There are many schools and systems for practicing Ashtanga yoga that have evolved, but many of these systems have postural and breath or meditation practices at their heart.
Ashtanga yoga is one of these systems of Hatha yoga that synchronises breath and movement in a flowing sequence of asanas (postures). Each asana has a unique choreographed number of movements into and out of it. When practised regularly, it can help to develop strength, flexibility, stamina and help to cultivate an all-round feeling of well being and a still and focussed mind.
Asanas are linked in a sequence with each held for a number of breaths (typically 5) breaths before transitioning through a specific series of movements to the next pose.