In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite ashtanga yoga videos that have helped inspire me to not only take up yoga but to continue and deepen my practice.
There are a few primary series videos as well as a few others practicing the 2nd 3rd and 4th series!
Short background on Ashtanga Yoga
The Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series is a sequence of traditional yoga poses that was developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. The series is designed to align the body, mind, and breath through a flowing series of movements. The poses are performed in a specific order, and each pose builds on the previous one to create a progressive challenge for the practitioner. Each challenge is an opportunity to meet whatever comes up for the practitioner.
The Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga, also known as Yoga Chikitsa, is designed to cleanse and purify the body. The series consists of seventy-five poses, which are all connected through a flowing, vinyasa-style breath.
Throughout the practice, students are encouraged to focus on their breath and maintain a steady drishti (gaze). The Primary Series is a challenging yet deeply grounding practice that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, balanced, and centered. This is where most people stop, as you can spend years on the first series, but there are actually 6 series of ashtanga yoga sequences in total that go deeper and deeper into the practice.
Most people can spend their whole life on just the primary series. The intermediate series about 20% of people who take up ashtanga make it this far, advanced A and advanced B series are for the 1%, and then the 5th and 6th series there are only a few people in the world who can complete them (Sharath Jois being one of them.)
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Best Ashtanga Yoga Videos You Can Actually Practice With
To begin with, here are a few simple videos.
1. Ashtanga Yoga for Absolute Beginners (short 30mins)
This class is best for absolute beginners. There is a bit of an intro on this one so be patient.
2. Led Primary Series Class from Kino McGreggor
Kino leads a full primary series ashtanga class where she leads one student.
3. Full Primary Series w/ posture cues from ULU Yoga
Follow along the full primary series here with step-by-step instructions.
Ashtanga Yoga Videos Advanced Series
So here I have put together a list of my favorite ashtanga yoga videos that I have found from across the web. They include
- 1. Ashtanga Primary Series
- 2. Intermediate Series
- 3. Advanced A (3rd) Series
- 4. Advanced B (4th) Series
4. Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Full Video – Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
The goal of the Primary Series is to purify the body and prepare it for deeper levels of yoga practice. In addition to the physical benefits, the Primary Series also helps to calm the mind and promote focus and concentration.
For many practitioners, the Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series is a lifelong journey that requires a serious home yoga practice in order to sustain and progress.
5. Intermediate Series Full Video Ashtanga Yoga – John Scott
The ashtanga yoga intermediate series has 41 asanas and is called as nadi shodhana, which cleanses and opens the subtle nervous system. The first section on backbends, the second section focuses on twists and then moves into deep hip opening and inversions.
When practiced regularly, the intermediate series can help to purify and cleanse the nerves so that you can go deeper into your practice.
6. Advanced A (3rd) Series Full Video Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga advanced 3rd series is not for the faint of heart. This incredibly physically demanding practice will push you to your limits, and then some. But if you’re up for the challenge, the rewards are powerful (although I can not comment on this as I am not there…yet).
This series will help to build strength, flexibility, and stamina like you never thought possible. And along the way, you’ll also develop a greater sense of mental focus and concentration.
If you’re ready to take your Ashtanga practice to the next level, the 3rd series is waiting for you.
7. Advanced B (4th) Series Full Video – Ashtanga Yoga
There are not that many people in the world that can do the 4th series of Ashtanga Yoga. Have a look and you can see why.
I could not find any videos on the 5th and 6th series. I suspect because there might not be very many people whose body’s allow them to get that far.
Inspiration Yoga Videos – Ashtanga Demo Videos
If you want shorter videos that just have all the advanced postures compiled together, have a look at these masterpieces.
I often watch these when I need a little inspiration.
8. Advanced 3rd Series Demo Olivier David
Now the advanced series is no joke. I did my practice next to this guy in a Mysore style Ashtanga class and it kind of blew me away. You can see why.
9. Advanced 4th Series Demo
Some beautiful sequences here although I do not know the name of the yogi. It is beautifully filmed by Alessandro Sigismondi.
10. Advanced Series Demo – Tim Feldmen
Tim Feldmen is a well known teacher in the ashtanga yoga community and runs a center based out of Miami Florida.
11. 4th Series Demo – Mark Togni
One of the earlier yoga videos I came across nearly 2 decades ago. Mark Togni is a master at his craft. Have a look at the video and you can see what I mean.
Here are the ashtanga yoga sequences for all of the Ashtanga Series
If you want to start your own home ashtanga practice here are the practice sheets that you can use.
Primary Series
Intermediate Series
And for the really adventuresome
Advanced A Series (3rd Series)
Advanced B Series (4th Series)
Advanced C Series (5th Series)
I have not yet found the 6th series postures leaflet, hopefully, will find it floating around the internet somewhere.
Takeaway
Hope you liked my collection of yoga videos. Until next time. Namaste
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