You’ve finally decided that you’re ready to take a yoga class. You browse through different styles of yoga, trying to figure out which one would be the best fit for you. There’s Vinyasa Flow, Hot yoga, Hatha yoga, and the one nearest where you live – Ashtanga yoga. But then you start wondering whether you can do this class as a beginner. Is Ashtanga yoga hard? Can a beginner like you handle the intensity of this yoga style?
To answer the question, yes, Ashtanga yoga is hard. There’s no sugarcoating it because this style of yoga is physically and mentally demanding. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for a beginner to practice it. In fact, many yogis consider it the best style for beginners because it teaches discipline, focus and helps build a strong foundation for your practice.
So what makes this type of yoga demanding? Here are some reasons why it’s considered challenging. Take note that these are not meant to discourage you, rather, it’s a way to prepare you for what to expect in an Ashtanga yoga class.
The repetitiveness can be tough.
If you love variety in your workouts, the fixed sequence of poses in Ashtanga Yoga can feel a bit monotonous. Repeating the same routine every practice requires mental stamina and can sometimes feel like a grind. Some teachers will ask you to repeat a pose 5 times, which can be exhausting for a beginner.
But remember that this repetitiveness has its benefits. By doing the same sequence of poses every time, you learn to improve your alignment and go deeper into each pose. It also protects you from injury because you’re familiar with the poses and know how to do them safely.
It takes longer to practice.
This type of yoga is not a workout that you can just squeeze in during your lunch break. The primary series takes about 90 minutes to complete. And as you advance and add more series, it will take even longer.
While it may not be ideal for busy individuals who just need to get a quick workout in, it’s perfect for those who are looking for an immersive mind and body practice. Allotting this time for yourself can also help in managing stress and promoting mindfulness.
It’s physically and mentally demanding.
People who have not tried any type of yoga before may underestimate the physical and mental strength needed for Ashtanga. The series of poses are challenging and require a lot of strength, flexibility, balance, and stamina to complete. Plus, the constant movement and focus on breath can be mentally tiring.
However, the benefits of this demanding practice are worth it. Not only will you build strength and flexibility in your body, but also in your mind. As this practice is a humbling experience, it allows you to learn more about yourself, your limitations and how you can push past them.
You need discipline and consistency.
The discipline required in going into an Ashtanga practice can deter even some of the most A-type personalities. It is a daily practice, and the poses must be learned and done in a specific order. This means that you have to commit to practicing every day, not just when you feel like it.
This consistency, however, can be very rewarding. The more you practice, the easier and smoother the series will become. And as you see progress in your strength and flexibility, it can be incredibly motivating to continue with your daily practice.
Mastering the poses takes dedication and effort.
The poses in this style of yoga range from basic to really advanced. It takes time, patience, and constant practice to master them. The long time to master the poses can be intimidating and sometimes frustrating. It’s not uncommon to feel discouraged seeing other people mastering poses that you struggle with.
But it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different and progress should not be compared. With dedication and effort, you’ll eventually see improvement in your practice. And while it may take some time to master a pose, the sense of accomplishment when you finally do is incredibly fulfilling.
Best yoga classes in Orange County, California
If you’re interested in trying out Ashtanga or any other style of yoga, the key to a successful and fulfilling practice is finding the right class and teacher. When you have an experienced instructor to guide you through the series and provide adjustments and modifications, you’ll be able to progress in your practice more effectively.
Reach out to GLXYOGA today and chat with us about our yoga classes in Orange County, California. Our certified instructors are passionate about helping students improve their practice and achieve their goals.
