David Swenson Ashtanga Yoga

[chappellwestlake]

ThX to David Swenson for so much inspiration and knowledge!

[Brady2k10]

man i wish i could do this.. i wanna be as good as this guy, imagine being able to do this every morning when you wake up you'd feel amazing for the rest of the day

[happymeltedcity]

I wonder how much of it is learnt through yoga and how much is just natural talent.

[JongaLife]

@happymeltedcity you learn plenty from yoga.

[pseudoyogi]

@happymeltedcity what's the difference my friend?

[michalnajman]

takové trosku cirkusove cislo.. :(

[Jananananana]

@michalnajman it's a little distasteful calling ashtanga a circus act

[michalnajman]

@Jananananana I do agree to that, but what is shown here is more circus act than pure ashtanga, isn't it? Do not get me wrong - I admire mr Swenson for what he does and what he did for Ashtanga yoga, but I just do not like this particular show ..

[Brady2k10]

@michalnajman hes doing it fast because hes being watched he cant stand there for minutes holding one pose can he they'd get bored

[unzlowhanau]

Damn!

[Autostrada111]

Mr. Swenson got that grant by the MInistry Of Silly Walking

[raluca152002]

Amazing! Such power and concentration!

[TigerKurdish]

that need lots of power, flexibility and balance!

[AikenMoennig]

Those people that hit dislike are jealous

[suryatskone]

the 12 year old kid next to my house (india) can do these postures with more perfection than David Swenson

[thepowerofshaolin]

What you don't get to see is he got stuck in that last pose and had to be carried home

[dirt3]

gay means happy. homosexual is the word you want to use. intense sequence. doubt many people can do it. reckon dhalsim from street fighter would do better!

[hochst007]

the gayest thing i have ever seen

[gordiam]

@hochst007 ahahah just because you'll never do that it doesn't mean it's gay. I know many straight guys doing that. Your ignorance is pathetic.

[AikenMoennig]

@hochst007 Then why the fuck are you watching? You must be gay yourself.

[akopacheva]

@hochst007 The most stupid comment i`ve ever read!

[smoothgoomer]

Impressive... most impressive.

[ShaolinViolin]

elastic man?

[camelia767]

Don't mess with the Zohan !

[healthnut4life48]

Looking for a great yoga mat?

SelfTrainerMat. com

[quackquackmehhhh]

while this is amazing to watch, the last half sounds like it was shot by darth vader. what's with all the heavy breathing?

[smoothgoomer]

@quackquackmehhhh This is an inTENSE physical routine. Trying running for 20 minutes fulltilt, and keep your breathing light and easy, and you'll get the picture.

[Vuvuzelation]

GAY!

[kiaganga]

if this man ran 100m his joints would soud like a babies rattle shook in anger!!!this yoga has no use in daly life just ego.

[geishasecrets]

@kiaganga on the contrary. Yoga has been a stress reliever from my daily grind; ego and competition are diametrically opposed from yoga.

[ybyainc]

@kiaganga What the crap kinda stupid shit is that to say? "No use in daily life" ???? You have no idea what your talking about. Your stupidity is profound.

[kiaganga]

@ybyainc raaas!i am tantric yogi in manalli many years,this man just wants your money for vid +celebrity my yoga is for slammin puss ! thats why i say not in daily life bom shankar

[ybyainc]

@kiaganga Haha.. you are a Yogi who feels the need to point out that someone is not as spiritual as you are.. perhaps you have mastered different aspects of yoga, but for you to be going around nitpicking others in this manner shows that you are no master, just another person in pursuit of perfection. The fact that this man is making money only increases his ability to share yogic knowledge.

[samaz2u]

This looks like it was filmed in Korea.

[TheKaryobin]

Stunned at all the hateful comments here. To try to clear things up a bit:

David Swenson is a yoga *teacher*. When he is booked to do a seminar, people *pay* to learn from him. At some point during the seminar he will demonstrate, as this is what his PAYING STUDENTS expect of him. It is part of what they have paid for.

Would you prefer he declined to demonstrate?

