7 Days Ashtanga Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh

The word Ashtanga is combined of two Sanskrit words, “Ashta” and “Anga.” “Ashta” indicates to the number eight, while “Anga” means limb or body part. Therefore, Ashtanga is the conjunction of the eight limbs of yoga.

The Ashtanga philosophy is to integrate all of the eight limbs of yoga, which include: Pranayama (breath control), Niyama (self-discipline), Yama (moral codes), Dhyana (meditation), Asana (posture), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Samadhi (oneness with the self) and Dharana (concentration).

The Ashtanga Yoga is challenging it requires flexibility, strength, patience and humour. There are six series of Ashtanga Yoga which include primary, intermediate, advanced A, advanced B, advanced C, and advanced D.

BENEFITS of ASHTANGA YOGA

• Calms Mind and Improve Concentration - The rhythmic breathing patterns in Ashtanga Yoga helps to improve overall wellness by improving posture, it helps to breathe better and also improve concentration skills. By practising Ashtanga yoga also help to known how to deal in emotionally difficult situations, work through the pain and suppressed emotions, and overcome them.  
• Developed Physical  Strength - The repetition of the Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and the constant Vinyasa Ashtanga yoga throughout the whole practice developed physical strength. Practicing Ashtanga yoga refreshes the body and makes it stronger, slimmer, more flexible, and more controlled.
• Increases Mody Muscles - Three studies found that Ashtanga yoga helps to increase body muscles. The three parts of the body are the core, upper body, and leg muscles. The constant Vinyasas flow helps to develop Core and upper body strength, and leg strength is mainly developed by the standing poses.
• Promotes  Mindful Eating – Practising Ashtanga Yoga helps to turn off the distractions and focus on food. While practicing yoga, move with the breath which helps to focus on each pose and learn to enjoy its benefits. This can be applied while eating: slow down, breathe and focus on food. It also makes positive changes to routine eating behaviours.
• Helps to be in  Good Body Shape - Ashtanga Yoga includes a full-body workout session. Intense asanas are done in this yoga practice, which covers all the muscle areas; it burns on average 450 to 550 calories as per one hour Ashtanga yoga session.Ashtanga yoga can burn fat as it is a physically demanding form of yoga that can increase heart rate and promote calorie burn.
• Helps to Bring up Spirituality - Ashtanga yoga is the first step towards true spirituality. Practicing Ashtanga yoga-like, Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, and Dhyana are meant for developing intellectuality, physical improvement, self-analysis, right awareness, and concentration. These are the factors of practicing that can take someone directly to the state of Samadhi, which is the deepest level of meditation or realising the soul. 

DAILY SCHEDULE

• 6:00 Am – Morning Bell
• 6:30 to 7:30 Am – Ashtanga Vinyasa Practice
• 7:30 to 8:30 Am – Pranayama (Theory & Practice)
• 9:00 to 10:00 Am – Sattvick breakfast
• 11:00 to 12:00 Pm – Asanas Alignment & Teaching Techniques
• 12:30 to 1:30 Pm – Intermediate Series Practice & Adjustments
• 1:30 to 2:15 Pm – Lunch
• 3:30 to 5:00 Pm – Yoga Anatomy / Philosophy
• 5:30 to 6:30 Pm – Assignments/ Kriya
• 6:30 to 7:30 Pm – Yoga therapy
• 8:30 to 9:00 Pm – Dinner
• 10:00 Pm – Lights off