People at Yoga class in UniSport Meilahti

Ashtanga Yoga: classes and courses

With UniSport’s astanga yoga, you can challenge yourself to progress towards more demanding asanas. Astanga yoga is an internationally recognised form of physical yoga which develops the balance of the body and mind through repeating different series of movements.

Astanga yoga is a physically demanding and dynamic form of yoga. During the classes, the asanas (yoga positions) are always done in the same order, and the session involves a gradual progression towards more challenging asanas, whilst simultaneously listening to one’s own body. The exercises are continuous and don’t contain relaxation interruptions, which means that breathing binds the movements together into a sequence. Astanga yoga develops the balance of the body and mind and the ability to be present.

Who is it for?

A weekly astanga yoga session is suitable for those that know the basics of yoga asanas and are used to the more physical asanas. The session includes strength-building movements and exercises that develop mobility. 

The Ashtanga yoga advanced course focuses on asana techniques and practicing more challenging asana variations, as well as bandhas – body locks. The course is suitable for you, if you want to discover different variations of asanas, find new dimensions for your training or simply refresh your yoga skills. After the course, you can continue practicing ashtanga yoga in our weekly group training classes.

Astanga yoga is not recommended for those that are pregnant or have high blood pressure.

How can I participate?

You can practice astanga yoga through the weekly classes. If possible, you should bring your own yoga mat with you. A yoga mat allows you to exercise safely and efficiently, and is also hygienically a more pleasant option. If you like, you may also use an exercise mat available on-site.

In addition to the mat, you will need stretchy and warm clothes. We will be exercising without shoes. You can bring a drinking bottle if desired.