Question:
I practise the asanas from the B K S Iyengar book. What difference would
there be in doing astanga yoga? I practise for fitness and weight control
as well as the stress reduction benefits - is yoga enough for this?
Answer:
Ashtanga is another style of Hatha yoga. The difference is that the postures
are linked together into a vigorous, continous flow.
Astanga Yoga was at one time taught by Mr. Iyengar in the 40's. It was a
style developed by his teacher to train wrestlers. Although Iyengar left
Vinyasana yoga his pal Sri K. Pattabhi Jois continued the practice and
labeled it Astanga Yoga.
This style of yoga consists of series of asanas that flow from one to the
other. The best way to understand the differences is to sign up for a class
and try it out and see if it is for you.
If by yoga you include a regular practice of meditation and pranayama -
yoga is excellent for stress reduction. As for weight control what you eat
is the most important component to staying at your optimum weight. Any
exercise regime should include at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity for
fitness.
I have not read the book by the respected BKS Iyengar. However, as a Yoga
Teacher, am taking the liberty of giving my piece of advise :-)
a. Yoga if done properly, will assist you in the goals that you are seeking
;
b. When doing Yoga, do not right away aim for all kind of postures from the
beginning. The body needs flexibility which develops over a period of time.
c. But every asana / posture that you do is taking you to the next step and
gives the beneficial effects of the asana that you are doing though you may
not be able to do it perfectly. For instance, in the 'padahasthasan' where
you stand and bend forward to touch your toes, it may not be possible for a
person(who is new to Yoga and doing exercise in a long time) in the first
few weeks but that does not mean that this person is not getting the
benefits of that posture. He/She will benefit out of it.
d. Do not strain your body in the process of doing asanas. Some of the
asanas take time.
e. After say around every 4 asanas do, shavasan, it gives the body to come
to normal. This incidentally, will benefit to reduce the stress.
f. Do deep breathing exercise.
Incidentally, the 'Ashtang Yoga' refers to the 8 steps in the Yoga process -
with one leading to another.
