In my final year of university I fancied myself as rather good at Hatha Yoga. However since losing interest due to the slow pace of the class, plus four years of office work, my flexibility and strength weren't as they used to be!! Five months ago I thought I would test out Astanga and have been practising regularly since.
Astanga links together poses, with controlled breath, in order to generate body heat through increased circulation and sweat out toxins from the body. It really works on my upper body strength and endurance. I'm also of the belief that it has helped with my posture, as I used to have lots of aches in my back and shoulders.
Each class consists of sun salutations, the warrior sequence and various combinations of Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A, B, C, or D - usually dependent on if the class is full of our 'regulars' or there are more beginners.
My teacher (also a Marion!) has a website: http://www.sunriseyoga-pilates.co.uk/