain on your surrounding muscles and joints, and a strong core is essential for your physical health. By lengthening and strengthening your psoas at the same time, you can correct issues and reduce pain.\n\\nIf you’re suffering from a tight or weak psoas, try practicing the yoga poses below on a regular basis to start the healing process.\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Psoas Pain Relief\\n\n\\n1. Low Lunge Pose\\n\\nLow Lunge is an easy pose to start lengthening your psoas muscles, and you can adjust this position to stretch as deeply as you feel comfortable.\\nFrom a kneeling position, start by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. Inhale while reaching your arms over your head, keeping them parallel with the sides of your head. Allow your chest to expand and lengthen your spine. Remember to keep your chin level and your gaze focused straight ahead. Repeat on the other side.\\n \\n2.  Tree Pose\\n\\nTree pose strengthens and stretches your psoas muscles by isolating the area building strength through balance.\\nStand in Mountain pose and place your feet hip distance apart, arms relaxed at your sides. Gently shift your body weight to your left foot and bending your right knee, lifting it upward. Place the sole of your right foot on the inside of your left thigh. Keep your spine and head straight, with your gaze facing forward. Give yourself a moment to steady your balance, bring your hands together in Namaste formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths.\\n \\n3. Boat Pose\\n\\nOne of the best asanas for your core, Boat pose strengthens your abdominal muscles for better balance and posture.\\nStart by sitting with your legs stretched out in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lean back slightly so that your weight is evenly balanced. Inhale, engage your core, and exhale as you lift both your legs to a 45 degree angle, and extend your arms straight out alongside your legs. If this pose feels too difficult, try bending your knees and bringing your hands behind your knees for support. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you hold this pose for 30-45 seconds.\\n \\n4. Knee-To-Chest Pose\\n\\nWhen your psoas is in pain and walking or standing upright feels difficult, Knee-To-Chest pose offers a supine stretch that can relieve your symptoms.\\nLie down flat on your back with your arms at your sides. Inhale, and then as you exhale, bring your right knee to your chest. Thoughtfully extend and stretch your left leg until you feel the tension begin to release from your abs and inside your hip. As you hug your knee to your chest, remember to breathe and focus on allowing your core to fully relax. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Dancer’s Pose\\n\\nLike Tree pose, Dancer’s pose works to strengthen your psoas through balance, with a deep stretch that lengthens all of the muscles in the front side of your torso. \\nStand in the middle of your mat with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Transfer your weight onto your left foot while bending your right knee and grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Lift your left arm up toward the ceiling. Bend at your waist and slowly lean forward, lifting your right leg and engaging your core. You can deepen the stretch by creating some resistance — simply push outward with your right foot while pulling in with your right hand. For better balance, focus your gaze on a fixed point in front of you. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.\\n \\n6. Supported Bridge Pose\\n\\nSupported Bridge pose uses a yoga block to both support your weight and lengthen the muscles in your core and inside your hips.\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent and a yoga block placed nearby. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward.  Take your yoga block and place underneath your lower back, supporting your weight and providing a deep stretch to the frontside of your pelvis. Stay in the pose for 30-60 seconds.\\n \\n7. Reclining Hero’s Pose\\n\\nBy modifying Hero’s pose to a reclining position, you can gently lengthen your psoas and stretch your quad muscles.\\nKneel on your yoga mat and rest your buttocks on the backs of your heels. Sit with your spine straight and inhale, and as you exhale, begin to gently lower your torso to the floor. You can move slowly, lowering yourself onto your back one vertebrae at a time. Rest your hands on your chest or reach your arms above your head to increase the stretch. Once your are resting on your back, you can also bring your focus to your hips and allow them to rise slightly upward for a greater stretch in your psoas minor.\\n \\n8. Cobra Pose\\n\\nCobra pose lengthens your abdominal muscles and releases tension in your lower back.\\nLie on your stomach with your legs extended, arms folded under your head and your chin resting on your forearms. Place your hands at the level of your chest and press down with your hands. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your ribs and align your hands and shoulders. On a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat. Make sure to gaze upward and press your hips into the mat to target your psoas. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest."},"category":[]},{"id":"clckc2txxldwd0ajx6v2ewnfg","slug":"everyday-selfcare-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s Free Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Daily self-care yoga event for relaxation and rejuvenation. All levels welcome. Come find your inner peace and leave feeling ready to tackle the day ahead","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-06T09:47:25.040388+00:00","coverUrl":"sqksdkhom5g0uivl5z2l.png","content":{"text":"Ready to make time and take time for YOU in the New Year? This 2-day event on January 16-17 makes it easier than ever to start and keep a self care routine going.\\nAnd, of course, you’re invited!\\n\\nAlmost everyone is guilty of not putting themselves first most of the time. \\nBut did you know that research shows that self care reduces heart disease, stroke, and cancer? Not to mention that people who have a consistent \\nself care routine\\n are 67% more productive, 71% happier, and 64% more self-confident than those who don’t!  \\nThe impacts of a yoga for self care routine are nothing but positive. And there is nothing standing in your way of creating one with MyYogaTeacher’s free event. Imagine how much better you’ll feel and how much more productive you’d be if you just took some time for yourself everyday. Your routine doesn’t have to be time consuming. Even 30 minutes of yoga for self care may make all the difference in your life! \\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we understand creating a self care routine may seem unobtainable at first. That’s why we created this event!\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event:\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\n⁠\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know!  We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\n\\nWe've put together a schedule of yoga sessions designed specifically to get you started on your self care journey.\\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\n\\n\\nYoga Breathwork: Relaxation and Self Care with Archana\\n\\nTuesday, January 17 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you make time for selfcare? Meditation and yogic breathing are excellent forms of selfcare that you can do almost anywhere or any time! Join us for this relaxing class focused on breathing, meditation, and gentle stretching. Discover how easy it is to take time for you!\\n\n\\n\\nYoga for Self Care: An Everyday Practice with Archana\\n\\nMonday, January 16 at 5:30 pm PST/ 8:30 pm EST\\n\n\\nDo you struggle to make time for self-care? You’re not alone! This beautiful yoga session is designed to help you learn asanas and stretches that you can do every day specifically as a self-care practice. Join us for self-care through yoga!\\n\n⁠\\nWe offer these events so you have the tools and guidance to live in harmony with your inner self, outer self, and the world. So you can move in the world with peace and good health. And so you can be less stressed, more productive, and more \\npresent\\n.\\n\\nExperience the peace that comes from yoga and explore all the tools our expert yoga instructors offer to help you start and maintain a consistent self care routine. We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\n\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Many are perfect for continuing your self care routine long after this event is over. Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n- Ankit Bhatnagari\\n- Abhishek Bodhi\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Everyday Self Care Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["yoga"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cla29fdpynul80biqhni9gy3y","slug":"yoga-for-relaxation-and-sleep-event-nov-22","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"You’re Invited! MyYogaTeacher’s Free Yoga for Relaxation and Sleep Event","createdAt":"2022-11-04T08:53:55.886979+00:00","coverUrl":"qe1xxkd1pkdkbyy0yzf0.png","content":{"text":"Are you ready to relax and sleep better? Announcing the three-day yoga event dedicated to just that from November 11-13!\\nAnd \\nwe want to see you there\\n!\n\\nWith the pressures, busy-ness, and chaos that comes with each day and the stress of economic and societal uncertainty, it’s no wonder so many people suffer from anxiety. Almost 240 million people worldwide, in fact. Additionally, about 4% of the world's population struggles with sleep issues or disorders. That’s 320 \\nmillion people.\\n\n\\nMaking time to rest, relax, and reset is vital to our mental, emotional, and physical health. Yoga can play an important role in helping you relax (even during a busy day) and sleep soundly.\\n\\nAll of us here at MyYogaTeacher are passionate about this topic, which is why we’re offering a free event to help you discover all the ways you can take and make time to recharge\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Relaxation and Sleep Event:\\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know!  We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\n\\n[NEW!] Referred friends & family:\\nDid you \\nrefer\\n a friend or family member to MyYogaTeacher? We’re so grateful for you!\\nYour family or friend should create a free account (they’ll get 2-weeks of access plus three complimentary 1-on-1 sessions). And if they sign up for membership, you both get $100 off MyYogaTeacher credit.\\n\n\\nWhen we don’t get quality sleep, enough sleep, or time to relax, we suffer in all the ways. Blood pressure becomes elevated, cortisol is released. We don’t handle our emotions well. We don’t handle stressful situations in a healthy way or manage conflict well. Muscles stay tense. We over or undereat or eat unhealthy foods. Our mental, emotional, and physical health suffers, and so do the people around us…friends, family, coworkers. \n\\nTake time to make time! Discover all the best ways yoga and meditation help you relax and recharge. So you can live your life to the fullest, even during times of stress.\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of relaxation classes dedicated to helping you relax and sleep better.