Ashtanga

What it is

   Six established and strenuous pose sequences—i.e., the primary series, second series, third series, and so on—practiced sequentially as progress is made. Ashtangis move rapidly, flowing from one pose to the next with each inhale and exhale. (Each series of poses linked by the breath this way is called a vinyasa.) Originating in Mysore, India, the vigorous practice was devised to focus the minds and energy of teenage schoolboys—thus the countless vinyasas. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois brought the style to the U.S. in 1975. And though it's passed through generations of yogis, ashtanga has both stayed true to its roots and branched off in many directions here in the states. Those "vinyasa" or "flow" classes you take? Yep, they can be traced back to this taxing traditional style. 

 

Best For    Weight loss, no-time-for-breath-catching cardio, strength gains sans weights, and making you feel like a young jock again. This style will get you cut fast through repetition of the athletic poses.

Who's gotta have it    CEOs, ESQs, CPAs (anyone with three letters after their name, even if they're OCD). "Ashtanga appeals to Type-A personalities—driven, intense people who like its linear quality," explains Natasha Rizopoulos, a dedicated ashtangi and star of the Yoga Step-By-Step DVD series.

Need to know    The poses—before your first class. You can't flow if you don't know up dog from down dog. Get some experience with another slower-paced yoga style (see Iyengar) before trying ashtanga. Also, know that a "Mysore" ashtanga class is quite a bit different from other classes. In the Mysore style, students practice at their own pace in silence and the teacher simply walks around the room making adjustments. Beginners should find a "led" or "guided" primary series class before trying Mysore.

Trends and trivia    Thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow and an overeager fan at a charity auction, one ashtanga lesson grossed $55,000. Many other celebs have attributed their slamming bods (Madonna comes to mind) to the style and helped convert scores of aspiring hotties into ashtangis.