All your 'rock star', 'jesus' and 'showing off' comments simply reflect your own jealousies. Grow up.

[7Mefisto]

David Swenson is a myth . He was bit by a snake of his right testicle and recovered fully by doing yoga. Saliva treatment he used to call it

[alalalana]

I see what everyone means, here, because the poses he is getting into is almost supernatural. it seems like to perform something so seemingly, almost, impossible, one may have to carry a big ego. but perhaps this is his challenge. Perhaps the physicallness is no longer it, and he is moving into this. Perhpas there is something to be hurdled when you are a teacher & all eyes are on you. I consider that maybe he's not showing off, he's just showing.

[brunobartu]

thanks for sharing!

[crimn]

what is he a rock star with all the cameras?, and what's with everyone watching

like they are looking at jesus??

[8888janny]

Breathetakingly beautiful!

[kyndrasueleon]

does David Swenson have any instrutional dvd's?

[Jolanda27]

It's not about the speed. This man is a guru ad I really don't like that he is showing off in this video. Is this what yoga is about? No, I don't think so.

[ALETHEIA8881]

that's amazing control 

[artemis942]

how annoying these people taking pictures....

[JuicemanBill]

@artemis942

Calm your mind. Let it go.

[ktnow88]

Thanks for sharing. Helps so many things make sense. Now I can see how the flow ties together eventually and balances.

[keeplarge]

i would love to be able to do that man... excellent :-)

[LibbyFiddlehead]

Sometimes I have a hard time just touching my toes!

[D4MVP]

DAVID:

What is this, David?

[papatooth1]

its fun to watch these kind of video's. look up kino macgregor shes just as inspiring

[motleyfitness]

Thanks David. Impressive.

[pramitayoga]

His real presence was full of humility, fun and humor. You can feel a innocent heart of a child from this yogi.

[ichdenkesonstichbin]

of course the video is brilliant. But practice is not a show. The fact that he allowed people to take photos on the side indicates that he agrees that yoga IS a performance. It's very different from my idea of what yoga is about.

[amoeboy]

@ichdenkesonstichbin nah, you over-analyzed.

[MrD5147]

hello Ich,

Unfortunately the majority of the world requires some form of economic payment. If someone contributes to better humanity, why shouldn't that person have his/her needs met, and judging from my experience with respected teachers, they seem to invest large sums of money into ways to enhance humanity. Bravo to David and all the others who make money by adding value to humanity. Regards, MrD =)

[Inna1976]

wow.

[Sooftah]

the leg behind the back must be a treasure in the sack.

[yumiko0017]

amazing!!! lots of practice!!!

[obsidianmeteorite]

does anyone know what series that is? could that be 4th?

[Israfel88]

It´s just a selection of various asanas from different series.

[bascule666]

Wow! Absolutely inspired now!

Helen x

[YaelBerman]

Hi dynastychick3! I read in this post that you have knee problems but that the pain went away with yoga. I have Chondromalacia Patella (Patellofemoral Syndrome) and I was wondering if that was your problem too. I´ve been looking for physical activities that wouldn´t hurt my knees and I was afraid yoga couldn´t be one of them. May I ask you what kind of yoga are you doing? Thank you very much!

[maikuumai]

i have a question: any of you does yoga, what kind of sports do you do besides that?

i mean, i'd like to know what is yoga good for?

anyone care sharing?

thanks in advance for any responses, i'm really curious and eager to know;). thnxs.

[kobudofighter34]

yes i started doing ashtanga yoga for jujutsu and boxing its helped me out a lot i think everyone no moatter what you do should do yoga

[JPJeppe]

it's pretty much good for everything. I even find regular everyday walking gets a benefit when you realize how just a tiny change in how you engage certain muscles in your core affects your balance/posture.

I also go to the gym and the focus on breathing helps alot. Also, using the locks helps you protect the lower back in certain heavy lifts..

[dynastychick3]

I'm a runner who was had knee issues that would prevent me from running at times. Yoga has completely eliminated any knee pain. It's miraculous.