\\n\n\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n\\nYoga for Relaxation & Sleep: Finding Peace with Stuti\\n\\nFriday, November 11 from 7:30 pm PST/ 10:30 pm EST\\n\\n\\n\\nThis session helps you understand the impact relaxation and sleep have on your health. Grounding, restorative yoga poses, a guided savasana, and pranayama and chanting are all included in this practice. All are welcome!\\n\\n\\nDiscovering Breath with Deep Savasana with Ankit\\n\\nSaturday, November 12 from 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\n\\n\\n\n\\nWith all the consistent busy-ness and excitement of our days, it’s difficult for many to “switch off.” This nourishing practice will promote strength, clarity, healing, and relaxation for your body and mind through yogic breathing techniques in everyone’s favorite yoga pose, savasana.\\n\\n\\nYoga Nidra for Relaxation and Sleep\\n\\nSunday, November 13 from 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\n\\nYoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, isn’t where you’re actually sleeping. It’s where you’re between wakefulness and sleep, a place where you are able to rest and reset and still be aware. Join us in a 60 minute session of deep, relaxing yoga nidra.\\n\nWe offer these events so you have the tools and guidance to live in harmony with your inner self, outer self, and the world. So you can move in the world with peace and good health. \n\\nNo one should have to suffer the debilitating effects of anxiety, burnout, and sleepless nights. We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\\n\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check out other meditation and relaxation related yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\n\\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Relaxation and Sleep Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"}},{"id":"ckq8slfd45awx0a850p4c8z3w","slug":"what-is-yin-yoga","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What Is Yin Yoga: Long Holds, Props, and a Wealth of Benefits","createdAt":"2021-06-23T01:23:01.93939+00:00","coverUrl":"gnawii6allphd4zcdbyu.png","content":{"text":"What Is Yin Yoga?\\nYin yoga is a very slow-paced style of yoga where poses are held for a long time — anywhere between five and twenty minutes — to target and stretch deep connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, and fascia.\\n\\nWe're all so busy and constantly connected these days. And while that may be good from a productivity standpoint, the constant buzz of modern life can cause serious problems with our physical, mental, and emotional health.\\nThe truth is, our bodies aren't meant to be in a state of constant stress with the sympathetic nervous system always on and ready to initiate that \"fight-flight-freeze\" response. As a result of constant stress, our bodies and minds become agitated, anxious, and fearful.\\nAnd so the cycle continues.\\nWe start experiencing this anxiety in our physical body as aches, pains, and tightness. This makes it so important to focus on activities that will help us calm our nervous systems and our minds.\n\n⁠And that's where Yin yoga comes in.\\n[CTA-YIN]\\nOrigins of Yin Yoga\\nYin yoga combines concepts from both Indian and Chinese practices. From India, it adapts the postures of \\nHatha yoga\\n, marrying those poses with martial arts. Western yoga teachers like Paulie Zin, Sarah Powers, and others have contributed to modern Yin practice through integrating Buddhist meditative practice and Taoist principles.\\nThe Three Tattvas of Yin Yoga: Edge, Stillness, Time\\nTattva is the reality of something, its principle nature. There are three simple tattvas for a Yin yoga practice:\\nEdge\\nYour edge is how deep you go into each pose. This is very personal and the purpose is to go to where the body naturally stops you and stay there. Over time, your edge will change, meaning you'll be able to go deeper into a pose.\\nStillness\\nOnce you find your edge, stay there (as long as you're free from pain). Resting into Yin poses helps the deep connective tissues release.\\nTime\\nPoses are held for a long time in Yin yoga. This gives you time to fully release into a pose, getting the most benefit from each pose.\\nWhat Are the Benefits of Yin Yoga?\\nYin yoga is a wonderful complement to more physically demanding styles of yoga. And, like other yoga practices, \\nYin yoga\\n has several benefits to help us stay flexible and avoid injury. Here are some of the ways Yin can benefit you:\\nLengthens Connective Tissues and Increases Flexibility\\nYin yoga is all about holding poses for a long period of time. The purpose of this is to target the fascia, deep connective tissues around the muscles. This is also beneficial to other connective tissues like ligaments and tendons that tend to lose elasticity through aging and being underused. Through Yin yoga, we can increase flexibility in those connective tissues and offer better support to our joints, reducing joint stiffness, limited mobility, and pain.\\nBoosts Circulation\\nWhile it may seem counterintuitive, holding poses for a longer period of time can improve circulation. This is because you're giving your body more time to move oxygen through the body to its muscles and organs.\\nReduces Stress and Encourages Mindfulness\\nIf you've never experienced the deep calm that comes from a Yin yoga class, you're truly missing out on something special. Yoga is documented for helping to lower stress and anxiety, and Yin yoga is particularly adept at this thanks to the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.\\nYin also encourages mindfulness through silence and stillness. As you relax into a pose and stay there for an extended period of time, your mind is given the space it needs to experience emotions that you might be pushing away.\\nWho Should Practice Yin Yoga?\\nEverybody!\\nYin yoga is a highly accessible \\ntype of yoga\\n that just about anyone can practice. Yin relies heavily on props to keep the body both stretched and supported and is a very slow-moving practice. If you come across a pose that doesn't work for your body, there are always going to be alternatives you can use instead.\\nWhat to Expect in a Yin Yoga Class\\nWhile no two studios or teachers are the same, there are a few typical features of Yin yoga that you can expect in any Yin yoga class.\\nLong Holds and Deep Stretches\\nPoses in Yin yoga can be held for two to five minutes up to 10 minutes or longer. Practitioners are encouraged to observe how the poses feel and let go, not dwelling on any particular sensation and, instead, letting the body really relax into the pose.\\nProps\\nProps are used in Yin because the length of time you hold the pose is much more important than how intense the pose is. Practitioners are encouraged to find their \"edge\" in each pose, the level of intensity that you can comfortably hold for a period of time. The props are there to help support your body at that edge without moving beyond it.\\nQuiet Time\\nYin yoga is deeply meditative. As such, most Yin classes include a lot of silence so you can listen to your breath and direct your awareness inward.\\nGentle Guidance\\nWe mentioned earlier that Yin is an accessible practice. That extends to the language that's used in Yin classes. Teachers will usually have variations available in case a pose doesn't work for your body and you'll likely be encouraged to use more props than you may think you need to support your body.\\nPractice Yin Yoga With myYogaTeacher\\nYin yoga strives to create a balance between the physical, mental, and emotional. In a world that's constantly on the move, a Yin practice can help restore balance.\\nIt focuses on the cooling energy of the body and, unlike an active practice that targets the muscles and builds strength, Yin yoga works into the connective tissue of the body to enhance flexibility.\\nThe postures in Yin yoga are held passively, often for several minutes, so the body finds a way to completely relax the muscles while in a pose. Holding poses for an extended period of time brings the mind and heart into a calm, meditative state. Check out our latest article to Loosen up Hips with \\nYin Yoga Sequence\\n\\nSounds heavenly, doesn't it?\\nIf you're interested in practicing Yin yoga with us, we'd love to see you in class! You can \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n and get access to our Yin yoga classes along with 40+ other live online yoga classes every single day."}},{"id":"ckv5agr3s1rq40a90vykgwe1a","slug":"meditation-effects-on-brain","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Proven Ways Meditation Positively Affects Brain Behavior","createdAt":"2021-10-24T13:50:43.10345+00:00","coverUrl":"im2iwdslj01ob1qu5w4r.jpg","content":{"text":"Meditation and brain studies have been around, and increasing, for a number of years now. And new studies are consistently revealing more and more incredible information about how meditation positively affects the human brain!\\nBut what precisely are the benefits of meditation on our brain?\\nWe already know meditation lowers cortisol levels, reduces or eliminates anxiety and depression, lowers blood pressure, and even regulates insulin levels in the body.\\nIt’s pretty amazing that something as ancient and simple as meditation can create such a positive impact on people, an impact that has a ripple effect.\\nHowever, scientific research actually reveals that meditation literally changes the composition of the brain and how the brain behaves.\\nMyYogaTeacher offers multiple meditation-only classes on our platform! All taught by extremely experienced, expert yoga instructors. If you aren’t reaping the rewards of meditation or don’t know where to start, \\nget your free 2-week trial of MyYogaTeacher here\\n and check out any or all of the group classes offered!\\nNow, on to the ways meditation positively affects brain behavior.\\n\\n1. Meditation changes the brain structure\\nBefore we dive into this topic, let’s go over the names of the parts of the brain that will be mentioned. No one likes having to look up big words!\\nDon’t worry. There are only four areas we’ll talk about here!\\nGray matter\\n - Controls muscle movement, sensory perception (including emotions, hearing, speech, memory, seeing, and decision making).\\nAmygdala \\n- In charge of emotional responses.\\nPrefrontal cortex\\n - Responsible for decision making.\\nHippocampus\\n - Controls memory and learning.\n\\nAccording to a study reported by the \\nNational Institute of Health\\n (NIH), regularly participating in a specific type of meditation called Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) increases the brain’s gray matter in the hippocampus.\\nNot only that, but that same study also showed that the part of the amygdala involved in stress, fear, anxiety, and depression \\ndecreased in size\\n.\\nThe actual \\nphysical\\n structure of the brain changed because of meditation.\\nMind-blowing, right?! (hehe)\\nThis means meditation restructures the brain so that you feel less stressed, anxious and depressed and have better memory and learning capabilities.