Astanga Vinyasa Yoga was born in Mysore, India, in the early part of the Twentieth Century. Some say it's roots stretch back for thousands of years. But whether Pattabhi Jois and Krishnamacharya found an ancient manuscript in the library of the Mysore Palace, or whether they pieced together a series of poses and connecting movements from a deep knowledge of ancient yoga practice and the movements of Indian gymnasts is not important.
Astanga Vinyasa Yoga certainly has gymnastic aspects to it. The graceful jump-through, the floating backbends, the power of Primary Series. But it is far more than this.
The real heart of Astanga is the Vinyasa. Meaning "breath-connected movement" Vinyasa is the idea of uniting the breath to the way we move through the practice. Every movement is connected either to inhalation or exhalation, depending upon its nature.
Each pose, then, flows into the next, allowing a continuous rhythmic movement, and that is what gives Astanga it's strength.
This constant movement, teamed with the fiery nature of the specific breathing method of Astanga, creates an intense sweat, and helps to loosen up muscles, preparing them for the deep stretches ahead.
Another fundamental aspect of Astanga is its sequential ordering of poses. We begin with a warm up, move through the powerful standing series, where simple poses awaken the body, and find our way through the increasingly more advanced primary series. Finishing with the restorative closing sequence gives the body a chance to slow down and accept the practice.
Of course, there is always somewhere else to go, and if the primary series becomes too simple (a funny idea, it takes years just to get through it all!) there are five more series beyond it. I'm still working on second.