Written by Maxine Gibbon

Keen to elevate your yoga practice?

Does the sound of a modified version of Ashtanga postures appeal to you?

Rocket Yoga is fast-paced, challenging, and sweat-inducing but more so, it’s a fun, quick burst of energy that leaves you feeling invigorated and empowered. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a curious newbie, Rocket Yoga offers something special.

so, What Is Rocket Yoga?

Also known as “The Rocket,” this dynamic and energetic style of yoga evolved from the Ashtanga Vinyasa tradition. Rocket Yoga was the unique creation of Larry Schultz, an influential American yoga teacher who trained under Pattabhi Jois. With an unconventional approach, he believed that yoga should be adaptable and later developed the Rocket Yoga sequences during the 1980s. Larry's vibrant personality and desire to make yoga accessible to all led to the birth of Rocket Yoga.

Combining traditional Ashtanga yoga with elements of creative vinyasa yoga flow, Rocket Yoga is made up of three sequences based on the series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. There is a great emphasis on arm balances and inversions, learning to master poses like Crow, Handstand, and Headstand with confidence.

The term "Rocket Yoga" has an interesting origin — while Larry was touring with the band, The Grateful Dead, he began teaching them these newly-developed yoga sequences. Impressed by the sequence, one of the guitar players Bob Weir named it "The Rocket" because it “gets you there faster”, propelling you to your yoga goals faster.

Rocket Yoga has a wide range of benefits for both the body and mind. Strengthening the upper body, improving overall flexibility, and increasing physical endurance, Rocket Yoga also improves your balance and increases your consciousness. With dedicated practice, you can expect improved cardiovascular health, increased energy levels, better mental clarity, and a release of bodily tension.

The change and freedom in a yoga practice that Rocket Yoga promotes, also builds confidence - with no strict attitudes or restrictions, students are encouraged to find comfort within themselves and make the practice their own. 

What is the Difference Between Ashtanga Yoga and Rocket Yoga?

Rocket Yoga is a more accessible and playful version of Ashtanga. Offering more flexibility in sequencing, encouraging modifications and the use of props, and exuding a lively energy accompanied by music, it’s a celebration of yoga that feels less regimented.

Rocket Yoga was rebelliously created to break free from the limitations of Ashtanga yoga and make it accessible to everyone, including beginners. Larry Schulz also went so far as to add creativity and humour into the sequences, ending up with a practice that’s physically challenging and incredibly fun at the same time. While Ashtanga yoga is all about working from the place you are now, Rocket yoga is about working from the place of possibility. They share the same postures, but Rocket yoga is more about letting go of perfecting the postures, and embracing the freedom to play and explore. For those who find Ashtanga Yoga too difficult, Rocket Yoga is a great alternative.

The Rocket Yoga Sequence

One of the unique aspects of Rocket Yoga is its creative sequencing. Divided into 3 main series – Rocket I, Rocket II and Rocket III, each series builds upon the previous one, so you can start wherever you feel comfortable and work up to the advanced poses. The sequences are designed to help you progress through the practice at your own pace while maintaining a vigorous flow. Rocket 1 focuses on hip openers, forward bends and core strength, with the goal to establish a strong foundation. Rocket II focuses on backbend techniques and spinal twists of seated poses, deepening the connection between body, breath and mind. Rocket III brings together the poses of Rocket I and Rocket II, including all the twists, folds, and balances to help you build strength and flexibility and push your limits.

Images from www.allyogatraining.com/rocket-yoga

are you wondering whether rocket yoga is for beginners?

Absolutely! Aimed at being inclusive and suitable for all levels, Rocket Series 1 is a great choice for beginners. Students have the freedom to make sequences and transitions more challenging, and at the same time always have the option to adapt postures or skip them out completely. Rocket is all about moving and breathing with awareness which is beneficial and suitable for everyone.

Rocket Yoga is your ticket to a more flexible, energized, and invigorated self, whether it’s your first time practicing yoga or you have years of yoga experience. Exploring this new way our encouraging play in class and softening the ego, will enhance your mind, body, and spirit.

Rocket Yoga Near Me: If you’re in Cape Town, book a Rocket Yoga class at the boutique studio, Rocketown in Durbanville.