Yoga in Douglasville

Ashtanga Yoga

Patthabi Jois

Ashtanga yoga is taught by Patthabi Jois of Mysore India.  Senior teachers in the United states who studied with Patthabi Jois include David Swenson and Richard Freeman.

In ashtanga there are several set sequences of poses.  The Primary Series consists of 10 sun salutes for warm up, then a sequence of standing poses, followed by a closing sequence.

In a traditional ashtanga class there is no music and no use of props. There is no music because it may distract the from the inward focus or change the pace of the breath.  The rhythm of the breath is very important in ashtanga yoga.  The rate of breathing should remain the same through the whole practice, steady as the ticking of a clock or metronome.  

Ashtanga Yoga in Douglasville

In March 2002 Karen completed David Swenson's 40 hour Ashtanga Primary Series teacher training course and the Ashtanga class she offers follows the traditional Ashtanga Primary Series sequence.

The entire sequence is 90 minutes long.  When you attend your first ashtanga class, Karen will instruct you to stop halfway through the class, you will rest and join the class for the last three poses and relaxation.  It is best to enjoy your first class rather than push yourself to attempt every pose.  Observe how you feel in the days following your first ashtanga class.  If you are terribly sore, work towards comfortably finishing half the class, if you were not very sore, begin to add more poses and intensity each class.  There is no competition with other students; each student improves their ashtanga practice at their own pace.  Each class you attend, add a few more poses and rest when necessary.  With perseverance you will see results.  Come and give it a try! 

Poses in the Ashtanga Sequence

Ashtanga Yoga Opening Chant

Each ashtanga class begins with this chant, but chanting is completely optional.

The unfamiliar Sanskrit words can be difficult to memorize, especially when the pronunciation is confusing.  Avid ashtanga student and speech language pathologist, Tammy Velliquette, MED CCC-SLP/L created this phonetic version of the opening chant to facilitate pronunciation and memorization of the chant. Her phonetic version of the chant is based on listening to Richard Freeman's pronunciation. It is used here with her permission.  Thanks Tammy!

Ashtanga Links

David Swenson

David Swenson began practicing yoga in 1969 and began practicing ashtanga yoga in 1973.  He is considered one of the foremost practitioners teachers of ashtanga yoga in the world.  David Swenson's web site.

Richard Freeman

Richard Freeman began studying yoga in 1968.  K. Pattahbi Jois is his principal teacher.  Richard Freeman is one of the most highly regarded ashtanga teachers in the world.  Richard Freeman's web site contains a lot of useful information including a short bio of him, a recording of K. Pattahbi Jois chanting the opening chant, a recording of Richard Freeman chanting the opening chant, the chant written in sanskrit, a translation of the sanskrit chant, some yoga philosophy and tips on practicing ashtanga yoga.    

Adele Gale

Adel Gale was owner and director of Atlanta's ashtanga yoga studio, Atlanta Yoga Shala.  

9She moved to Maine, but periodically returns to teach workshops.)  She has been practicing yoga since 1981 and began ashtanga yoga in 1992.  She has studied with many teachers including Pattahbi Jois.

Adele Gale's web site includes a short bio and photo of her in a difficult pose, and an excellent article she wrote about insights from her travels with Sheryl Crow (beginners should take notice of the third paragraph especially).

Madonna and Ashtanga

Madonna practices ashtanga yoga.  Madonna chanted the opening ashtanga chant on her Ray-of-Light album.  Madonna played an ashtanga teacher in the movie The Next Best Thing.  On this web page (http://www.t-o-m.tv/life/madonnayoga.htm) are two good pictures of Madonna in advanced ashtanga poses (and one tacky photo) and information about both her album and movie.

certified ashtanga yoga instructor, Karen Flagg

770-598-0644