\\nImagine how this would affect a child’s growing brain! And since I mentioned it…\\nThe effects of meditation on the brain is perhaps even more promising when it comes to children. And children in schools. Studies show that even short bursts of meditation through a child’s school day reduces discipline problems, increases their focus, memory, and improves executive functioning.\\n2. Mindfulness meditation reduces brain aging\\nWhile certain types of stress responses are beneficial to our survival (even in the modern world), some are not.\\nThose stress responses that are triggered by our misguided perceptions of a situation or event promote brain cell death. Stress kills. True story. \\nWhen we have emotions that stem from something reasonable, we react in a meaningful way. This does not contribute to excessive aging the way emotions stemming from false beliefs or fear-based worries do.\\nThe good news?\\nStudies show that mindfulness meditation increases thought awareness, improves control of those thoughts, and reduces cognitive stress. That’s the stress that leads to brain cell death, not the kind that saves your life.\\nCreating more positive states of mind and decreasing the negative ones slows down the rate of cell aging.\\n3. Meditation improves symptoms of depression and anxiety.\\nMeditation is by no means a cure all for \\nany\\n type of mental health condition, much less anxiety or depression. But it’s an excellent tool for managing the symptoms and, in some cases, does eliminate them altogether.\\nMost importantly, meditation changes your response to negative thoughts and, when practiced regularly, can even help you manage them in a healthy way.\\nHow?\\nIt teaches you to be aware of your thoughts without judging them or making assumptions about them.\\nThis is not to say you’ll never have depressing, anxious, or generally negative thoughts. But meditating regularly will give you the tools you need to manage them appropriately and behave in healthier, more positive ways.\\n4. Meditation helps with addiction.\\nAccording to the \\nNIH\\n, decades of research have shown that mindfulness based meditation helps stop addiction and even prevents relapse.\\nThe important thing to remember is that for addiction, consistency in a meditation practice is the key to success. However, it’s also an important practice to start or continue in the event of a relapse.\\nBecause many people who suffer from addiction have little awareness of the negative consequences of their behaviors on their body, relationships, family, and life, meditation plays an important role in helping them gain awareness and gives them tools to change their behaviors.\\nAnother thing to note is since regular mindfulness meditation changes the structure of the brain, the positive side effects are two fold.\\nSince breaking an addiction is obviously stressful, meditation also helps alleviate that stress response during withdrawals. There is also growing evidence that MBSR training cultivates a practice called “savoring.” This is where focused attention is created around natural rewards. In studies involving this idea, participants had reduced cravings and were less likely to take part in substance abuse behaviors. This “savoring” practice helps people pay more attention to pleasant daily activities and focus on the positive emotional responses they have towards those experiences.\\nSo exciting to think about the idea that mindfulness meditation could actually be saving lives!\\n5. Meditation reduces default mode network activity\\nWhat is default mode network activity (DMN)? The DMN is the network within the brain that’s operating when we’re not really thinking about anything at all.\\nIt’s the mind-wandering part of your brain.\\nStudies show that mind-wandering and “background thoughts” lead to worry, stress, anxiety, and general unhappiness.  This network is most active when we’re left to our own thoughts or don’t actively have something we’re thinking about (i.e. when we’re performing a task).\\nA common misconception about meditation is that you’re doing nothing when is really quite the opposite.\\nMeditation is active. Just not in the way most people think.\\nMeditation involves drawing your attention to and concentrating on your immediate experience. It requires you to learn how to be present in each moment. This practice does not generally come naturally (or easily) to humans! \\nSo meditation, then, requires us to \\nthink\\n. Which, in turn, helps reduce the “background noise” of the brain that is not only mostly unproductive, but also can lead us into states of worry, anxiety, and depression.\\n6. (Bonus!) Meditation has a stacked effect on the brain.\\nWhile there is tons of scientific evidence showing that various forms of meditation positively impact the brain, the short and sweet of it is…\\nA consistent meditation practice makes our lives better.\\nHere’s a quick list of just some of the benefits of meditation:\\nImproves concentration and memory\\nReduced blood pressure\\nHelps control pain\\nImproves sleep\\nReduces age-related memory loss\\nHelps fight addictions\\nHelps control food cravings\\nReduces emotional and binge eating\\nIncreases attention span\\nHelps you become more self-aware\\nControls anxiety\\nReduces stress\\nAs with many types of medication or therapy, meditation doesn’t just help with one or the other (or maybe a few) of these things listed above. A consistent meditation practice benefits you – and your brain – in \\nall\\n the ways!\\nCan you tell we’re pretty passionate here at MYT about your health and wellness? We truly do care about your mental, emotional, \\nand\\n physical health. That’s why we are excited to have such an amazing group of experienced, expert yoga instructors with varying backgrounds and who have extensive education in their field on board the MyYogaTeacher platform!\\nMyYogaTeacher hosts a variety of  35+ group classes, offers 1:1 classes, and members get discounted pricing on all of our phenomenal workshops! If you haven’t tried us out, we want to make it easy for you to do so by offering \\na 2-week free trial that you can get right here!\\n No credit card required!\\nWe hope to see you on the mat!\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[{"id":"clbuw5g08lm6z09kb5z7ov6xy","slug":"yoga-for-hypertension","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga For Hypertension: 5 Yoga Asanas to Lower Your Blood Pressure","createdAt":"2022-12-19T14:27:18.678542+00:00","coverUrl":"nlkokdgzajyx8iqo77r6.jpg","content":{"text":"Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition that can affect your arteries. Nearly one in three people experience hypertension each year. Since yoga is great for calming the body, it’s great to help you regulate your blood pressure. A regular yoga practice is shown to lower blood pressure naturally over time. According to Yoga Journal, A recent study tested the use of yoga three times a week for people being treated for high blood pressure. The results showed those who practiced yoga experienced a significant reduction in their blood pressure compared to those who did not. Ready to add yoga into your routine to balance your health? \\nJoin us for a class on our online platform!\\n\\nWhy is Yoga Good for People with Hypertension?\\nBecause we practice deep breathing in yoga, and we give the body permission to “slow down”, our blood pressure will lower while we’re on our mat and long after. While yoga makes us more flexible in life and our body, the same goes for our arteries. Yoga will make our blood vessels more flexible which lowers your risk of hypertension as well as long term effects. If you’re looking to reduce meds and try something more natural, a regular yoga practice is shown to reduce blood pressure by about three to five points.\\n\n\\n5 Yoga Asanas to Lower Blood Pressure\\n1. Child's Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nThis relaxing asana provides a chance to slow down and breathe deeply while also releasing stress and tension from the hips and back. \\n\\n2. Bound angle (Baddha Konasana)\\n\\nThis hip opener helps with blood flow by increasing circulation.\\n\\n3. Seated forward fold (Paschimottanasana)\\n\\nThis pose promotes calmness as all forward bends because your spine controls your body’s nervous system. \\n\\n4. Bridge pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana)\\n\\nThis powerhouse pose regulates blood pressure as well as opening the lungs and your heart chamber. \\n\\n5. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nNever skip this resting pose. After a long day of our busy lives, savasana gives us the opportunity to slow down, breath deep and release all our tension and stress. \\n\\nOther Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure\\nAyurveda, an alternative medicine system that’s closely related to yoga suggest lifestyle changes to improve hypertension. Some of which include waking up with the sun, morning movement (like a walk or yoga), gargling warm water and sesame oil, and different combinations of herbs like thyme, ginger and garlic  you can add to your meals. \\nCut back on “bad habits”. Reduce your salt intake, limit your alcohol and quit smoking.\\nBe conscious of your rest time. Getting a good night’s sleep can help lower your blood pressure. Aim for a bedtime and try to keep your sleep on track\\nPractice breathwork (pranayama) to reduce stress.You cannot control the world around you, but you can always control your breathing. Adding breathwork practices into your day can help you lower your blood pressure and remain calm in stressful situations. \\nSukha Pranayama \\nis the breath practice most commonly used with patients with hypertension.  “To perform this pranayama, sit with the eyes closed and spine straight as in padmasana or sukhasana. After a few normal breaths, inhale slowly for six counts, hold for six counts, exhale slowly for six counts and hold the breath for six counts. This is one round. Complete six to nine rounds then relax for at least five minutes.”-Yogapedia \\n\n\\nWhat type of yoga should I take to balance my blood pressure?\\nWhen choosing a class to take, you want to pick the right class for your condition. These styles will help you slow down your breath and calm the body so you can reduce anxiety to lower your blood pressure naturally. Join us for class to relax and restore.\\n\\nGentle Yoga\\n. In this class you’ll move slowly through asanas taking time for meditation and breathwork. \\n\\nRestorative\\n. This class is great for anyone suffering from any chronic pain or illness. With the help of props, you will hold 4-6 poses throughout the practice which will reduce stress, pain and fatigue. \\n\\nTotal body Yin\\n. This slow meditative practice is a great way to reset and restore. Need an escape from the mundane? Try this class if you’re looking to take a journey on your mat. \n\\nStudies show just 10 minutes of deep breathing can reduce your blood pressure. So grab your mat and join us for a class! The benefits will be long lasting! Ready to get started? Grab your \\nfree two week trial now\\n & join us for hundreds of classes, 1-on-1 sessions events and mor\\n"}},{"id":"clabcglv4n3fc0ais6yxjyhtq","slug":"yoga-before-and-after-workout","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga Before and After Workout: When is yoga best for you and your body?","createdAt":"2022-11-10T17:28:47.493944+00:00","coverUrl":"dirnebto7s5zxueovsfw.jpg","content":{"text":"Yoga has so many benefits for the body on its own. But if you’re trying to kick your routine into high gear, consider adding yoga onto your other workouts for an extra bang for your buck. If you’re new to yoga and wondering how adding it into your workout routine can benefit you, no worries! We’re here to help! We'll help you figure out where to schedule yoga into your routine.