What Is the Structure of an Ashtanga Yoga Class?
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Written By: Sukhvinder Singh (Chaitanya)
- Published On:
- Last Updated: September 11, 2026
An Ashtanga yoga class follows a structured sequence rather than a completely improvised flow.
The practice generally moves through Sun Salutations, standing postures, seated postures and a finishing sequence, while breath, movement, drishti and bandhas remain important throughout the practice.
The exact experience depends on whether you attend a Led class or practise in the Mysore style. In both formats, the underlying Ashtanga method is based on a progressive and established sequence.
At a Glance: The Typical Ashtanga Class Structure
A typical Ashtanga yoga practice follows a progressive sequence rather than a random selection of yoga poses. While the exact practice can vary according to the student’s level and class format, the overall structure generally follows this progression:
Opening → Sun Salutations → Standing Sequence → Seated Sequence → Backbends → Finishing Sequence → Final Rest
This structure gives the practice a clear progression from the beginning of the session toward its closing stages. Breath and movement are coordinated throughout, while drishti and bandha awareness form part of the traditional practice.
The amount of the sequence practised can differ between students. A beginner may work through only the portion of the sequence appropriate to their current practice, while a more experienced student may practise a larger portion of the series.
Table of Contents
1. Beginning the Practice
An Ashtanga class begins by bringing attention to the practice and establishing a steady connection with the breath.
The opening portion helps the student shift attention away from external distractions and prepare for movement. Depending on the class format and teacher, this may include an opening mantra or a short period of settling before the physical sequence begins.
The emphasis is not simply on getting the body moving. The practitioner begins to establish the rhythm that will carry through the practice.
2. Sun Salutations: Surya Namaskar A and B
The practice then moves into Sun Salutations, traditionally including Surya Namaskar A and Surya Namaskar B.
These sequences establish the relationship between breath and movement that is central to Ashtanga Vinyasa. Rather than treating each posture as an isolated exercise, the practitioner learns to coordinate movement with inhalation and exhalation.
The repeated pattern also creates familiarity. As students become more experienced, they can focus less on remembering what comes next and more on maintaining steady breathing, attention and movement.
3. The Standing Sequence
After the Sun Salutations, the practice progresses through standing postures.
The standing sequence includes a range of positions involving balance, strength, mobility and transitions. The postures are connected through the vinyasa method rather than being performed as unrelated exercises.
This part of the practice establishes continuity and prepares the practitioner for the seated sequence that follows.
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4. The Seated Sequence
The practice then moves into seated postures from the relevant Ashtanga sequence.
Depending on the student’s level and the format of the class, the practice may include forward bends, twists, hip-focused postures, strength-oriented transitions and other elements of the Primary Series.
Vinyasa transitions continue to connect the postures. The purpose is not to move as quickly as possible. The emphasis is on coordinating movement, breathing and attention while maintaining an appropriate level of effort.
5. Backbends and the Transition Toward Closing
After the main portion of the seated practice, the traditional Ashtanga sequence moves toward its closing stages. For practitioners whose practice includes them, this may involve backbending work followed by the transition into the finishing sequence.
Backbends are not simply another group of postures to complete as quickly as possible. They are approached progressively, with attention to breathing, control and the student’s level of practice.
The specific backbends and the amount of practice can vary according to the student’s experience and the guidance of the teacher. Beginners should not assume that advanced backbending postures need to be performed immediately.
The transition from the main sequence into the closing portion helps bring the practice toward its final stages in a structured way.
6. The Finishing Sequence
A traditional Ashtanga practice also includes a finishing portion.
This section follows the main sequence and provides a transition toward the close of the practice. The finishing sequence may include postures such as shoulderstand, headstand and other closing positions depending on the student’s practice and level of instruction.
Students should not assume that every posture is appropriate for every practitioner. Progression in Ashtanga is gradual, and teachers may modify or limit parts of the practice according to individual circumstances.
7. Final Rest and Savasana
The physical sequence is followed by a period of rest. Savasana, or Corpse Pose, is commonly used as the final resting posture in yoga practice.
During this period, the practitioner can allow the body to become still and bring the practice toward a quiet conclusion.
The final rest is an important part of completing a yoga session rather than something to skip simply because the active sequence has finished.
8. The Role of Breath, Drishti and Bandhas
The structure of an Ashtanga class is not defined only by the order of postures.
Breathing, drishti and bandhas are integrated into the practice.
