With its roots in India, the ancient art of yoga and its two prominent forms – ashtanga and vinyasa yoga, have reached out far and wide among all corners of the world. These two popularly chosen styles of yoga by most practitioners, are based on the traditional Hatha yoga with their respective similarities and dissimilarities. Here’s more on what each is about and how you can master them :
Ashtanga yoga – interesting “did you know” facts
1 . The development of the subject of Ashtanga yoga can be attributed to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois back in the 20th century. This form of yoga incorporates the linkage of asanas or a sequence of postures via breath which is the ‘ujjayi breath.’
2 . Sri K.Pattabhi Jois started his yoga journey as early as at the age of 12 . He later followed his guru (teacher) the famous T.Krishnamacharya
3 . Ashtanga Yoga is commonly known by the “eight-limbed yoga,” with reference to the eight limbs of yoga mentioned in the ancient yoga sutras as per the great sage Patanjali.
4 . The practice of this form of yoga entails six series. Before graduating to the next pose, mastery of the preceeding one becomes essential.Thus each of the series is based on the what preceeds it.
5 . Yoga chikitsa or yoga therapy forms the foundation and is the first of the series. Its purpose is to cleanse the body from within and helps strengthen it.
6 . As you progress to the next series which is the Nadi Shodhana or Nerve Purification, you will find it more of a challenge to master it . The purpose of this series is to pave way for all energy channels that the body needs.
7 . The traditional teaching methodology of Ashtanga yoga follows the Mysore-style format.
8 . If you want to learn about this art form straight from the horse’s mouth, you can actually travel to Mysore , India to be trained under the mentorship of the Jois family.
9 . The benefits of Ashtanga yoga extend to both mental and physical levels as it is known to improve the overall body flexibility with added strength , act as a stress buster and keep up with the focus and concentration power of the mind. No wonder , with such amazing benefits this art form is a favourite pick of the yogi and internationally famed.
Vinyasa yoga – interesting “did you know” facts
1 . The word ‘Vinyasa’ draws its name from ‘nyasa’ – a Sanskrit word meaning ‘to place.’
2. This form of yoga is also popularly called ‘flow yoga’, since it highlights the flow movement .
3. The “Sun Salutation” is often treated as a way to ‘warm up’ , in Vinyasa yoga and it helps generate body heat and energy.
4. One of the amazing benefits of Vinyasa yoga include cardiovascular health .
5. This form of yoga can be synchronised with the other forms as well for example with restorative or yin yoga to draw the optimal benefits and balance between movement and relaxation.
Why a professional course on Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga teacher training
Besides and beyond promoting holistic health and well being , a professional course such as ashtanga and vinyasa yoga teacher training Rishikesh has added value and here’s how :
1 . Solid foundation. Being the two popularly sought-after forms of yoga, a good course on the same will equip you with a strong foundation that teaches you the concepts from scratch including history, philosophy , teaching methodology and much more in depth.
2. Wide market in terms of demand for the subject. Completing a certified ashtanga and vinyasa yoga teacher training Rishikesh course such as that conducted, enables you to emerge into a competitive teacher with the authentic yogic knowledge and meet the ever increasing demand for the course by students worldwide.
3. Creativity. Both forms of ashtanga and vinyasa include the sequences linked by breath. These encourage creativity along with variations that add the element of interest and thus allows more meaningful participation for students.
4. Adaptability. Both forms of yoga are beginner-friendly, as well as suitable for advanced levels. They can be modified accordingly and that yet adds to the element of interest among students during the lessons.
Costs to consider
Depends. Keeping in mind the various elements such as program duration, level of the course, the individual yoga school and its facilities, location and other contents as included in the course package of the respective yoga school, ashtanga and vinyasa yoga teacher training Rishikesh course packages may widely vary in terms of their cost. Generally the average cost may range from USD $1000 to $3000 for a 200 hour ashtanga and vinyasa yoga teacher training Rishikesh.
In addition, you may also look out for certain offers and discounts to avail on early registration or bulk admissions, loyalty points and so on. You may also try researching on the add onns that a course package contains to give you an added advantage of choosing a particular yoga school over others such as food and accommodation, excursions, extra-curriculars , etc all within the same fees that is charged so that you do not have to pay extra or more than the basic rate charged. So this calls for sufficient research on your end before enrolling into the your chosen course. The other costs that need planning on your part also include flight bookings, visa fees, other personal expenses that may be incurred at time of your stay and travel to Rishikesh.
Also make sure that the fees charged by the yoga school in question does not sacrifice the quality element since there may be many such schools that do so. To be sure of the quality factor, check the accredition level. Authentic yoga schools – the top notch yoga education provider in Rishikesh , are recognised by Yoga Alliance International to ensure that there is no compromise on quality of ashtanga and vinyasa yoga teacher training Rishikesh programs.
Why Rishikesh for yoga teacher training
The popularity of Rishikesh as a hub for yoga teacher training is on account of several of its unique aspects such as spiritual and cultural immersion, historical yogic background, birthplace of yoga, nature’s endowments, and the presence of world-class and experienced yoga institutions for ashtanga and vinyasa yoga teacher training Rishikesh program. The holy and humble town promises to meet both your travel and learning needs in the divine yogic journey. So are you ready to pack your travel essentials and head to the world yoga capital?
