Intro to Ashtanga 

Grounded in tradition and accessibility, My Vinyasa Practice’s Free Ashtanga Yoga Course offers a supportive entry point into one of yoga’s most powerful and structured lineages. Led by Michelle Young, C-IAYT, this self-paced online training introduces the foundational elements of the Ashtanga Primary Series with clear, accessible instruction and a trauma-informed lens. Whether you’re brand new to Ashtanga or looking to deepen your understanding, this free course provides a welcoming and inclusive approach to practice. You'll explore the background of Ashtanga, basic postures, breath techniques (ujjayi), and drishti (gaze points) that define Ashtanga, while also learning how to adapt the sequence to suit your unique body and energy. The course emphasizes mindful progression, body awareness, and self-inquiry—helping you cultivate strength, focus, and inner discipline. With expert guidance and lifelong access to materials, this offering is an invitation to experience the transformative power of Ashtanga yoga at your own pace, in your own way.

Why Train with My Vinyasa Practice?

Led by Michelle Young, C-IAYT Yoga Therapist, educator, and expert in anatomy, physiology, movement science, and yoga philosophy, My Vinyasa Practice (MVP) delivers a truly integrative and accessible approach to yoga education to yoga education. With a trauma-informed, inclusive lens, MVP honors the multidimensional nature of the human experience—addressing both the physical and energetic body in a way that is grounded, empowering, and sustainable. 

✅ Yoga Alliance Approved School
✅ Lifetime Access & Ongoing Support

Why Choose Our Intro to Ashtanga?

Begin your journey into the world of Ashtanga yoga with our Free Intro to Ashtanga Course—a flexible, self-paced online offering designed for students worldwide. This course provides an accessible introduction to the foundational principles of Ashtanga yoga, including breath, movement, and mindful awareness. Whether you're brand new to Ashtanga or looking to revisit the basics, you’ll gain the tools to build a strong, sustainable practice at your own pace.

Jessica Palmer

This course gave me the confidence to finally try Ashtanga. I always felt intimidated by the structure, but the way this course breaks things down made it feel accessible and even fun. The pacing was perfect, and I loved being able to go at my own speed.

Diego Rivos

A beautifully guided introduction to a practice I’ve been curious about for years. The emphasis on breath and alignment helped me understand the ‘why’ behind the postures. This free course offers so much value—it feels like a gift!

Leah Harris

As someone new to yoga altogether, I wasn’t sure if Ashtanga would be too advanced. But this course made it really approachable and welcoming. The instructor’s explanations are clear, and the self-paced format made it easy to follow. Highly recommend for beginners!

What Sets My Vinyasa Practice Apart?

What sets My Vinyasa Practice apart isn’t just our accessible tuition or comprehensive curriculum—it’s our commitment to meeting students where they are and empowering them to grow in ways that are meaningful, sustainable, and self-directed. With lifetime access to course materials, real-time feedback from experienced mentors, and Yoga Alliance-approved certifications, our programs are designed to support you through every stage of your journey.

Intro to Ashtanga 

Grounded in tradition and accessibility, My Vinyasa Practice’s Free Ashtanga Yoga Course offers a supportive entry point into one of yoga’s most powerful and structured lineages. Led by Michelle Young, C-IAYT, this self-paced online training introduces the foundational elements of the Ashtanga Primary Series with clear, accessible instruction and a trauma-informed lens. Whether you’re brand new to Ashtanga or looking to deepen your understanding, this free course provides a welcoming and inclusive approach to practice. 

Why Train with My Vinyasa Practice?

Led by Michelle Young, C-IAYT Yoga Therapist, educator, and expert in anatomy, physiology, movement science, and yoga philosophy, My Vinyasa Practice (MVP) delivers a truly integrative and accessible approach to yoga education to yoga education. With a trauma-informed, inclusive lens, MVP honors the multidimensional nature of the human experience—addressing both the physical and energetic body in a way that is grounded, empowering, and sustainable.
 