\\n\\nBenefits of Adding Yoga to your Workout:\\n\\n1. Flexibility\\nIf flexibility is one of your fitness goals, yoga is a great way to achieve more physical flexibility. It’s also great to take the place of your stretching routine pre or post workout. Yoga can increase range of motion and help in muscle recovery. \\n\\n2. Conditioning\\nLove HIIT? Yoga is a great way to step up your fitness intensity by helping you condition your body with more stamina and longer breathing patterns for increased cardio abilities. It’s also proven to increase coordination. \n\\n3. Strength\\nLove to go to the gym for cardio but hate to hit the weight rack? No worries, yoga can take the place of strength training by just using your body weight. Through repetition yoga builds muscle and endurance for strength. No weights required!\\n\\n4. Mental Clarity\\nFor most people, working out is a great way to increase endorphins and reduce stress. However, if your workout leaves you too tightly wound or doesn’t do the job of lifting your mental load, a slow flow can help bring you down and help you rebalance. \n⁠\n\\nWhy You Should do Yoga Before Workout? (Pre Workout) \\nIf you’re strength training, or going for an easy walk on your rest day, yoga is great for before your workout. Do you like to get up with the sun and start your day with a workout? Well, starting your day with yoga will bring you clarity and get your body ready to move. \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n is a great place to start your practice and your day. Even if it's gross outside you can still get your practice in. You can pull up our app on your phone or our website right on your computer for 24/7 access to live classes with expert Indian instructors.\\n\\nYou can also use yoga as your warm up! If you’re just waking up or it’s a cold weather season, yoga will help you keep your muscles strong and flexible. If you’re going to the gym for targeted strength training, it can help you focus on balance and alignment to keep your body in check through your workout. Yoga will help you stay balanced and avoid injury by increasing mobility in the body. And finally, Yoga puts your mental health in check. Adding in a moving meditation or some breath work before your workout will keep your body calm, help you align with your goals and avoid the flight or fight symptoms that can come on during an intense or tough workout. \n⁠\\n\\n5 Yoga Poses to Practice Before Your Workout:\n⁠\\n1. Child's Pose\\nThis pose will help you open your hips and reduce injury on core or leg days.\\n\\n\\n2. Cat Cow Pose\\nMoving through your spine slowly with these stretches will help increase mobility in the back. \\n\\n\\n3. Downward Dog Pose\\nPushing up into a downdog to start your day will stretch your entire lower body from your toes to your hips.\\n\\n\\n4. Forward Fold Pose\\nFolding forward increases the blood flow in the body and helps us maintain spine and core stability. \\n\\n\\n5. Mountain Pose\\nThis pose helps us to establish alignment and increase body awareness before a workout! \\n\\n\\n\\nYoga Classes to Try Before your Workout \\n\\nRise and shine 30 min flow\\n : Start your day with this quick flow. This class is meant to increase your physical fitness and help build your stamina so you can workout longer!\\n\\nHatha Vinyasa\\n : Gain mental clarity at the beginning of your workout with this traditional hatha flow. \\n\\nSlow Flow Vinyasa\\n : Start your day slow and steady for your mind and body. The slow pace of this class allows us to connect with our bodies and minds as we focus on our breath and alignment. This class helps to build strength, improve flexibility and stability. \n\\nWhy you should do yoga post workout ?\\nIf your workout is more high energy like kickboxing, zumba, cycling etc, yoga after may be best for bringing your body back to homeostasis. Yoga naturally brings down heart rate and reduces stress on the body and mind . You can use Yoga as a cool down or stretching portion of your workout to bring muscles into recovery while extending your burn a little longer. Are you a nighttime warrior? If you tend to work out at night, ending your routine with yoga will help you get a better night’s sleep. \\n\\n5 Yoga Poses to Practice After your Workout:\\n\\n1. Wide Leg Forward Fold Pose\\nWide leg forward fold releases our lower back. Reaching down towards the floor will give our calves a much needed stretch post workout!\\n\\n\\n2. Pigeon Pose\\nThis pose will help to open tight and tired hips and hamstrings. \\n\\n\\n3. Bound Angle Pose\\nThis hip opener stretches your adductors and quadriceps. Try this pose after a run or cardio workout. \\n\\n\\n4. Seated Forward Fold Pose\\nThis pose provides a full body stretch from your head to your heels! \\n\\n\\n5. Happy Baby Pose\\nThis pose helps to alleviate or avoid lower back pain post workout. It can also reduce any stress or anxiety caused by your workout. \\n\\n\\nYoga Classes to Try After your Workout\\n\\nBreath and Flow\\n : This full body flow will help stretch and rejuvenate your muscles as well as relax your mind with meditation and pranayama techniques. \\n\\nYoga Fusion for Joints\\n : This conditioning class combines light weights and foam roller stretches for an active recovery post workout. \\n\\nBreath and Meditation\\n : Join this class to slow down the body and refocus your breathing. Ideal for end of the day or transitions. \\n\\nNo matter what time of day you choose to workout, adding yoga 2 to 3 times a week will extend the life of your routine and help you maintain a positive outlook on your fitness goals. You can add yoga to your workout anytime with us here at \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n by creating an account, logging in and joining us for class! "}},{"id":"cktel26nk4ypx0b27mkwumqt7","slug":"yoga-for-first-responders","author":{"name":"will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Healing for First Responders: How Yoga Helps Them Navigate Life Better","createdAt":"2021-09-10T16:37:50.582066+00:00","coverUrl":"ohsommfkjvr9qdvpagmc.jpg","content":{"text":"First responders deserve all the awards and accolades we could possibly give them.\\nIf we took all the trophies from all the Oscars combined and gave them to first responders, it wouldn’t even begin to represent the respect, love, and support they deserve. And it certainly wouldn’t make up for how often these amazing superhumans are taken for granted.\\nFirefighters, 911 dispatchers, EMT’s, paramedics, and law enforcement officers. They’re all on the frontlines for us. Every day.\\nAn estimated 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, compared to 20% for the general population.\\nThe mental health resources needed to help first responders process the trauma they see and experience on a daily basis are almost nonexistent.\\nThis is why a regular yoga practice is so important for these superheroes. \\nIf you haven’t checked out one of our recent posts on \\nHow Yoga Saves Lives\\n, you may want to read about our thoughts on the healthcare worker crisis in America and across the world right now.\\nBecause for first responders to keep doing what they do best, they need resources to help them navigate their life better, similar to healthcare workers.\\nHere’s how yoga can help these specific helpers!\\nYoga helps first responders handle personal turmoil better.\\nThe on-the-job experiences of first responders is largely responsible for their personal turmoil.\\nAs discussed previously, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, and police officers are all highly susceptible to PTSD, anxiety, depression, and are more likely to have substance abuse problems or commit suicide.\\nAs such, first responders may exhibit erratic behaviors, sudden onset of rage. They may startle more easily than civilians. They may be subject to more nightmares, sleep disturbances, and they may not be able to control their emotions well in their personal lives.\\nYoga for first responders is medicine for their weary souls.\\nHere are some facts about yoga that make it a perfect resource and tool for first responders:\\nIt only takes 3 minutes\\n of mindful breath work to calm the nervous system down after a triggering event, which makes it a perfect tool for first responders to use on the go or when they’re short on time.\\nYoga teaches you how to breathe\\n in a way that helps your body stop the production of cortisol and adrenaline, two things that are very unhealthy in large doses but prevalent in first responders.\\nYoga and meditation has been proven\\n to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and symptoms of PTSD.\\nStretching with awareness\\n relieves not only physical tension in the body but emotional and mental tension.\\nA first responder’s job often affects their personal life, their relationships with others, and their connection to their inner self. Because first responders tend to compartmentalize their work life and what they see and experience on the job (versus processing it), all of that trauma often overwhelms them.\\nWe definitely recommend regular meditation and breathwork for this group of amazing humans.\\nYoga helps first responders with the physical side effects of their job.\\nAs we’ve discussed in previous posts, this particular group of people use their bodies \\na lot\\n. They are sitting, standing, crawling, running, twisting, lifting, squatting. Often while carrying heavy equipment. \\nTheir job puts a lot of strain on their joints, muscles, and frame.\\nFirefighters, in particular, tend to suffer injury from their job, often in ways people don’t see. Like in their lungs.\\nWhile they do wear masks, firefighters are obviously exposed to smoke and air particle debris more than any other type of first responder, and definitely more than a civilian.\\nA regular yoga practice not only helps first responders stretch, strengthen, and tone their muscles so their bodies can move in all the ways they need it to, the breathwork included in almost every yoga practice helps improve lung function.\\nBecause yoga is so versatile and adaptable, breathwork and meditation (and even some yoga poses) can be done lying down in bed!\\nIn as little as 10 minutes, you can bring more awareness, calm, and harmony to your inner and outer self so that you can function better throughout the day. This kind of convenience  is a huge deal for first responders!\\nStarting out their day in a healthy state of mind with a body that is limber prevents mental and physical injury, whether they’re at work or not. Yoga is just an amazing way to start your day and a regular practice for first responders helps them process their world in a healthier way.\\nWhich means better relationships with others and more inner peace. \\nRegular mindful breathwork also:\\nIncreases stamina\\nImproves shortness of breath\\nBuilds endurance\\nIncreases muscle strength\\nImproves digestion\\nThe healthier first responders can keep their bodies, the better! \\nWhy first responders should seriously consider a regular yoga practice\\nThis sounds like it should be a blog post all it’s own. But we definitely wanted to stress the importance of a regular yoga practice for first responders.