Yoga Shala Sheffield specialises in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga which by definition ‘captures the essence of focus through a series of physical techniques ultimately moving us closer to our intuitive and soulful nature, as well as dramatically increasing flexibility and stamina and improving muscle sculpt and tone’.

It’s a complete and far-reaching discipline, involving the synchronizing of breath with a progressive series of postures (starting with primary series and building through intermediate to the advanced series). This is a challenging and dynamic moving sequence to heat, purify and strengthen the body.

Class Descriptions

Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga
A six week course to introduce you to the basics of Ashtanga Yoga. During the course you will be introduced to yogic breathing, bandhas, sun salutations, standing postures and the finishing sequence. The course will progressively develop your strength and flexibility so by the end you'll be able join a level 1/1-2 or Mysore class with confidence.

Introduction to the Primary Series
The Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga builds on the foundation established in the standing postures, increasing the practitioner’s strength, flexibility and focus. The series emphasises forward bending and hip opening postures and is also known as yoga chikitsa, or yoga therapy, as the forward bending nature of the postures massages the internal organs, helping to cleanse and purify the body.

This five week course will give you the prefect introduction to the primary series. After reviewing the standing postures we focus on the postures in the first half of the primary series, through to Navasana. These establish the fundamental themes of the series and create the strength and flexibility in the hips and hamstrings required to master the more challenging postures in the second half of the series. We will also spend some time looking at the finishing series, including the inverted postures.

The course is ideal for anyone who has completed our Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga course and wants a more structured approach to taking their practice to the next level.

Level 1
Level 1 classes are for students who are still fairly new to ashtanga yoga. The class starts with some limbering postures before focusing on the standing postures.

Level 1-2
Level 1-2 classes are for students who are comfortable with the standing postures and are ready to start exploring the primary series in more depth. The main focus is on the first half of the primary series with the aim of developing the strength and flexibility required for the postures in the latter half of the series.

Level 2
A led half primary class for students ready to experience the flow of the standing postures and the primary series postures through to Navasana.

Level 2-3
Level 2-3 classes are aimed at more experienced students who are comfortable with the first half of the primary series and are ready to start working on the postures after Navasana.

Level 3
A led primary series class using the traditional counted vinyasa method.

Mysore
The 'Mysore Method' is named after the city where Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who with his teacher Krishnamachyra developed Ashtanga Yoga in the form we practice it today, lived and taught in this style. The student progresses through the practice at their own pace, starting with the sun salutations and adding more postures when they are ready. The teacher helps guide the student through the practice by adjusting them, both verbally and physically, and introducing the new postures. The class is for anyone who wants to try practicing in this traditional style, no matter how new to ashtanga yoga you are.

Morning Self Practice
Ashtanga yoga is traditionally practised at the start of the day. Our morning self practice sessions give you the chance to work through your own practice whilst benefitting from the support and energy created by practising with other yogis - an ideal way to start the day! This session is open to anyone with a self practice, whether it be the first sun salutation or advanced B, however please note there will be no tuition or adjustments offered during the session.

Class GuidelinesPlease arrive in plenty of time to get changed so your class can begin on time. If you're coming for the first time please allow an extra 5-10 minutes for registration. It is best to practice on an empty stomach. We suggest allowing 2-3 hours after a full meal or an hour after a light snack before practising yoga.Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. You may want to bring a top to wear during relaxation.We have yoga mats you can borrow but if you'd prefer to use your own mat please feel free to do so. We also have mats for sale, see the Shala Shop page for more details.Blocks, blankets and belts are provided if required.