✅ Yoga Alliance Approved School
✅ Lifetime Access & Ongoing Support

What You'll Learn

My Vinyasa Practice teaches traditional yogic principles and history, and offers the most authentic yoga teacher training available.
  • The History of Modern Yoga
  • How Ashtanga Became A Practice
  • Who Makes Up The Lineage Of Ashtanga Yoga
  • Injury Prevention Tips
  • Where The Sequence Got It's Structure
  • How To Modify The Practice For All Practitioners
  • How Ashtanga Influenced Vinyasa Yoga

What You'll Learn

Learn more about the history and fundamental teaching of Ashtanga Yoga
and take your practice to the next level.
  • The History of Modern Yoga
  • How Ashtanga Became A Practice
  • Who Makes Up The Lineage Of Ashtanga Yoga
  • Injury Prevention Tips
  • Where The Sequence Got It's Structure
  • How To Modify The Practice For All Practitioners
  • How Ashtanga Influenced Vinyasa Yoga
A woman sits on the ground in front of her laptop with her legs crossed. She has her left hand on the opposite knee in a stretch. She has curly hair and sits in front of a green plant. There are candles lit around her.

Learn the Fundamentals with Our Introduction to
Ashtanga Yoga

Interested in learning more about Ashtanga Yoga but not sure where to start? Our Introduction to Ashtanga course is a perfect free offering for anyone curious about this powerful practice.

Designed as a specialty free course, it provides a foundational understanding of Ashtanga Yoga, its history, and lineage—making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. This online course supports your journey of self-development by guiding you through the principles and structure of the Ashtanga tradition, helping you build a strong, informed, and meaningful practice.

Whether you’re exploring a new path or refining your teaching style, this free offering is an accessible and enriching step in your personal and professional evolution.

Join us today and discover the transformative potential of Ashtanga Yoga.
Join today

Intro to Ashtanga

Course Type

Free Course

Course Style

Self-paced & remote

Learners

Join a community of 60.000+ international students

Support

Live Support during business hours with various weekly live calls

Course Details

  • Min. 1 week
  • Ebooks
  • 1:1 Support

Materials Needed

Composition notebook for journaling.
kind words by students

Our students love MVP's
approach to learning

Jessica P.

This course gave me the confidence to finally try Ashtanga. I always felt intimidated by the structure, but the way this course breaks things down made it feel accessible and even fun. The pacing was perfect, and I loved being able to go at my own speed.

Diego R.

A beautifully guided introduction to a practice I’ve been curious about for years. The emphasis on breath and alignment helped me understand the ‘why’ behind the postures. This free course offers so much value—it feels like a gift!

Leah H.

As someone new to yoga altogether, I wasn’t sure if Ashtanga would be too advanced. But this course made it really approachable and welcoming. The instructor’s explanations are clear, and the self-paced format made it easy to follow. Highly recommend for beginners!

Our Teachers

MVP's Yoga Teacher Trainings are guided by Michelle Young, a certified Yoga Therapist specializing in Cardiac, Cancer, Eating Recovery, & Behavioral Health. Michelle is supported by  Tara Cleven E-RYT 500/C-IAYT and Maire McGlasson E-RYT 500.

Flexible Training

Register anytime and work at your own pace. All required texts are included in electronic format. Students will receive access to pre-recorded video lectures, asana practices with Michelle, written content, as well as PDF downloads to support your learning experience. 

Personalized Training

Unlock your potential with MVP's personalized online courses and trainings. Our expert instructors provide one-on-one guidance, tailored to your unique learning style and goals. Experience a transformative journey with customized content and exceptional results.
Take your learning with you - anywhere, anytime.

Download The
MVP School App

Downloaded your purchased courses and trainings and continue learning when on the go or offline with the MVP School App.
  • A button to download the MVP School App from the App Store
  • A button to download the MVP School App from the Google Store

Get Started right away!