[crebegea]

That's exactly what's wrong with this video. Yoga is not a sport. It helps you improve life in all aspects and ultimately it is a spiritual discipline. It's goal goes beyond physical and social to the discovering of the true self nature. In conclusion, it's good to do it almost any way (on the condition that you don't cripple yourself by forcing yourself) and best to find a real yoga teacher that is capable of guiding you through the windings of the spiritual path.

[MrD5147]

Hello Cre,

I find it challenging to judge myself, sometimes I see others and feel what they do is not what I find favorable, but I am in no place to judge another, especially someone who is light years beyond my meager level. Everyone has a place and a purpose, without teachers in society, the teachers hidden in the mountains would be much more challenged, and sometimes society can help to attain, check out the Hesse book Siddhartha. Regards, MrD =)

[TheSonicchick]

@crebegea You are obviously not familar with astanga yoga. Yes, yoga is not about perfect physical form, but through repetition and commitment you cannot help but achieve this level of physical control after more than 30 years of practice. All in all the objective is the same as any other yoga practice to go beyond our physical limitations to develop deeper awareness and inner peace.

Shanti~

[maikuumai]

slowmotion gymnastics:PP the dark side though, that no tricks and jumps in yoga. that's why i don't like it, it doesnt give you strength or movement. i think it's a waste of time. ...or maybe my body isnt just made for this kind of thing?

[1TSGOOD]

What do you mean? Are you saying he doesn't look strong och agile to you lol

[dynastychick3]

It's actually improved my strength in both my arms, legs and abs for sure. You can do poses that focus on strength and they work, trust me!

[GwenGH]

Awesome.

[thetruth786110]

is this cgi or is this real? Because if this is possible. I want to do it

[lvpdesign]

It's very real and very possible. It take a lot of work and practice.

[putengesicht]

unbelievable. admirable. a source of inspiration and motivation for each yogi.

[currucaful]

excelente. me gustaria llegar a ese nivel

[MountainQueen]

Wow, just amazing!

[yogijb]

Bravo. A total master and a credit to Sri Pattabhi Jois. The good yoga.

[oldtownyoga]

Great vid! Thanks for posting!

[monty87125]

he is THE master, just cant stop watching this video, really talented

[basukarocket]

wow, it's like his body is made out of feather.. Just amazing - that probably takes tym to learn, you must need time, patience and will power..

[LoveForAAR]

what

[hunnybunny21]

this is so bizarre to watch without any background sounds/music/ocean wave noises....

[11ts11]

I thought women could only be this flexible...gives me hope.

[tsunadezama]

he has no fats in his stomach at all!!! holy cow...!!

[karenjmenell]

my ultimate favorite....amazing!!!

[shestudios]

Is he just naturally gifted or can this type of flexibility be achieved with much practice?

This is so cool.

[moshbydefault]

practice & dedication and you will be that good!

[basukarocket]

he's so relaxxed and calm, it's just so nice to watch him ...

[suziesmoothie]

Wow ,,,,amazzing Astanga yoga(:

[Gisellenid]

cybershot sony. thats all what people have there. its a shame that you only hear that. is very distracting. and anoying

[elgin413]

A true adept.

[demoshe2002]

sooo gay!!

[cdzzz92]

cool man .......its nice 2 find a caucasoid following the betrad one secret.....

[wuwoze]

while watching I was worried the noises from the camera would distract him.

[bldohtotall]

relentoloco aburido

[poisonivylullabies]

The flow and efficiency with which he does the asanas is amazing. Before watching this video I didn't even realize how much I miss yoga :<

[BODYPRACTICE]

Any advanced Hatha yoga is going to look alot like and as athletic as some gymnastics. Make no mistake, his breathing 'pranayama' is ALWAYS flowing, mind is connected at all times with his body, and his intent is all yoga! This is a wonderful display of asana mastery!

[yogayogilover]

these looks exercise or body show more than yoga.

[swazi7sista]

Amazing! Imagine how great you must feel after a workout like that!

