Recent Ashtanga yoga study and some essential Ashtanga resources

The study by Sandra Benavides and Joshua Caballero, “Ashtanga yoga for children and adolescents for weight management and psychological well being,” Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (vol. 15, issue 2, May 2009; 110-114; Abstract: PubMed ) concludes that “Ashtanga yoga may be beneficial as a weight loss strategy in a predominately Hispanic population.” The article mentions that the participants did a modified Ashtanga yoga sequence lasting approximately 1 h and 15 min, three days a week for 12 weeks. For those interested in learning more about Ashtanga yoga, there are now dozens of excellent books and DVDs available. YMN Daily recommends two sources that offer a expert overview and introduction to this strenuous yoga: David Swenson's Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual, an Illustrated Guide to Personal Practice (2 ed. 2007); and his DVDs, most especially, his First Series, the Short Forms, and the Second and Third Series DVDs. Also, Ashtanga Yoga: Practice and Philosophy (2007) by Gregor Maehle serves as an essential reference guide and practice manual to the positions and the philosophy - a book of interest to those new to Ashtanga as well as those who have been decades-long practitioners.