Make your inbox happy!

Join our newsletter to get yoga tips, upcoming retreats, workshops, and more.
Thank you!
The My Vinyasa Practice mandala shown on transparent background. Left and right there are light blue horizontal lines.

LEARN ABOUT ASHTANGA YOGA

Curious about the power of Ashtanga yoga and how it can transform your practice? Our free Intro to Ashtanga course is the perfect way to explore this dynamic and structured yoga system. You'll learn the fundamentals of Ashtanga, including the primary series, breathwork, and the importance of drishti (focused gaze) and bandhas (body locks). This introductory course provides a solid foundation, helping you build strength, flexibility, and mental focus, all while deepening your understanding of the Ashtanga method. Whether you’re new to yoga or looking to expand your knowledge, this free course is a great starting point to explore how Ashtanga can enhance your practice and well-being.
A yogi dressed in blue gym clothes is shown in an advanced Wheel posture, their left leg on the ground, heel raised, back bent and arms placed behind the standing leg. Their right leg is lifted up straight, toes pointed. They are shown in an all white setting with architectural arcs behind the woman.

WHY ASHTANGA YOGA?

Ashtanga yoga offers a dynamic, structured approach that can transform your physical strength, flexibility, and mental focus. With its set sequence of postures, linked to the breath, Ashtanga helps build discipline and inner calm while pushing your limits in a mindful way. Whether you're seeking to improve your overall fitness, enhance your meditation practice, or simply discover a new challenge, Ashtanga yoga provides a unique path for growth. By learning the principles of Ashtanga, you'll gain more than just physical benefits—you’ll experience a deeper connection to yourself and your practice. It’s a great choice for those who crave both consistency and personal transformation in their yoga journey.
The My Vinyasa Practice mandala shown on transparent background. Left and right there are light blue horizontal lines.

kind words by students

Our students love MVP's approach to learning

"Ashtanga yoga was always intimidating to me, but this course made it accessible and manageable. I now understand the importance of the primary series, and the structure has brought a sense of routine and grounding to my practice. It’s truly been transformative."
Julia R.
"This Intro to Ashtanga course has been an eye-opener for me. I learned how to connect my breath with movement in a way I never thought possible. It’s helped me build not just strength and flexibility, but a sense of mental clarity and focus that extends beyond my mat."
Andy V.
"What I loved most about this course was learning how to approach yoga with discipline and mindfulness. The focus on breathwork, movement, and proper alignment has made me feel stronger and more centered, both physically and mentally."
Isabella R.
"This course gave me the tools to deepen my practice in ways I never expected. I’ve learned how Ashtanga yoga builds resilience, and the connection between breath and movement has had a huge impact on my overall well-being. I feel more present and grounded than ever before."
Reese M.

Get Started Now!

The My Vinyasa Practice mandala shown on transparent background. Left and right there are light blue horizontal lines.

Our Teachers

The entire program is guided by Michelle Young, a certified Yoga Therapist specializing in Cardiac, Cancer, Eating Recovery, & Behavioral Health. 

Flexible Training

Register anytime and work at your own pace. All required texts are included in electronic format. Students will receive access to pre-recorded video lectures, asana practices with Michelle, written content, as well as PDF downloads to support your learning experience. 

Personalized Coaching

Unlock your potential with MVP's personalized online courses and trainings. Our expert instructors provide one-on-one guidance, tailored to your unique learning style and goals. Experience a transformative journey with customized content and exceptional results.
Take your learning with you - anywhere, anytime.

Download The
MVP School App

Manage your courses directly from your dashboard and keep your curriculum available for on-the-go learning. 
  • A button to download the MVP School App from the App Store
  • A button to download the MVP School App from the Google Store

Get Started Now!

Make your inbox happy!

Join our newsletter to get yoga tips, upcoming retreats, workshops, and more.
Thank you!