At Titirangi Ashtanga Yoga Catherine teaches traditional ashtanga yoga, as taught by Sri K Pattabhi Jois, and R. Sharath in Mysore, India.  Practised regularly, at a level that is comfortable for you, ashtanga yoga brings physical wellbeing and peace of mind.

Ashtanga yoga links the breath, physical poses and concentration in a flowing meditation.  The practice generates heat which cleanses the body allowing it to become light and strong.

Both Sri K Pattabhi Jois and his guru, Krishnamacharya, were householders who taught yoga in their local communities.  Ashtanga yoga is meant for ordinary people who live lives full of other responsibilities and commitments.  Everyone is welcome!

Practice tips

• Be gentle.  The benefits come when you practise regularly over time, not from short intense bursts.
• Relax.  Opening in yoga comes when you soften and let go, not when you strain.
• Breathe deeply and smoothly, especially when the pose is demanding.  Awareness of the breath relaxes the body and calms the mind.
• Shower before you practise.  This warms up the body and means you start the practice fresh and clean.
• Drink plenty of warm water before and after the practice, rather than during it.  Drinking water is avoided during the practice so you can benefit from the internal heat you generate.