\\nAnd many times there are misconceptions about yoga that lead people to believe that it won’t work for them, or rather that yoga “isn’t for them.” \\nThe truth is, yoga is for everyone, but \\nespecially \\nfor people in high risk, adrenaline pumping jobs like first responders. So here are 5 reasons why they should seriously consider integrating a regular yoga practice into their routine.\\nYoga helps people make better gut decisions in intense situations where there may not be a lot of time to consider the pros and cons. Yogis rely on their all-knowing intuition more.\\nYoga increases people’s ability to focus and problem-solve, two important aspects of a first responder’s life!\\nBreathwork and meditation is simple and effective. It can even be performed in between calls, in a car or truck, and makes a huge difference in your mental health.\\nYoga is multifunctional. It doesn’t just strengthen, lengthen, and tone your body. It helps prevent injury, builds resilience, enhances mental and physical performance, and reduces stress.\\nPeople who practice yoga actually experience positive biological changes such as reduced markers for disease, reduced overall inflammation, and reversal of the onset of diseases.\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we offer a huge variety of of yoga classes and \\nworkshops\\n for people from all walks of life, all shapes, sizes, and abilities. Not only that, but all our classes are taught live and virtually (and at all times of day and night) so you can experience them from wherever in the world you may be!\\nAdditionally, our classes are taught by experienced expert instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India. And they all truly care about your health and wellbeing. If you haven’t jumped on the My Yoga Teacher bandwagon yet, we would love to have you! \\nGet your 2-week free trial here and join us!\\n"}}],"blogContent":{"id":"ckmfcdrvk0p4k0c29d8c2imwz","slug":"ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs","author":{"name":"Rohan","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"What Is Ashtanga Yoga? Explaining the 8 Limbs","createdAt":"2021-03-18T20:44:43.961653+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-10-20T09:41:54.012205+00:00","coverUrl":"ckmfcdrvk0p4k0c29d8c2imwz.jpg","seoDescription":"What are the 8 limbs of ashtanga yoga? This article explains what ashtanga yoga is so that you and deepen your yoga practice and know more about it!","content":{"text":"Sometimes yoga words can be complicated. Especially if you’re a new yogi.\\n\\nComplicated words and descriptions mean people get overwhelmed and uncomfortable when they think about doing yoga. And that’s definitely not what myYogaTeacher is all about!\\n\\nYoga is a practice that incorporates philosophy, meditation, breathwork, behavioral principles, and physical exercise into one’s life. It’s a lifestyle.\\n\\nWe want everyone who comes to us, from young to old, from out of shape to fitness fanatics, to feel like our virtual yoga studio is a safe space to learn about and practice yoga. No judgement. Every question is a good question.\\n\\nThat’s why I wanted to talk to you about ashtanga yoga. What does that word mean anyway, you ask?\\n\\nI’m going to explain what it is and why it’s even important to know what it is. If you’re interested in experiencing ashtanga yoga in action, I invite you to try my \\nAshtanga Yoga Class on myYogaTeacher\\n! \n⁠\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n\\nThe Sanskrit word ashtanga means “8 limbs.” Let’s explore what those are so we can understand and deepen our yoga practice!\\n\\n1. Yama - Attitude towards environment\\n\\nThe word “yama” originally meant “bridle” or “rein.”  You can think of it similarly to how a bridle works when placed on a horse. It is a means to control how you interact with your environment, including other people.\\n\\nThe yamas of yoga are there to help yogis live an ethical life. A life that is peaceful and that promotes healthy relationships with others. A huge part of a solid yoga practice is creating self-awareness and learning how your yoga practice helps you relate to the world. \\n\\nThere are 5 yamas in ashtanga yoga:\\n\\nAhimsa:\\n Non violence and non harming of animals.\\nSatya:\\n Truthfulness, honesty in words and actions.\\nAsteya:\\n Not stealing other people’s time or possessions.\\nBrahmacharya:\\n Sexual restraint, fidelity, chastity.\\nAparigraha:\\n Non coveting.\\n\\nThese are what we work on as a part of an ashtanga yoga practice. They are important to creating a calm and peaceful life.\\n\\n2. Niyama - attitude towards ourselves\\n\\nEqually important to our attitude towards our environment is the attitude we have towards ourselves. The Niyamas are the second limb of ashtanga yoga.\\n\\nDo we show self love? Self compassion? Are we practicing self care regularly? \\n\\nDeeper questions to ask ourselves would be if we’re content, self-disciplined, and how we feel spiritually.\\n\\nThe Niyamas of ashtanga yoga address all of these things. If we aren’t loving ourselves, our attitude towards others and our environment will become increasingly negative.\\n\\nThe word “niyama” means “moral observance.” There are 5 niyamas that are the focus of ashtanga yoga:\\n\\nPurity\\nContentment\\nSelf-discipline\\nSelf-study\\nSurrender to a higher source\\n\\nNo matter your religion or belief system, these niyamas are important to mastering yourself and creating a moral compass.\\n\\n3. Asanas - physical postures\\n\\nThe asanas are what most yogis are probably the most familiar with.\\n\\nThese are the postures that you move through when you’re practicing any kind of yoga, not just ashtanga. Asanas are the third limb of ashtanga yoga. There are 84 yoga asanas!\\n\\nWe don’t learn them all in my Ashtanga Yoga Class, but we definitely build up a sweat going through a bunch of them. If you want to learn even more asanas and the correct way to do them, \\ntry a 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher and get access to 35+ classes every day!\\n\\n\\n\\n4. Pranayama - restraint or expansion of breath\\n\\nYou may or may not have heard this word before. There are yoga practices that specifically revolve around pranayama.\\n\\nPranayama is the fourth limb of ashtanga yoga and consists of synchronizing the breath with the asanas or movements between asanas.\\n\\n“Prana” means life energy. Yama means control.\\n\\nIn ashtanga yoga, we literally learn how to control our life energy. It’s an exercise in using our breath to create mental and physical wellness. Even in a vigorous practice, ashtanga asanas will work with the breath, not against it, and you will quickly realize that controlling your heavy breathing is vital to the flow of your life energy!\\n\\n5. Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses\\n\\nMost yoga students are confused by the fifth limb of ashtanga yoga. Pratyahara is “the conscious withdrawal of energy from the senses.” \\n\\nThis often occurs when we do Savasana, at the end of a yoga practice. Maybe you recognize the feeling of almost falling asleep but not. You still maintain consciousness and contact with the present, but you feel far away from it. \\n\\nIn pratyahara, you are not affected by the disturbances of the surrounding environment. You know they’re there and are aware of them, but you do not react to them. You are in a sort of haven of silence.\\n\\n6. Dharana - concentration\\n\\nThe sixth limb of ashtanga yoga is all about fixing your mind on one point. Maybe it’s a chakra or maybe you bind your mind to one place, object, or idea. \\n\\nWhatever the case, dharana is a step towards deep meditation. The point is to hold that concentration, to maintain that thought without wavering from it for an extended period of time.\\n\\n7. Dhyana - meditation\\n\\n\\nMeditation\\n. Elusive for some, meditation is the complete withdrawal of the mind from environmental and inner world distractions.\\n\\nMeditation is the ultimate state of awareness, peace, and being present in the moment. It is built upon the other six limbs of ashtanga yoga, postures, breathwork, control of senses.\\n\\nDhyana is the union of all the limbs. The attainment of full self-realization.\\n\\n\\n8. Samadhi - integration\\n\\nThe eighth limb of ashtanga yoga is enlightenment! \\n\\nSamadhi is the highest state of mental concentration that one can achieve without actually leaving their body. It is total and complete liberation. In Sanskrit, samadhi means “self-collectedness.”\\n\\nComplete and ultimate bliss. That is samadhi.\\n\\n\\nNow that you have a better understanding of \\nashtanga yoga\\n and the stages, maybe it won’t seem so overwhelming! My hope is that you will feel comfortable practicing yoga and reaching towards the goal of mastering the \\n8 limbs\\n of ashtanga yoga.\\n\\nThere is nothing I could want more for you than complete and total bliss!\\n\\nAre you ready to experience it firsthand? All are welcome to my fast-paced, high-energy \\nAshtanga Yoga Class\\n. If you haven’t yet, \\ntake advantage of myYogaTeacher’s offer of a 2-week free trial and get access to my class and many, many more!\\n All taught by highly experienced yoga teachers from India.\\n\\n","html":"<p>Sometimes yoga words can be complicated. Especially if you’re a new yogi.</p><p></p><p>Complicated words and descriptions mean people get overwhelmed and uncomfortable when they think about doing yoga. And that’s definitely not what myYogaTeacher is all about!</p><p></p><p>Yoga is a practice that incorporates philosophy, meditation, breathwork, behavioral principles, and physical exercise into one’s life. It’s a lifestyle.</p><p></p><p>We want everyone who comes to us, from young to old, from out of shape to fitness fanatics, to feel like our virtual yoga studio is a safe space to learn about and practice yoga. No judgement. Every question is a good question.</p><p></p><p>That’s why I wanted to talk to you about ashtanga yoga. What does that word mean anyway, you ask?</p><p></p><p>I’m going to explain what it is and why it’s even important to know what it is. If you’re interested in experiencing ashtanga yoga in action, I invite you to try my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/ashtanga-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-rohan\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/ashtanga-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-rohan\">Ashtanga Yoga Class on myYogaTeacher</a>! <br></p><p>[CTA-DEFAULT]</p><p></p><p>The Sanskrit word ashtanga means “8 limbs.” Let’s explore what those are so we can understand and deepen our yoga practice!</p><p></p><h2>1. Yama - Attitude towards environment</h2><p></p><p>The word “yama” originally meant “bridle” or “rein.”  You can think of it similarly to how a bridle works when placed on a horse. It is a means to control how you interact with your environment, including other people.