[dissentISpatriotic]

WOW

[huperill]

the dude looks kind of dangerous, not the most peaceful practicioner

[slimbuttermilk]

David is one of the nicest guys you can meet. And so down to earth, easy going, relaxed and self effacing,...and one of the funniest guys you could ever meet. One of the most renowned living yogis on the planet. "If this is what enlightenment is, ..what a big dissappointment!" DS..LoL..typical tongue in cheek humor at people's misconception of what "ideal" or "enlightenment" is. Try not to take yourself and "Phonies" especially to serious is the message. A lot of illusions still need to be shed.

[ruud76]

He is excellent, and I was surprised how sharp/funny he was, I just expected some over-nice kinda dazed hippy type but he was hilarious. David Williams is the same - lovely guy, and really funny. Great stories, both of them.

[YoDog675]

Practice and all is coming! He is amazing and cute too.

[zyvoukuh]

OMG! wow!

[mvent00]

It proves Darwin's theory of Evolution that Human evolved from monkeys.

[yt432]

According to Darwin, human did not evolve from monkeys: They have a common ancestor.

[mvent00]

you are wrong man..even if you are right, it still proves my point..

[josesilva9910]

Humans didn't evolved from monkeys,we just share the same ancestors.

[annazt11]

how long does it take to come that far?

[pato10141985]

around 10 years

[yt432]

imh that's not the point. Watch that concentration and dedication. That's what counts.

[mrkvamaster]

Some serious dedication involved here...

[aarc18]

years and years and years of practice

[jodi229]

I watch this segment time and again for inspiration. Beautiful & daunting all at once. It was this clip that brought me to the Yoga Conference in TO this past April, which was again, outstanding & an inspiration to us all.

[madhammu]

Haha, I did his Surya Namaskara B exactly like this today.

After about 2.15 he gets a little advanced for me though.

[utdougie]

2:15?

[madhammu]

2:15 on the time scale. When he starts into his hand stands.

[yubnuts]

I'm so sorry but doesn't the soundtrack with all its unintended ambience remind you of amateur porn? No offense of course, I'm a big fan :)

[j0v0c]

Yoga porn, its the best.

[grimmly2007]

thanks for posting, really makes me want to catch one of his workshops next time he's in Europe.

[qix1t]

I've never done yoga before, and I'm really interested in it. But the thing is, I'm definitely not naturally flexible. From the looks of Mr. Swenson, he was probably one of these lucky people to be born with some good flexibility, and used ashtanga to make it superb.

So my question is, do you have to be naturally flexible to do yoga?

Cheers

Chris

[tansturner]

No you dont have to be naturally flexible to start yoga.

It comes to you automatically once you start practicing it.

I am not naturally flexible and I started yoga just some days back.

Initially it was difficult to do it but later it was much easier.

Once you start doing Yoga, It wont be difficult to carry on.

Its very relaxing.

I hope it works for you :)

[aimeesueaase]

i took a workshop from david in march of this year. i am 5'2" and 180+lbs...and far from the cheerleader flexibility i had 18 yrs ago! david completely changed my perspective on my practice. he told us that the inflexible people are the lucky ones, because our practice begins the second we stand on our mat...the flexible people can practice for months/years before they are challenged and not until then does their true practice begin.

yoga is awesome...go for it!!!

[actingup2]

@qix1t No. It's not about how well you do each pose. Everyones body and commitment is different. It is about getting in touch with awareness of your inner spiritual qualities. One first step can be through getting in touch with the midn/body connection.

Flexibility can improve very quickly with practice, and it's fun.

[moonbeam90]

wow listen to his breathing.

[actingup2]

@moonbeam90  That's called ujaya breathing. The sound is made in the throat. It is deliberate and controlled and part of the practice.

[AnnexNuts]

All these Asana look nice and feel great, but let us not forget the first 2 limbs of the Ashtanga Yoga system- Yamas & Niyamas, or, your restraints and committments. Any real Yogi knows that the Yoga one performs off the mat is just as important as asana on the mat. In short-get off the trip that Yoga is about looking good in LuLu lemon pants and get out into the world and HELP PEOPLE. Using Yoga for physical excerise is like trying to crack open a walnut with a nuclear bomb.

