Breath and Bandhas | How To Find Inner Strength In Your Yoga Practice

In this tutorial we talk about the energetic locks known as Bandhas and how to approach them to obtain deeper strength and grace in the practice of Ashtanga Yoga. We also discuss the importance of breath and how to correctly breathe during your practice.
Want to see more tutorials like this? Check out our other videos for more. Want tips on a pose that you don't see in our library? Let us know in the comments and we'll make a tutorial for it!
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Disclaimer: David & Jelena Yoga LLC strongly recommends that you consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program. You should be in good physical condition and be able to participate in the exercise. You should understand that when participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge

[@gypsy696]

Hello from India… I watched so many Indian yoga tutorials for the bandhas and hate to say it, a western guy/girl explained it so much better for a beginner. Thank you🙏 One thing missing is bandhas are to be done after a full inhale and exhale (empty lung).

[@user-fu3rb5cx4r]

Love how you two work well together … David takes it to the edge 😅and Jelena keeps focussed .. love you two and the balance between you 🙏🏼

[@krisgi00710]

You guys give me peace. I watch your videos to clear my mind of negative things.

[@jacquelinesullivan1233]

Bandas and breathing are the core of the practice It takes awhile to understand this but when you do you understand that much of the work is internal Amazing really Thank you Great as always 😊

[@user-ry4qj3hf5k]

I'm subscibed! I like! I love!

[@geetanjaliohri7613]

Thanks for great content. Pls recommend the best reads for understanding and embodying ‘yoga sutras’🙏

[@timothycliffe3061]

Wonderful!! The door which was until now, only slightly ajar is now fully opened ! 🙏

[@marinamajinski]

Best teachers in the world! 💙🙏

[@annelachaux1165]

This is so clear, so well detailed that it seems I never heard this before. Thank you both 🙏❤️

[@JennyKao-tq8zi]

The lake example is so spot on!

[@RAHHicecream]

I love this bc you guys are so trustworthy and knowledgeable and so good at what you do. But you’re able to talk about this in a chill way and not weird and overly serious. Thanks for this video lol

[@mebsmommy]

Certainly not TMI - thank you for being so transparent and willing to ‘go there’ for us for the benefit of learning ❤

[@andreanicholson-ru4dm]

Very helpful explanation thank you

[@jennifermonroy9127]

I wish your channel to continue to grow ❤ your work is a treasure

[@shymaid5680]

Thank you for explaining the bandhas in such an upfront way. It's difficult to it properly and be understood if you shy away from the anatomy of the area, so I don't consider it a TMI topic at all. It's definitely an area I struggle with, so thank you also for pointing out that it takes time to engage them consistently. In certain asanas and transitions, there's so many things to keep in mind at the same time that I keep losing the engagement in different parts. It is getting easier as I focus on it more consistently, though, so one day I'll manage it! So far I've found Downward facing Dog a good place to practice keeping the bandhas over time when we hold for 5 breaths.

[@cassidyv6355]

totally not tmi!!! i wish more practitioners actually walked students through this as specifically!! thank you!

[@smarthalleck3233]

We’ve all heard the term: No coffee No Prana or something like that Q: Do you drink coffee? How much? When? Your thoughts Love, love, love your stuff Keep up the good work

[@martaberk9615]

Yes they drink coffee. They talk about it in their “what we eat” video.

[@vcb7237]

Very challenging area for a home practitioner like me. Such good work guys! Thank you very much for this 🙏🙏🙏

[@evgeniaefimova7233]

Thank you! I was so confused with weird explanations from different resources, now I know the way. Hope one day I will be your student.

[@nataliamontoya6707]

❤ thanks for sharing

[@jenjen5822]

This is great thank you

[@nathalielamirande4206]

The dog😍😍😍

[@pudd1ncat]

I know😍

[@milapopovich6819]

Amazing explanations: Breathe and movement and bandas! Simple and clear! Thanks 🤩

[@rigo.garcia]

Great explanation

[@alli_bartlett]

Love that pup! And seeing you as a couple teaching together. My husband and I both love following along

[@A.P2]

You guys are the cutest 💚 thank you for sharing so much knowledge .

[@MyriamDiJi]

AWESOME the explanation about how to work on parts of our body that we can't see, only feel.

[@laurenturnbaugh1377]

Thank you so much this is exactly what I was looking for

[@jannytang2536]

Thank you for the clear explanation of Bandhas, the intangible but very important element in Ashtanga Vinyasa practice.

