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What is Asthanga Yoga Asthanga Yoga is a strong dynamic form of Yoga and which is ideal for increasing flexibility, toning and making the body more supply, while strengthening the muscles and massaging the internal organs producing optimal healthy functioning of the body.

The primary teacher of Asthanga Yoga is Pattabhi Jose who is based in Mysore, India. He in turn was taught this practice by Krishnamacharya who is widely accepted to be one of the most advanced Yogis of the 20th century.

It is practiced as a series of flowing Yoga postures which begin with the Sun Salutations. These heat up the body and prepare the body for the stronger postures which one gradually introduces and builds into one’s own daily practice of the sequence. These stronger stretching and strengthening postures are also practiced within the flowing sequence which follows the Sun Salutations.



One’s breath is controlled and regulated by a practice known as Ujjay breathing. This produces a slight hissing sound in the throat and has an effect of lowering the blood pressure. Thus although one is physically working the body quite strenuously, one feels quite calm and centred which is quite unlike any other aerobic exercises. This allows one maintain an inward focus and a meditative awareness while practicing the sequence.



One’s eyes and attention are also directed towards drishtes (points on which to focus the eyes and attention).

There are also internal locks applied (uddiyana and moola bandha) and these regulate the flow of energy within the nadis (energy channels). They also increase the internal heat of the body.



The internal heat within the body allows one’s body to become more supple and to practice postures which one could not normally practice with a cold unprepared body.

How Asthanga is taught

Asthanga is introduced to beginners with the Sun Salutations first. One practices these sequences initially until one is familiar enough to complete these oneself. If one has previous experience of other Yoga (either Satyananda or Iyengar) then it can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours before one is comfortable enough to practice this sequence by oneself.

It is highly recommended that one has other Yoga experience before one begins to practice Asthanga, although many Asthanga Yoga teachers feel that this is not necessary.

Then the rest of the sequence is gradually introduced. Each posture is practiced to one’s own ability and the instructor gives posture corrections and verbal directions to help one learn each posture and also how to flow from one posture to the next.

There is always a closing sequence which consists of a number of back bends and forward bends and a slowing down of the postures and a final relaxation period while one lies in Shavasana.

Self-Practice

On some of the more advanced courses, the classes are given in the style of self practice. It is assumed that each participant knows the sequence and is able to practice by themselves. Usually the instructor goes from each participant to the next and makes appropriate adjustements to one’s postures and encourages one to improve one’s practice beyond what one has attained so far.

Christophe's weekend course
Christophe has spend a ot of time in India over the past few years and has studied directly with Pattabhi Jois and also with his grandson. Prior to this he has a lot of experience in teaching iyengar and brings this precision and experience to his teaching.

Christophe's own practice is very dedicated and includes Astanga Vinyasa, Pranayama and meditation.

Who it is suitable for

It is preferable that you already practice Astanga and can as far as the boat in the sequence.

The style of teaching will be Mysore self-practice with adjustments and alignments given when required.

You are always encouraged to practice at the level which is suitable for your body. You will gain more benefit and also enjoy the exercises more when you perform at a comfortable level rather than pushing yourself too hard.

Timetable for the weekend

The timetable for the weekend is as follows;

Friday

• 18:00 – 19:00 Arrive and settle in
• 19:00 Dinner
• 21:00 – 22:00 Sitting Yoga/Meditation

Saturday

• 8:00 – 10:00 Asthanaga Yoga class
• 10:30 Brunch
• 11:30 Outdoors in the Burren (This will vary from sea walk to a walk through the hills. Some walks will include visits to ancient sites.)
• 16:30 - 18:00 Yoga class. Improve postures which were practiced this morning, and may include Pranayama
• 18:30 Dinner
• 21:00 - 21:30 Meditation

Sunday

• 8:00 - 9:30 Asthanaga Yoga class
• 10:00 Brunch
• 11:30 - 13:00 Yoga class. Answer questions.
• 13:00 Lunch
• 13:30 Depart

Cost of the course

The cost of the course is 230 Euro and includes accommodation and vegetarian meals.

If you choose not to stay at the centre and would prefer to stay in a B&B, the cost of the course is 175 Euro. A list of B&B’s is provided below;

091-637206 091-638088 091-637593 091-637425 091-637127

Booking a place on the course
Click below for on-line booking and information on how to book.
Booking on a course



Directions to the centre

The centre is 5 miles from Kinvara at the foot of the Burren Hills. There are no road signs and you will need detailed directions in order to find the centre for your first visit. There are detailed directions on the website www.burrenyoga.com under ‘How to find the centre’ and then under ‘detailed directions’.

You should print these out and bring them with you.

How to get to the centre

If you are travelling to the centre it is easiest to get here by car. The directions on the website include directions from Dublin, Galway and Limerick.

If you have room and would like to offer someone a lift then please let the centre know.

The closest bus is to Gort. There are buses from Galway city to Gort each hour. A local hackney will cost approx 10 Euro. Phone 087-9806152, 091-637680, 087-2684062, 086-8248851.

If you would like a lift, then please let us know and we will try to link you up with someone travelling by car.

What you should bring with you

Bed linen is supplied, but you will need to bring your own towels.

We do not wear shoes inside the house so you may like to bring slippers or thick socks. However, the underfloor heating makes bare feet quite comfortable all year round.

We do not let the weather stop our hill or sea walks, so it is always a good idea to bring good walking shoes, raingear and also swimming gear if you would like to swim in the lake which is near the centre.

Staying an additional night

This needs to be arranged with the centre beforehand and depends on availability.

Other courses at the centre

There are other courses which are held at the centre throughout the year.

These include Yoga courses some of which are Satyananda yoga which emphasises inner awareness, breath awareness, relaxation and is suitable for all ages, fit or unfit.

There is also Asthanga Yoga which is quite strong and dynamic and requires a good level of fitness. And there is Iyengar Yoga which requires a medium degree of fitness.

There are also Yoga-Dance workshops, Shiatsu courses, Vegetarian cooking, Detox courses, Stress Management courses and also Relaxation breaks.

More information

There is more information on the website www.burrenyoga.com

If you would like to receive monthly updates of new courses planned at the centre, you may add your e-mail address to the mailing list on the website.

If you do not have an e-mail address, and would like to receive monthly updates then please send your name and address to the centre.

Alternatively you may phone the centre for more information on 091-637680