[slimbuttermilk]

Hmm...it would be nice to see Bikram Choundrey do this.

[kyrstenr]

Why?

[tjfeen]

I think (could be way off) that slimbuttermilk is alluding to the fact that Bikram doesn't practice. He's too busy being a capitalist.

[kyrstenr]

Oh, didn't get the sarcasm.  I've sarcasm proofed myself somehow. I agree that Bikram has turned yoga in to a capitalist pursuit. I would not put David Swenson in the same league. One cannot do these "physical exercises" that he is doing without observing all the other limbs as well.

[slimbuttermilk]

thanx both of U 4 not responding negatively 2 my negative comment.I'm sorry,& I didn't mean 2 write so negatively. I've just been doing it since 1980, & I guess I was a little jaded in my comment because here, locally, someone was writing an article in a local health publication, & the author was actually a beginner, and was obviously inebriated on Bikram style.The article was so 1-sided, it was written by a neophyte (sadly to teach others about different forms of yoga)Commercialism is key word.

[AngeloJKD]

This is, a best Yoga Teacher in the World ...... Credo che David Swenson, sia uno dei Milgiori, se non il Migliore praticante di Ashtanga Yoga, nel Mondo

[KLTeeple]

Question for all: I've been practicing Power Yoga on and off now for ten years, more on these last 12 months. Specifically Brian Kests Power yoga; I recently ordered all of D. Swenson DVDs and started his practice. I find his practice challenging, technical and fast paced. My question is this: Although I thoroughly enjoy his instruction, the pace for me, seems to be a smidgen to fast - what has been your experience please?

[Ck13sakimitsu]

Hello, I'm new to yoga, but I practice his DVD every day. I made some progress, sometimes it really is too fast, I agree. But I think when u keep practicing and when u hav a proper alignment it will be fine, sure Ashtanga is more challenging than any other yoga and it makes u sweat!!!

[99yoga99]

It depends what you want from your practice. Its cool to flip between poses, but you don't retain the benefit from holding them longer. Sirsasana should be held no less than 5 mins for those adept at the pose to get the circulatory system toned properly. Looks cool to flip around though--impresses chix.

[slimbuttermilk]

It doesn't matter what we accomplish so much as what we experience. The practice is not static, and it's the journey that matters, and the destination is on the ever elusive horizon. . This is just a snapshot of David's practice, years in the making. My experience is just make the practice longer and if your primary in ur home is 3hours vs. the regular 90 mins., then enjoy it twice as long. The practice in a class at first does seem to go fast. But if you want 2 work on own, you can slow it down

[ScottDK]

Nice! Did some reading about him and discovered to my pleasant surprise that his school is not only here in Japan, it's in Tokyo, and it's just down the road from my home. Awesome! see you in class David!

[ScottDK]

Doh, I was wrong!

Overly wishful thinking.

[spammetony77]

lol the DVDs are just as good as the classes!

[bojanayoga6]

you are my inspiration!! thank you, love you!

namaste

[aromamujer]

cool!

[KeepAwayFromHeat]

Great video!!! You sir (the guy in the vid) are true master.

[andinsky]

gracias David

y gracias Antonia por mandarme este video.

Namasté

[rainorshineyogi]

Nice.

I'm immediately, here and now, inspired and going to the mat!

[dude36]

David is great, humble and powerful.  a great yogi.

[ashtangikali]

thanks for this video. he's been to Hong Kong many times but haven't had the chance to go to his workshops.

[lozanochourio]

What series are these exercises from??

They not seem to be from Series 1

[pallidraven]

They are taken from Series 2, perhaps from series 3 as well. Swenson has produced several DVD, one of which shows the postures from Series 2 and 3.

[karandavasana]

And would you believe he's almost 50 years old. I practiced with him last year and he's a very funny guy as well- great sense of humour.

[jimrosmorin]

Da heißt üben, üben, üben ;)

[lemonjus]

what a man...

[mahendraji]

great video. very nice i like it very much . if u have more Swenson's video plz let we see it.