Once believed to be the culprit of distraction in our daily Yoga practice, the old adage “please switch off your cell phone” no longer applies.   Recent developments in smartphone applications have changed the way we feel about our mobiles.  There are now over 25 million iPhone users in the English-speaking world alone, with 400 different Yoga applications available from the iTunes App Store, and both of these numbers are only expected to grow.

This is great news for the new breed of Yoga practitioner that is just as busy with work and family, as they are with maintaining a healthy mind and body.  Beginner and advanced practitioners alike are simply setting their devices down beside their mat, and following along to a guided practice.  It is happening in homes, offices, hotel rooms and everywhere else imaginable around the world.

The latest and greatest to hit this virtual scene is Ashtanga Yoga with Michael Gannon (www.ashtangayogaapp.com) , the first Ashtanga Yoga App for Apple iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch devices.  In conjunction with innovative technology company Naked Buddha (www.nakedbuddha.org), world Yoga teacher Michael Gannon (www.michaelgannonyoga.com) has challenged the idea of how people are practicing Yoga.  Some traditionalists may not be quick to approve, but this is NOT just another Yoga application for your device.  In its first month after its worldwide release, almost 1,000 users in 20 countries have already sprung for the US$2.99 app, submitting 5-star reviews.  It has already received the highest (5-star) rating possible on the Apple App Store, is currently the #1 rated Ashtanga app and is in the top 10%of all genre Yoga apps worldwide.

Version 1.0 of the Ashtanga Yoga App includes videos teaching the key principles, easy to follow descriptions and high quality images of all postures.  There are two guided practice functions of the complete primary series, for both beginner and intermediate users.

Gannon shares his idea of the most impactful part of this new application: “We have eliminated the excuse, ‘I don’t have time to get to class today!’ Anywhere, for any amount of time, you can do your Yoga practice.”

iTunes App Store Review SAMPLE:

“I have been practicing Yoga for over 10 years, and Ashtanga Yoga for around 4 years, and have been lucky enough to study with some of the best teachers in the world.  However, until this point there has simply not been a Yoga app that matched my expectations or experience in a class, and especially not an Ashtanga App.  As a result I’m extremely happy to finally download this and see the impressive quality of the product.  The design is fantastic, and Michael’s guidance is both soothing and challenging (in all the right ways!).  I can’t quite believe this is a few dollars/pounds, incredible value, thank you so much.  Namaste.”

About Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga means ‘eight limbs’ and is described by the great Indian sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, written 2,300 years ago, as the 8-step path to true Yoga (union of body, mind & soul).  By practicing correct Vinyasa (breathing movement system), the body produces an intense internal heat and purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs.  The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind.

Ashtanga Yoga practitioners include Madonna, Sting and Willem DaFoe. Ashtanga Yoga is so popular because it combines a dynamic form of exercise, with a powerful detoxing and purifying effect, which also has major benefits for calming and balancing the nervous system.

About Naked Buddha

Naked Buddha is a London-based technology company founded in 2010 by Tim Bichara and Alex Howard.  It brings together the team behind top Apps such as Top Gear and Dr Who for the BBC, and The Optimum Health Clinic, one of the world’s leading integrative medicine clinics, with patients in over 35 countries.

Apple, iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch are registered trademarks ™ ® Apple Computer, Inc.

Shanti Out,