[@ArunSharma-um5qh]

Great learning. Cobra pose is a typical example of mool bandha, without mool bandha cobra pose can't be performed. Thank you for ur great teachings

[@carlamariabernardino]

Another Amazing tutorial Jelena and David and puppy even if he's sleeping😃❤️

[@CurlyEm]

You never fail with a complete lesson. I am so grateful I came across your courses online they are phenomenal. I know this is mundane perhaps but could you cover (maybe if you have time) the sliding of the feet when going from chattarunga to urdhva muka svanasana .... I personally have hesitation bc I feel I’m going to break my toes and I feel that the transition is not as fluid when I pause to flip my feet.. thanks again💛🌼

[@xavierlefort8209]

Merci

[@socabadier8646]

I love your videos I

[@lauriesauth5186]

The most clearly articulated explanation of this important aspect of our practice that I have ever heard. Again, 🙏🏻❣️

[@marionsnowdon6070]

I’d really like to bring more conscious breathing into my practice. This is great for me! I’ll be going through your videos to discover more. Thanks !

[@gunjan10]

You both are incredible ❤ so grateful to have your teachings. Thank you so much!

[@pudd1ncat]

🤣🥰 i love your videos so much here in the US, I had no idea about the bandhas, what it meant, what to focus on..... love that you bring honesty , realness and humor to what is a practice that should bring joy and happiness. thank you so much. I have watched every single one of your tutorial videos. I will never forget the `finger gesture` either. 🙂

[@kristendawson273]

Such a great lesson about the breath. Thank you! 🙏🙏

[@shyamrajsampath]

When are guys coming to Mysore, I would love to come and say hi.

[@SharoFlores85]

David! You have the best examples ever!! I don't have a junk, but I was able to imagine how I would do it if I have one haha Jelena, thanks for all the explanation of the exercises to feel and strengthen these muscles , to then activate them. I love this topic!! It's going to make a big difference in my practice! I look forward for the next video where you put together the bandhas and movement🙏🏻♥️

[@cathyburnett7828]

Best explanation of bandhas and breath. Thank you!

[@annetteseepe9518]

Thank you. This was new information for me and very helpful. My Yoga teacher would never talk about it. Definitely too intimate 😁

[@GodhumaWellness]

you two are so lovely! been watching your content in IG too and very informative and i learned a lot, it help my practice and my teaching! please keep teaching us worldwide David and Jelena, Namaste from Indonesia

[@coolduedrops9848]

Great teachers! Tnq so much for your service 🙏🙏 I do have a request and that is to come up with simple must do-es to achieve a particular posture or in other words, a routine or a sequence to achieve a particular posture, say for eg sirasasna, for beginners

[@mikemoore5592]

❤you guys are excellent communicators....thank you!

[@lorenaanchia1038]

You are amazing! Thank you for sharing 🙏🏻

[@tamararomic9643]

I am very grateful for this video. Thank you 🧡💚💙

[@Krilsson68]

Thanks! I'tried to read up on Bandas this was so much easier to follow and understand

[@bellelove3892]

Thank you so much for this informative video! Now I will be more aware of my breathing and bandhas during my practice. You are amazing!

[@huashuaishen7687]

The dog is so cute，just like your two teachers

[@ShileiZ]

This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@rachnabagri1874]

Again...good explanation about the bandas.😊

[@ceciliaboldrini5134]

Dear David and Jelena thank you very much for this new video, so precious and useful for me and l think for everybody! You are so good and intelligent persons and l appreciate you so much. I hope to see one video about bandhas during jumping back and forwards .GOD BLESS YOU. Cecilia

[@runeemrick]

Difficult subject to cover, I know. Great explanation, and tutorial. Thanks !

[@RanaYogaVibes]

Thank you so much for clarifying such a subtle subject in such simple terms and descriptions. Activating bandhas is really a Mindfulness practice as Jelena says and i feel lighter and less exhausted when i can diye into my bandhas.🎉

[@Sachindhoundiyal02]

I really love your way of expressing your knowledge ....

[@isazarim]

¡Muchas gracias por el conocimiento que comparten! Thanks💚

[@adalineproulx9773]

I did the last video inverted pike to sitting pike legs straight and apart!!

[@saraswathyvenkatachalam5232]

Thank you , such a difficult topic so well explained. Request a Mari D tutorial please.

[@georgiasmythe2988]

YAY I requested this video! so helpful, thank you!!

[@martina8736]

This was awesome guys, thanks! 🙏 If you ever want to do a follow-up with more in-depth info, it would be great!!!

