David Swenson’s Ashtanga Short Forms: Powerful Practice in Less Time

In today’s busy world, finding time for a full yoga session can be challenging, but that doesn’t mean your yoga practice has to suffer. David Swenson’s Ashtanga Short Forms offer a brilliant solution: three intelligently designed sequences that deliver the essence of Ashtanga in just 15, 30, or 45 minutes. These routines preserve the core benefits of posture yoga, breathwork, and mindful movement while meeting the realities of modern schedules.

Why Short Forms Matter

Ashtanga is traditionally practiced as a full series, but many practitioners, from beginners to long-time students, appreciate having a shorter option on days when life gets busy. David’s Short Forms maintain the structure, flow, and transformative energy of the yoga practice without requiring 90 minutes on the mat.

They also provide a supportive entry point for those learning yoga positions names, Sanskrit terminology, and sequencing logic. Whether you’re refining alignment or building consistency, these shorter routines make Ashtanga more accessible and sustainable.

The Short Forms Practice Card: A Sleek and Practical Companion

To make these routines even easier to follow, the Short Forms Practice Card presents all three sequences side by side in a clear, beautiful visual layout. It includes:

• Sanskrit yoga positions names for every posture
• A clean visual map of each sequence
• A “Helpful Hints” section for alignment and flow
• A durable sweat-proof laminate finish designed for daily use

The card opens to 16½" × 12½" and folds to 5½" × 6¼", making it portable enough to carry into yoga class, pack in a suitcase, or display in your home space. For anyone exploring posture yoga, this compact guide removes guesswork and keeps your practice grounded and intentional.

Short Forms are especially helpful for anyone who wants their posture yoga practice to be consistent, but not overwhelming. If you practice mostly at home, the visual layout of the sequences gives you something clear to follow without constantly checking a screen. Students who love the 15, 30, or 45-minute Short Form routines can use the card as a steady anchor, seeing the flow and yoga positions names all in one place. Teachers and assistants often keep it nearby as a quick reference while they’re supporting others, and it’s a quiet lifesaver for travelers who want to unroll a mat in a hotel room or unfamiliar studio and still feel held by a familiar, structured practice.