</p><p></p><p>The yamas of yoga are there to help yogis live an ethical life. A life that is peaceful and that promotes healthy relationships with others. A huge part of a solid yoga practice is creating self-awareness and learning how your yoga practice helps you relate to the world. </p><p></p><p><strong>There are 5 yamas in ashtanga yoga:</strong></p><p></p><ol><li><div><strong>Ahimsa:</strong> Non violence and non harming of animals.</div></li><li><div><strong>Satya:</strong> Truthfulness, honesty in words and actions.</div></li><li><div><strong>Asteya:</strong> Not stealing other people’s time or possessions.</div></li><li><div><strong>Brahmacharya:</strong> Sexual restraint, fidelity, chastity.</div></li><li><div><strong>Aparigraha:</strong> Non coveting.</div></li></ol><p></p><p>These are what we work on as a part of an ashtanga yoga practice. They are important to creating a calm and peaceful life.</p><p></p><h2>2. Niyama - attitude towards ourselves</h2><p></p><p>Equally important to our attitude towards our environment is the attitude we have towards ourselves. The Niyamas are the second limb of ashtanga yoga.</p><p></p><p>Do we show self love? Self compassion? Are we practicing self care regularly? </p><p></p><p>Deeper questions to ask ourselves would be if we’re content, self-disciplined, and how we feel spiritually.</p><p></p><p>The Niyamas of ashtanga yoga address all of these things. If we aren’t loving ourselves, our attitude towards others and our environment will become increasingly negative.</p><p></p><p>The word “niyama” means “moral observance.” There are 5 niyamas that are the focus of ashtanga yoga:</p><p></p><ol><li><div>Purity</div></li><li><div>Contentment</div></li><li><div>Self-discipline</div></li><li><div>Self-study</div></li><li><div>Surrender to a higher source</div></li></ol><p></p><p>No matter your religion or belief system, these niyamas are important to mastering yourself and creating a moral compass.</p><p></p><h2>3. Asanas - physical postures</h2><p></p><p>The asanas are what most yogis are probably the most familiar with.</p><p></p><p>These are the postures that you move through when you’re practicing any kind of yoga, not just ashtanga. Asanas are the third limb of ashtanga yoga. There are 84 yoga asanas!</p><p></p><p>We don’t learn them all in my Ashtanga Yoga Class, but we definitely build up a sweat going through a bunch of them. If you want to learn even more asanas and the correct way to do them, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">try a 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher and get access to 35+ classes every day!</a></p><p></p><p></p><h2>4. Pranayama - restraint or expansion of breath</h2><p></p><p>You may or may not have heard this word before. There are yoga practices that specifically revolve around pranayama.</p><p></p><p>Pranayama is the fourth limb of ashtanga yoga and consists of synchronizing the breath with the asanas or movements between asanas.</p><p></p><p>“Prana” means life energy. Yama means control.</p><p></p><p>In ashtanga yoga, we literally learn how to control our life energy. It’s an exercise in using our breath to create mental and physical wellness. Even in a vigorous practice, ashtanga asanas will work with the breath, not against it, and you will quickly realize that controlling your heavy breathing is vital to the flow of your life energy!</p><p></p><h2>5. Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses</h2><p></p><p>Most yoga students are confused by the fifth limb of ashtanga yoga. Pratyahara is “the conscious withdrawal of energy from the senses.” </p><p></p><p>This often occurs when we do Savasana, at the end of a yoga practice. Maybe you recognize the feeling of almost falling asleep but not. You still maintain consciousness and contact with the present, but you feel far away from it. </p><p></p><p>In pratyahara, you are not affected by the disturbances of the surrounding environment. You know they’re there and are aware of them, but you do not react to them. You are in a sort of haven of silence.</p><p></p><h2>6. Dharana - concentration</h2><p></p><p>The sixth limb of ashtanga yoga is all about fixing your mind on one point. Maybe it’s a chakra or maybe you bind your mind to one place, object, or idea. </p><p></p><p>Whatever the case, dharana is a step towards deep meditation. The point is to hold that concentration, to maintain that thought without wavering from it for an extended period of time.</p><p></p><h2>7. Dhyana - meditation</h2><p></p><p><a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/got-5-minutes-try-this-5-sense-meditation\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/got-5-minutes-try-this-5-sense-meditation\">Meditation</a>. Elusive for some, meditation is the complete withdrawal of the mind from environmental and inner world distractions.</p><p></p><p>Meditation is the ultimate state of awareness, peace, and being present in the moment. It is built upon the other six limbs of ashtanga yoga, postures, breathwork, control of senses.</p><p></p><p>Dhyana is the union of all the limbs. The attainment of full self-realization.</p><p></p><p></p><h2>8. Samadhi - integration</h2><p></p><p>The eighth limb of ashtanga yoga is enlightenment! </p><p></p><p>Samadhi is the highest state of mental concentration that one can achieve without actually leaving their body. It is total and complete liberation. In Sanskrit, samadhi means “self-collectedness.”</p><p></p><p>Complete and ultimate bliss. That is samadhi.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Now that you have a better understanding of <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-ashtanga-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-ashtanga-yoga\">ashtanga yoga</a> and the stages, maybe it won’t seem so overwhelming! My hope is that you will feel comfortable practicing yoga and reaching towards the goal of mastering the <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/the-simple-guide-to-the-8-limbs-of-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/the-simple-guide-to-the-8-limbs-of-yoga\">8 limbs</a> of ashtanga yoga.</p><p></p><p>There is nothing I could want more for you than complete and total bliss!</p><p></p><p>Are you ready to experience it firsthand? All are welcome to my fast-paced, high-energy <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/ashtanga-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-rohan\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/ashtanga-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-rohan\">Ashtanga Yoga Class</a>. If you haven’t yet, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">take advantage of myYogaTeacher’s offer of a 2-week free trial and get access to my class and many, many more!</a> All taught by highly experienced yoga teachers from India.</p><p></p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<p>Sometimes yoga words can be complicated. Especially if you’re a new yogi.</p><p></p><p>Complicated words and descriptions mean people get overwhelmed and uncomfortable when they think about doing yoga. And that’s definitely not what myYogaTeacher is all about!</p><p></p><p>Yoga is a practice that incorporates philosophy, meditation, breathwork, behavioral principles, and physical exercise into one’s life. It’s a lifestyle.</p><p></p><p>We want everyone who comes to us, from young to old, from out of shape to fitness fanatics, to feel like our virtual yoga studio is a safe space to learn about and practice yoga. No judgement. Every question is a good question.</p><p></p><p>That’s why I wanted to talk to you about ashtanga yoga. What does that word mean anyway, you ask?</p><p></p><p>I’m going to explain what it is and why it’s even important to know what it is. If you’re interested in experiencing ashtanga yoga in action, I invite you to try my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/ashtanga-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-rohan\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/ashtanga-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-rohan\">Ashtanga Yoga Class on myYogaTeacher</a>! <br></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"},{"type":"HTML","value":"<p></p><p>The Sanskrit word ashtanga means “8 limbs.” Let’s explore what those are so we can understand and deepen our yoga practice!</p><p></p><h2>1. Yama - Attitude towards environment</h2><p></p><p>The word “yama” originally meant “bridle” or “rein.”  You can think of it similarly to how a bridle works when placed on a horse. It is a means to control how you interact with your environment, including other people.</p><p></p><p>The yamas of yoga are there to help yogis live an ethical life. A life that is peaceful and that promotes healthy relationships with others. A huge part of a solid yoga practice is creating self-awareness and learning how your yoga practice helps you relate to the world. </p><p></p><p><strong>There are 5 yamas in ashtanga yoga:</strong></p><p></p><ol><li><div><strong>Ahimsa:</strong> Non violence and non harming of animals.</div></li><li><div><strong>Satya:</strong> Truthfulness, honesty in words and actions.</div></li><li><div><strong>Asteya:</strong> Not stealing other people’s time or possessions.</div></li><li><div><strong>Brahmacharya:</strong> Sexual restraint, fidelity, chastity.</div></li><li><div><strong>Aparigraha:</strong> Non coveting.</div></li></ol><p></p><p>These are what we work on as a part of an ashtanga yoga practice. They are important to creating a calm and peaceful life.</p><p></p><h2>2. Niyama - attitude towards ourselves</h2><p></p><p>Equally important to our attitude towards our environment is the attitude we have towards ourselves. The Niyamas are the second limb of ashtanga yoga.</p><p></p><p>Do we show self love? Self compassion? Are we practicing self care regularly? </p><p></p><p>Deeper questions to ask ourselves would be if we’re content, self-disciplined, and how we feel spiritually.</p><p></p><p>The Niyamas of ashtanga yoga address all of these things. If we aren’t loving ourselves, our attitude towards others and our environment will become increasingly negative.</p><p></p><p>The word “niyama” means “moral observance.” There are 5 niyamas that are the focus of ashtanga yoga:</p><p></p><ol><li><div>Purity</div></li><li><div>Contentment</div></li><li><div>Self-discipline</div></li><li><div>Self-study</div></li><li><div>Surrender to a higher source</div></li></ol><p></p><p>No matter your religion or belief system, these niyamas are important to mastering yourself and creating a moral compass.</p><p></p><h2>3. Asanas - physical postures</h2><p></p><p>The asanas are what most yogis are probably the most familiar with.</p><p></p><p>These are the postures that you move through when you’re practicing any kind of yoga, not just ashtanga. Asanas are the third limb of ashtanga yoga. There are 84 yoga asanas!</p><p></p><p>We don’t learn them all in my Ashtanga Yoga Class, but we definitely build up a sweat going through a bunch of them. If you want to learn even more asanas and the correct way to do them, <a\n            class=\"inline-cta\"\n            id=13a3615a-e1f8-4d4c-98cf-e18ecb32fc9c\n            href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckmfcdrvk0p4k0c29d8c2imwz&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=What Is Ashtanga Yoga? Explaining the 8 Limbs&entity_slug=ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs&page_or_popup=/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n            onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"13a3615a-e1f8-4d4c-98cf-e18ecb32fc9c\")\n            title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n            data-title=\"What Is Ashtanga Yoga? Explaining the 8 Limbs\"\n            data-slug=\"ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\"\n            <u>try a 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher and get access to 35+ classes every day!