Breath: Movement is coordinated with inhalation and exhalation, helping establish the rhythm of the practice.
Drishti: The practitioner uses a prescribed point of gaze associated with the posture or movement. This supports concentration and helps keep attention within the practice.
Bandhas: Traditional Ashtanga teaching incorporates bandha awareness as part of the internal organisation of the practice.
Together, these elements help make Ashtanga more than a sequence of physical shapes. The method combines posture, breath and attention within a consistent practice framework.
9. What Does Vinyasa Mean in an Ashtanga Class?
In Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, vinyasa refers to the coordinated relationship between breath and movement and, within the practice sequence, the transitions that connect postures.
Rather than holding each posture as an isolated exercise, the practitioner moves through the sequence with the breath providing a consistent rhythm.
For example, an inhalation may accompany one movement while an exhalation accompanies another. Specific vinyasa transitions also connect different postures within the sequence.
This is one reason the structure of an Ashtanga Class Structure feels continuous. The practice is organised around a relationship between posture, movement and breath rather than simply moving from one pose to another.
10. Led Ashtanga Class vs Mysore Style
The two formats can look very different even though they draw from the same Ashtanga method.
| Led Ashtanga Class Structure | Mysore Style |
|---|---|
| The teacher guides the group through the sequence. | Students practise their established sequence individually. |
| The teacher gives verbal instructions and follows the traditional count. | The teacher moves around the room and gives individual guidance. |
| Students generally move together through the sequence. | Students may be at different points in their practice. |
| Useful for learning rhythm, order and counting. | Useful for developing an individualised self-practice. |
A Led class is therefore not simply a faster version of Mysore practice. The teaching relationship and way the sequence is delivered are different.
11. Does Every Ashtanga Class Structure Follow the Same Sequence?
The defining feature of Ashtanga Vinyasa is its use of established sequences. This gives the practice a consistency that is different from a Vinyasa class where the teacher may create a new sequence around a theme or peak posture.
However, following a structured method does not mean every student should perform exactly the same amount of practice.
A teacher may work with students according to their experience, current practice and ability to perform particular postures safely. Beginners may learn a portion of the sequence before progressing further.
The goal is therefore not to complete as many postures as possible. The goal is to develop a consistent and appropriate practice within the method.
12. What Is the Ashtanga Primary Series?
The Ashtanga Primary Series, traditionally known as Yoga Chikitsa, is the first of the established Ashtanga Vinyasa series.
It has its own sequence of postures and transitions rather than being a collection of poses selected differently for every class.
When people refer to practising the “Ashtanga sequence,” they may be referring specifically to the Primary Series or to another established series within the Ashtanga system. The Primary Series is often the starting point for students developing their Ashtanga practice.
However, a beginner should not assume that attending an Ashtanga Class Structure means completing the entire Primary Series from the first session. Students generally learn the practice progressively, according to their experience and the way their teacher structures the practice.
The important point is that the Primary Series provides an established framework within which students develop familiarity, consistency and understanding over time.
13. What Should a Beginner Expect in an Ashtanga Class?
If you are attending Ashtanga for the first time, you do not need to arrive already knowing the entire Primary Series.
A beginner can expect to learn the basic structure progressively, including how to coordinate breath and movement, how the sequence is organised and how to transition between postures.
It is normal for an experienced practitioner to know considerably more of the sequence than someone who is new to the method.
A good starting point is to focus on:
- learning the basic sequence
- maintaining steady breathing
- understanding the transitions
- developing awareness of alignment
- listening to the teacher’s instructions
- progressing gradually rather than forcing advanced postures
Ashtanga is a practice built through repetition and familiarity. The structure becomes clearer as you practise it consistently.
14. Ashtanga Yoga vs Vinyasa Yoga: What Is the Difference?
Ashtanga Vinyasa and Vinyasa Yoga both coordinate movement with breath, but they are not structured in exactly the same way.
| Ashtanga Yoga | Vinyasa Yoga |
|---|---|
| Uses established sequences. | The sequence can be created or changed by the teacher. |
| The order of practice is generally more consistent. | Classes can vary considerably from one session to another. |
| Students progressively learn a structured practice. | Classes may be organised around a theme, focus or peak posture. |
| Led classes traditionally follow a specific counting method. | Teaching style and sequencing can vary between teachers. |
| Mysore-style practice allows individual progression within the established method. | Most classes are commonly taught as a teacher-led group flow. |
The biggest difference is therefore structure. Ashtanga is based on established sequences and a consistent practice method, while Vinyasa classes generally provide greater freedom in sequencing from one class to another.
