Ashtanga actually means 'eight-Limbed yoga'. It comes from a 2,000 year old sanskrit text which is known as the yoga sutras of Patanjali. Patanjali was one of the first yogis to share this insight.

The eight limbs are a way a true yogi should live their life if they want to reach enlightenment. It can take many years of practice to reach the 8th limb.

1st Limb. Yama: Social Conduct. Non violence, truthfulness, non greed, balanced sex life

2nd Limb. Niyama: Individual conduct. Cleanliness, contentment, awareness

3rd Limb. Asana: Posture. The practice of yoga itself, exercise

4th Limb. Pranayama: Breath control.

5th Limb. Pratyahara: Withdrawal of the senses from sense objects, detatchment

6th Limb. Dharana: Concentration, focusing on one particular point

7th Limb. Dhyana: Meditation

8th Limb. Samadhi: The superconscious state. Self realization, super natural powers 

The benefits of yoga are endless. Some of which include:

Increased flexibility

Stronger, more toned body

Reduced stress

Peaceful and focused state of mind

Higher energy levels