[@ludmilafiore7305]

You're amazing! thank you so much 🙏💛

[@sarah-2633]

Thank you 🙏 I am not yet able to move through vinyasas and asana with the active bandhas, but the way I understand it after watching this makes it feel a little less stiff and adds some gentleness, so I will try it with more softness in my practice.

[@karenskelly7454]

Great tutorial…thanks for sharing! 🙏

[@shivarezaei798]

Thanks for sharing! It's very helpful 🙏

[@govindannairramachandran5890]

Sirs, very much useful. Thanks.

[@nhinhin]

Love you two ❤️ great lessons!

[@mariola_love9194]

You guy both do awsome work ! I love all your tutorials it’s a big help thank you 😊❤

[@user-zk6eq4we2y]

It was amazing, thanks for sharing🌹

[@dianaflorentinabutnaru6283]

You guys are so inspirational ❤

[@MindfulFrequency]

Lol I love the way you asked us to sub. New sub here. You two are great💖

[@teresatowle7165]

You 2 are so cute and your videos are great 🙏❤️

[@yogaonyourtime]

Love y'all's videos! very inspiring.

[@MofolusadeSonaike]

I appreciate your videos. Thank you for taking time to break things down

[@kq6165]

I just want to hug the puppie 😅 gracias por la información.

[@marysuemcc]

i always learn so much from you both...thank you

[@PaulSmith-bl9zg]

Love these tutorials!! So helpful and informative…. Thankyou

[@user-eg9ds5dy9p]

Thank you!!! That was really helpful!! I have an issue with parsvottanasana and ardha baddha padmottanasana. I did hurt one of my shoulder badly lately, I'm going to practice now, slowly, trying to feel more where I'm wrong and what's happening. Do you think that one day maybe you could give some little tips about how to enter the pose properly to reduce the risk of hurting shoulders? Thanks a lot for all those videos!! It's a huge help! Anna.

[@user-hp1of1po4c]

🙏

[@sahasrayoga8264]

Wonderful session. Thanks

[@liks472]

Hvala vam ❤

[@luisaperezgarbi8763]

Hola! Gracias, muy buena enseñanza❤, me encantan! Qué opinión tienen del libro "Pranayama. La dinámica del aliento", de André Van Lysebeth?

[@synaptic84]

thank you!🙏

[@saysmol6282]

i love your videos thank you so much

[@YogaWithDenaMarie]

THANK YOU!! Could you do a video on Upekkha too 🙏🏽

[@MariaGala]

Trato de entenderles, ya que no hablo inglés 😢 sin embargo me gusta mucho sus clases, correcciones y la energía. Observó y observó como hacen las posturas, y aplicó las correcciones. No estoy avanzada en yoga, y ejecutó las posturas li mejor que puedo, sin embargo mi duda es....¿ Podré hacer la postura de maridhasana B? Mi rodilla no baja😢

[@anniepepperyoga832]

Wow I thought we used Jalandhara bandha in some of the closing asanas like salamba Sarvangasana

[@zenashtangi]

Thanks🙏👌

[@anitamillonig5968]

Thank you! I have a question: do you do it continually while practicing? And press and release with your breath?

[@jahanein]

For me the most insightful info was when you talked about breathing with the upper chest part, not the lower belly, pushing the breath up in Ashtanga Yoga

[@thedogsbusiness4822]

Thankyou ..I just have a question ..when do you do band as ..throughout your practice ??

[@swarupamyoga1506]

Are we do ujjayi breath during practice?

[@jacodelangevandyk]

hello

[@aegeantang4222]

I wonder if all poses need to use bandhas? Seems no poses I can stay relax except the finishing asana ... do we need to hold the bandhas in each pose?

[@abrahamhempel9260]

I noticed that contraction of the bandhas you speak of relates with the breath control in asana practice- exhale release/inhale tighten. Is it proper to do that? I have just noticed it after this video, also I have never worked with bandhas.

[@sk8andrea684]

🧘‍♂🙏

[@smarthalleck3233]

You just answered my question about coffee in this video 🤡

[@melissaa.8547]

The balancing sequence is a source of great disappointment and frustration for me…can you do a step by step of it?

[@broccolipropaganda]

My pelvic floor therapist (after I gave birth) told me to imagine as if I am trying to hold a fart, or imagine having to suck in a blueberry inside. The fart association is quite useful I think. We all know how to try to hold it in. The difficulty is not to engage other muscles while doing it. The lower belly roll is very challenging. I have been trying to engage it without engaging my abs and it’s difficult. Takes lots of practice