Ashtanga Vinyasa

Today I got my monster ass kicked by ashtanga, which is actually a good thing.  My regular yoga teacher was off today, and the replacement teacher taught a full on ashtanga class, including jumping from down-dog directly into staff pose and then back to plank over and over again with lots of poses in between and many bound twists and half-moons and pigeons.  Extra aerobic and challenging.  We ended with headstands, which makes me feel so victorious when I can really press into it and feel everything aligned upside down in opposition to gravity.  I'm a bit fearful about what tomorrow will bring.  I may be like the Tin Woodsman and need some oil in the morning, but it sure felt good to move around today.  Oh, and did I mention that the teacher couldn't have been younger than 65?  Maybe 70?  Incredibly strong and fit and flexible and kicking the asses of people 30 years younger.  Total inspiration. 

Comments

[Abby]

Ashtanga is awesome. It's my favorite kind of yoga even though I can't do head stand. Richard Freeman is the big Ashtanga guy in Boulder, but David Swenson is my favorite. Swenson has a great DVD of short forms including a 15 minute, 30 ad 45 minute routine. The quick one is a great way to start your morning when you don't have time to do more.