15. How Long Is an Ashtanga Class?
Class length can vary according to the format, teacher, student level and amount of the sequence being practised.
A shorter beginner-oriented practice may cover only part of the traditional sequence, while a more experienced practitioner may spend considerably longer practising.
For this reason, there is no single class length that defines every Ashtanga session.
What remains more consistent is the structured relationship between the sequence, breath, movement and attention.
Understanding the Ashtanga Class Structure
The simplest way to understand an Ashtanga Class Structure is to see it as a progressive system rather than a collection of individual yoga poses.
A typical practice moves through an established sequence while coordinating movement with breath and maintaining focused attention. Sun Salutations lead into standing work, the practice progresses into seated postures, and a finishing sequence brings the physical practice toward its close.
Led classes provide group guidance and traditional counting, while Mysore-style practice allows students to work through their established sequence with individual teacher support.
The structure is what gives Ashtanga its distinctive character: repetition creates familiarity, while progressive practice allows students to develop their understanding over time.
Conclusion: Understanding the Ashtanga Class Structure
The structure of an Ashtanga yoga class is what gives the practice its consistency and progressive nature. Rather than creating a completely different sequence for every session, Ashtanga follows an established framework that connects breath, movement, posture and focused attention.
A typical practice progresses from the opening of the session through Sun Salutations, standing and seated sequences, backbends and finishing postures before moving into final rest. The exact amount of practice can vary according to the student’s experience, established sequence and class format.
For beginners, understanding the structure is more important than trying to complete the entire sequence immediately. With regular practice and appropriate guidance, students can gradually become familiar with the order, transitions, breathing and other elements of the method.
Whether you choose a Led class or Mysore-style practice, the purpose of the structured approach is to develop a consistent relationship with the practice over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashtanga Class Structure
What is the typical structure of an Ashtanga yoga class?
A typical Ashtanga yoga class follows an established progression that generally includes the opening practice, Sun Salutations, standing postures, seated postures, backbends, finishing postures and final rest. Breath and movement are coordinated throughout the practice.
What comes first in an Ashtanga class?
After the initial preparation and opening of the practice, students traditionally begin with Sun Salutations before moving into the standing sequence.
Do you have to know the whole Primary Series to attend an Ashtanga class?
No. Beginners do not need to know the entire Primary Series before starting Ashtanga. Students can learn the sequence progressively and practise an appropriate portion according to their experience and teacher’s guidance.
What is the difference between a Led and Mysore Ashtanga class?
In a Led class, the teacher guides the group through the sequence and gives verbal instructions, traditionally following the vinyasa count. In Mysore-style practice, students practise their established sequence individually while the teacher provides personalised guidance.
How long does an Ashtanga yoga class usually last?
There is no single duration for every Ashtanga class. Class length can vary according to the format, student’s level and how much of the sequence is being practised.
Is Ashtanga yoga suitable for beginners?
Yes, beginners can learn Ashtanga progressively. You do not need to perform the complete sequence from your first class. Learning the basic movements, breathing and sequence gradually is a more appropriate starting point.
What is the Primary Series in Ashtanga yoga?
The Primary Series, traditionally called Yoga Chikitsa, is the first established series within Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. It follows a specific sequence of postures and transitions that students learn progressively.
What does vinyasa mean in Ashtanga yoga?
In Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, vinyasa describes the coordination of breath and movement and the transitions connecting postures within the practice. It helps create continuity throughout the sequence.
Is Ashtanga the same as Vinyasa yoga?
No. Both practices coordinate breath and movement, but Ashtanga follows established sequences and a consistent practice method, while Vinyasa classes can use sequences that vary according to the teacher, theme or focus of the session.
Do all students do the same Ashtanga sequence?
Not necessarily. Ashtanga uses established sequences, but students may practise different portions according to their experience and current practice. In Mysore-style classes especially, students can be at different stages of the sequence while receiving individual guidance.
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About the Author: Sukhvinder Singh Chaitanya
Sukhvinder Singh (Chaitanya) is an E-RYT 500 & YACEP yoga teacher with 20,000+ hours of experience across 40+ Yoga Teacher Training programs. He specializes in Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Laughter Yoga, and Meditation. Founder of Yoga Chaitanya International Institute, he teaches students from India, Russia, Lebanon, Thailand, Taiwan, Bali and China. He shares his teachings through yoga philosophy blogs and his YouTube channels.