r/ashtanga
is it problematic that I enjoy Ashtanga as a workout and not in a spiritual way?
This is Ashtanga Yoga Tech Support. Real questions from the yoga community, answered.
The Question
I started doing Ashtanga x2 a week about 5 months ago because I had to stop doing aerial silks for health reasons but wanted to keep doing an activity that kept me flexible and strong? I like thats structured cause I have a hard time learning new moves and I enjoy already knowing the flow so I can concentrate in improving my form each time, but I dont know if this is offensive to the practice, I dont want to do any harm or be disrespectful so I would love to hear your thoughts
— via r/ashtanga
Our Response
You're not being offensive.
You came to yoga because you needed something. That's how most of us got here.
The structure is for people like you. Repetition is the whole point. You do the same thing over and over so you can actually pay attention.
Here's what matters: you show up. You practice. You're trying to improve.
That's respect.
Respect isn't about having the right reasons or the perfect intentions. It's about what you do on the mat.
You're doing the work. You're not treating it like a commodity. You're engaging with it.
So keep going.
If you want to understand more about why the practice is structured the way it is, check out the study guide on Traditional Practice. It'll give you context without making you feel like you need a doctorate.
But honestly? You're fine. Just practice.
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Chat with the intake assistant — tell it about your practice and it’ll point you to what fits.
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