</a></u>        \n            </a></p><p></p><p></p><h2>4. Pranayama - restraint or expansion of breath</h2><p></p><p>You may or may not have heard this word before. There are yoga practices that specifically revolve around pranayama.</p><p></p><p>Pranayama is the fourth limb of ashtanga yoga and consists of synchronizing the breath with the asanas or movements between asanas.</p><p></p><p>“Prana” means life energy. Yama means control.</p><p></p><p>In ashtanga yoga, we literally learn how to control our life energy. It’s an exercise in using our breath to create mental and physical wellness. Even in a vigorous practice, ashtanga asanas will work with the breath, not against it, and you will quickly realize that controlling your heavy breathing is vital to the flow of your life energy!</p><p></p><h2>5. Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses</h2><p></p><p>Most yoga students are confused by the fifth limb of ashtanga yoga. Pratyahara is “the conscious withdrawal of energy from the senses.” </p><p></p><p>This often occurs when we do Savasana, at the end of a yoga practice. Maybe you recognize the feeling of almost falling asleep but not. You still maintain consciousness and contact with the present, but you feel far away from it. </p><p></p><p>In pratyahara, you are not affected by the disturbances of the surrounding environment. You know they’re there and are aware of them, but you do not react to them. You are in a sort of haven of silence.</p><p></p><h2>6. Dharana - concentration</h2><p></p><p>The sixth limb of ashtanga yoga is all about fixing your mind on one point. Maybe it’s a chakra or maybe you bind your mind to one place, object, or idea. </p><p></p><p>Whatever the case, dharana is a step towards deep meditation. The point is to hold that concentration, to maintain that thought without wavering from it for an extended period of time.</p><p></p><h2>7. Dhyana - meditation</h2><p></p><p><a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/got-5-minutes-try-this-5-sense-meditation\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/got-5-minutes-try-this-5-sense-meditation\">Meditation</a>. Elusive for some, meditation is the complete withdrawal of the mind from environmental and inner world distractions.</p><p></p><p>Meditation is the ultimate state of awareness, peace, and being present in the moment. It is built upon the other six limbs of ashtanga yoga, postures, breathwork, control of senses.</p><p></p><p>Dhyana is the union of all the limbs. The attainment of full self-realization.</p><p></p><p></p><h2>8. Samadhi - integration</h2><p></p><p>The eighth limb of ashtanga yoga is enlightenment! </p><p></p><p>Samadhi is the highest state of mental concentration that one can achieve without actually leaving their body. It is total and complete liberation. In Sanskrit, samadhi means “self-collectedness.”</p><p></p><p>Complete and ultimate bliss. That is samadhi.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Now that you have a better understanding of <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-ashtanga-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-ashtanga-yoga\">ashtanga yoga</a> and the stages, maybe it won’t seem so overwhelming! My hope is that you will feel comfortable practicing yoga and reaching towards the goal of mastering the <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/the-simple-guide-to-the-8-limbs-of-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/the-simple-guide-to-the-8-limbs-of-yoga\">8 limbs</a> of ashtanga yoga.</p><p></p><p>There is nothing I could want more for you than complete and total bliss!</p><p></p><p>Are you ready to experience it firsthand? All are welcome to my fast-paced, high-energy <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/ashtanga-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-rohan\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/ashtanga-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-rohan\">Ashtanga Yoga Class</a>. If you haven’t yet, <a\n            class=\"inline-cta\"\n            id=6a13346a-456a-442a-9699-8052214f2be1\n            href=\"/signup?utm_source=MYT__article&utm_medium=ckmfcdrvk0p4k0c29d8c2imwz&utm_campaign=inline_cta&utm_content=CTA-INLINE&entity_name=What Is Ashtanga Yoga? Explaining the 8 Limbs&entity_slug=ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs&page_or_popup=/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs&entity_location=hyperlink_midst_of_article&article_cta=CTA-INLINE&from_article_page=true\"\n            onclick=trigger_mixpanel_sign_up_cta(\"6a13346a-456a-442a-9699-8052214f2be1\")\n            title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" \n            data-title=\"What Is Ashtanga Yoga? Explaining the 8 Limbs\"\n            data-slug=\"ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\"\n            <u>take advantage of myYogaTeacher’s offer of a 2-week free trial and get access to my class and many, many more!</a></u>        \n            </a> All taught by highly experienced yoga teachers from India.</p><p></p><p></p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"signup","redirectURL":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation Today!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitxgyg2pot0b79lu1fcpp1","name":"[CTA-BREATH]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) and <strong>2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>, like ‘Stretch and Breathe’, ‘Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation’, and many others. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage &amp; immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions –  </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage &amp; Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckmfcdrvk0p4k0c29d8c2imwz","slug":"ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs","author":{"name":"Rohan","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"What Is Ashtanga Yoga? Explaining the 8 Limbs","createdAt":"2021-03-18T20:44:43.961653+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-10-20T09:41:54.012205+00:00","coverUrl":"ckmfcdrvk0p4k0c29d8c2imwz.jpg","seoDescription":"What are the 8 limbs of ashtanga yoga? This article explains what ashtanga yoga is so that you and deepen your yoga practice and know more about it!","content":{"text":"Sometimes yoga words can be complicated. Especially if you’re a new yogi.\\n\\nComplicated words and descriptions mean people get overwhelmed and uncomfortable when they think about doing yoga. And that’s definitely not what myYogaTeacher is all about!\\n\\nYoga is a practice that incorporates philosophy, meditation, breathwork, behavioral principles, and physical exercise into one’s life. It’s a lifestyle.\\n\\nWe want everyone who comes to us, from young to old, from out of shape to fitness fanatics, to feel like our virtual yoga studio is a safe space to learn about and practice yoga. No judgement. Every question is a good question.\\n\\nThat’s why I wanted to talk to you about ashtanga yoga. What does that word mean anyway, you ask?\\n\\nI’m going to explain what it is and why it’s even important to know what it is. If you’re interested in experiencing ashtanga yoga in action, I invite you to try my \\nAshtanga Yoga Class on myYogaTeacher\\n! \n⁠\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\n\\nThe Sanskrit word ashtanga means “8 limbs.” Let’s explore what those are so we can understand and deepen our yoga practice!\\n\\n1. Yama - Attitude towards environment\\n\\nThe word “yama” originally meant “bridle” or “rein.”  You can think of it similarly to how a bridle works when placed on a horse. It is a means to control how you interact with your environment, including other people.\\n\\nThe yamas of yoga are there to help yogis live an ethical life. A life that is peaceful and that promotes healthy relationships with others. A huge part of a solid yoga practice is creating self-awareness and learning how your yoga practice helps you relate to the world. \\n\\nThere are 5 yamas in ashtanga yoga:\\n\\nAhimsa:\\n Non violence and non harming of animals.\\nSatya:\\n Truthfulness, honesty in words and actions.\\nAsteya:\\n Not stealing other people’s time or possessions.\\nBrahmacharya:\\n Sexual restraint, fidelity, chastity.\\nAparigraha:\\n Non coveting.\\n\\nThese are what we work on as a part of an ashtanga yoga practice. They are important to creating a calm and peaceful life.\\n\\n2. Niyama - attitude towards ourselves\\n\\nEqually important to our attitude towards our environment is the attitude we have towards ourselves. The Niyamas are the second limb of ashtanga yoga.\\n\\nDo we show self love? Self compassion? Are we practicing self care regularly? \\n\\nDeeper questions to ask ourselves would be if we’re content, self-disciplined, and how we feel spiritually.\\n\\nThe Niyamas of ashtanga yoga address all of these things. If we aren’t loving ourselves, our attitude towards others and our environment will become increasingly negative.\\n\\nThe word “niyama” means “moral observance.” There are 5 niyamas that are the focus of ashtanga yoga:\\n\\nPurity\\nContentment\\nSelf-discipline\\nSelf-study\\nSurrender to a higher source\\n\\nNo matter your religion or belief system, these niyamas are important to mastering yourself and creating a moral compass.\\n\\n3. Asanas - physical postures\\n\\nThe asanas are what most yogis are probably the most familiar with.\\n\\nThese are the postures that you move through when you’re practicing any kind of yoga, not just ashtanga. Asanas are the third limb of ashtanga yoga. There are 84 yoga asanas!\\n\\nWe don’t learn them all in my Ashtanga Yoga Class, but we definitely build up a sweat going through a bunch of them. If you want to learn even more asanas and the correct way to do them, \\ntry a 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher and get access to 35+ classes every day!\\n\\n\\n\\n4. Pranayama - restraint or expansion of breath\\n\\nYou may or may not have heard this word before. There are yoga practices that specifically revolve around pranayama.\\n\\nPranayama is the fourth limb of ashtanga yoga and consists of synchronizing the breath with the asanas or movements between asanas.\\n\\n“Prana” means life energy. Yama means control.\\n\\nIn ashtanga yoga, we literally learn how to control our life energy. It’s an exercise in using our breath to create mental and physical wellness. Even in a vigorous practice, ashtanga asanas will work with the breath, not against it, and you will quickly realize that controlling your heavy breathing is vital to the flow of your life energy!\\n\\n5. Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses\\n\\nMost yoga students are confused by the fifth limb of ashtanga yoga. Pratyahara is “the conscious withdrawal of energy from the senses.” \\n\\nThis often occurs when we do Savasana, at the end of a yoga practice. Maybe you recognize the feeling of almost falling asleep but not. You still maintain consciousness and contact with the present, but you feel far away from it. \\n\\nIn pratyahara, you are not affected by the disturbances of the surrounding environment. You know they’re there and are aware of them, but you do not react to them. You are in a sort of haven of silence.\\n\\n6. Dharana - concentration\\n\\nThe sixth limb of ashtanga yoga is all about fixing your mind on one point. Maybe it’s a chakra or maybe you bind your mind to one place, object, or idea. \\n\\nWhatever the case, dharana is a step towards deep meditation. The point is to hold that concentration, to maintain that thought without wavering from it for an extended period of time.\\n\\n7. Dhyana - meditation\\n\\n\\nMeditation\\n. Elusive for some, meditation is the complete withdrawal of the mind from environmental and inner world distractions.\\n\\nMeditation is the ultimate state of awareness, peace, and being present in the moment. It is built upon the other six limbs of ashtanga yoga, postures, breathwork, control of senses.\\n\\nDhyana is the union of all the limbs. The attainment of full self-realization.\\n\\n\\n8. Samadhi - integration\\n\\nThe eighth limb of ashtanga yoga is enlightenment! \\n\\nSamadhi is the highest state of mental concentration that one can achieve without actually leaving their body. It is total and complete liberation. In Sanskrit, samadhi means “self-collectedness.”\\n\\nComplete and ultimate bliss. That is samadhi.\\n\\n\\nNow that you have a better understanding of \\nashtanga yoga\\n and the stages, maybe it won’t seem so overwhelming! My hope is that you will feel comfortable practicing yoga and reaching towards the goal of mastering the \\n8 limbs\\n of ashtanga yoga.\\n\\nThere is nothing I could want more for you than complete and total bliss!\\n\\nAre you ready to experience it firsthand? All are welcome to my fast-paced, high-energy \\nAshtanga Yoga Class\\n. If you haven’t yet, \\ntake advantage of myYogaTeacher’s offer of a 2-week free trial and get access to my class and many, many more!\\n All taught by highly experienced yoga teachers from India.\\n\\n","html":"<p>Sometimes yoga words can be complicated. Especially if you’re a new yogi.</p><p></p><p>Complicated words and descriptions mean people get overwhelmed and uncomfortable when they think about doing yoga. And that’s definitely not what myYogaTeacher is all about!</p><p></p><p>Yoga is a practice that incorporates philosophy, meditation, breathwork, behavioral principles, and physical exercise into one’s life. It’s a lifestyle.</p><p></p><p>We want everyone who comes to us, from young to old, from out of shape to fitness fanatics, to feel like our virtual yoga studio is a safe space to learn about and practice yoga. No judgement. Every question is a good question.</p><p></p><p>That’s why I wanted to talk to you about ashtanga yoga. What does that word mean anyway, you ask?</p><p></p><p>I’m going to explain what it is and why it’s even important to know what it is. If you’re interested in experiencing ashtanga yoga in action, I invite you to try my <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/ashtanga-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-rohan\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/ashtanga-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-rohan\">Ashtanga Yoga Class on myYogaTeacher</a>! <br></p><p>[CTA-DEFAULT]</p><p></p><p>The Sanskrit word ashtanga means “8 limbs.” Let’s explore what those are so we can understand and deepen our yoga practice!</p><p></p><h2>1. Yama - Attitude towards environment</h2><p></p><p>The word “yama” originally meant “bridle” or “rein.”  You can think of it similarly to how a bridle works when placed on a horse. It is a means to control how you interact with your environment, including other people.</p><p></p><p>The yamas of yoga are there to help yogis live an ethical life. A life that is peaceful and that promotes healthy relationships with others. A huge part of a solid yoga practice is creating self-awareness and learning how your yoga practice helps you relate to the world. </p><p></p><p><strong>There are 5 yamas in ashtanga yoga:</strong></p><p></p><ol><li><div><strong>Ahimsa:</strong> Non violence and non harming of animals.</div></li><li><div><strong>Satya:</strong> Truthfulness, honesty in words and actions.</div></li><li><div><strong>Asteya:</strong> Not stealing other people’s time or possessions.</div></li><li><div><strong>Brahmacharya:</strong> Sexual restraint, fidelity, chastity.</div></li><li><div><strong>Aparigraha:</strong> Non coveting.</div></li></ol><p></p><p>These are what we work on as a part of an ashtanga yoga practice. They are important to creating a calm and peaceful life.</p><p></p><h2>2. Niyama - attitude towards ourselves</h2><p></p><p>Equally important to our attitude towards our environment is the attitude we have towards ourselves. The Niyamas are the second limb of ashtanga yoga.</p><p></p><p>Do we show self love? Self compassion? Are we practicing self care regularly? </p><p></p><p>Deeper questions to ask ourselves would be if we’re content, self-disciplined, and how we feel spiritually.</p><p></p><p>The Niyamas of ashtanga yoga address all of these things. If we aren’t loving ourselves, our attitude towards others and our environment will become increasingly negative.</p><p></p><p>The word “niyama” means “moral observance.” There are 5 niyamas that are the focus of ashtanga yoga:</p><p></p><ol><li><div>Purity</div></li><li><div>Contentment</div></li><li><div>Self-discipline</div></li><li><div>Self-study</div></li><li><div>Surrender to a higher source</div></li></ol><p></p><p>No matter your religion or belief system, these niyamas are important to mastering yourself and creating a moral compass.</p><p></p><h2>3. Asanas - physical postures</h2><p></p><p>The asanas are what most yogis are probably the most familiar with.</p><p></p><p>These are the postures that you move through when you’re practicing any kind of yoga, not just ashtanga. Asanas are the third limb of ashtanga yoga. There are 84 yoga asanas!</p><p></p><p>We don’t learn them all in my Ashtanga Yoga Class, but we definitely build up a sweat going through a bunch of them. If you want to learn even more asanas and the correct way to do them, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">try a 2-week free trial of myYogaTeacher and get access to 35+ classes every day!</a></p><p></p><p></p><h2>4. Pranayama - restraint or expansion of breath</h2><p></p><p>You may or may not have heard this word before. There are yoga practices that specifically revolve around pranayama.</p><p></p><p>Pranayama is the fourth limb of ashtanga yoga and consists of synchronizing the breath with the asanas or movements between asanas.</p><p></p><p>“Prana” means life energy. Yama means control.</p><p></p><p>In ashtanga yoga, we literally learn how to control our life energy. It’s an exercise in using our breath to create mental and physical wellness. Even in a vigorous practice, ashtanga asanas will work with the breath, not against it, and you will quickly realize that controlling your heavy breathing is vital to the flow of your life energy!</p><p></p><h2>5. Pratyahara - withdrawal of the senses</h2><p></p><p>Most yoga students are confused by the fifth limb of ashtanga yoga. Pratyahara is “the conscious withdrawal of energy from the senses.” </p><p></p><p>This often occurs when we do Savasana, at the end of a yoga practice. Maybe you recognize the feeling of almost falling asleep but not. You still maintain consciousness and contact with the present, but you feel far away from it. </p><p></p><p>In pratyahara, you are not affected by the disturbances of the surrounding environment. You know they’re there and are aware of them, but you do not react to them. You are in a sort of haven of silence.</p><p></p><h2>6. Dharana - concentration</h2><p></p><p>The sixth limb of ashtanga yoga is all about fixing your mind on one point. Maybe it’s a chakra or maybe you bind your mind to one place, object, or idea. </p><p></p><p>Whatever the case, dharana is a step towards deep meditation. The point is to hold that concentration, to maintain that thought without wavering from it for an extended period of time.</p><p></p><h2>7. Dhyana - meditation</h2><p></p><p><a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/got-5-minutes-try-this-5-sense-meditation\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/got-5-minutes-try-this-5-sense-meditation\">Meditation</a>. Elusive for some, meditation is the complete withdrawal of the mind from environmental and inner world distractions.</p><p></p><p>Meditation is the ultimate state of awareness, peace, and being present in the moment. It is built upon the other six limbs of ashtanga yoga, postures, breathwork, control of senses.</p><p></p><p>Dhyana is the union of all the limbs. The attainment of full self-realization.</p><p></p><p></p><h2>8. Samadhi - integration</h2><p></p><p>The eighth limb of ashtanga yoga is enlightenment! </p><p></p><p>Samadhi is the highest state of mental concentration that one can achieve without actually leaving their body. It is total and complete liberation. In Sanskrit, samadhi means “self-collectedness.”</p><p></p><p>Complete and ultimate bliss. That is samadhi.</p><p></p><p></p><p>Now that you have a better understanding of <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-ashtanga-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-ashtanga-yoga\">ashtanga yoga</a> and the stages, maybe it won’t seem so overwhelming! My hope is that you will feel comfortable practicing yoga and reaching towards the goal of mastering the <a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/the-simple-guide-to-the-8-limbs-of-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/the-simple-guide-to-the-8-limbs-of-yoga\">8 limbs</a> of ashtanga yoga.</p><p></p><p>There is nothing I could want more for you than complete and total bliss!</p><p></p><p>Are you ready to experience it firsthand? All are welcome to my fast-paced, high-energy <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/ashtanga-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-rohan\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/ashtanga-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-rohan\">Ashtanga Yoga Class</a>. If you haven’t yet, <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/\">take advantage of myYogaTeacher’s offer of a 2-week free trial and get access to my class and many, many more!</a> All taught by highly experienced yoga teachers from India.</p><p></p><p></p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":[{"session_uuid":"a245ad22-1a1d-45ef-aae7-eca46361698a","student_uuid":"9319f08d-cbc7-485b-84be-fd550dd61808","teacher_uuid":"883ef406-5676-4122-8ded-65c3431d66fa","teacher_name":"Sujit Tiwari","teacher_first_name":"Sujit","teacher_slug":"sujit-1","teacher_photo":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dgerdfai4/image/upload/v1670321198/teacher/photos/mvshijhwouwbkg0n9bcn.jpg","group_session_name":"Ashtanga Yoga","group_session_description":"Ashtanga, like vinyasa, synchronizes movement with breath but it requires more physical exertion. 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