Celebrity yoga guru Sharath Jois - who garnered legions of followers by teaching Ashtanga, the popular style of yoga founded by his grandfather, died in Virginia. The 53-year-old yoga master suffered a heart attack on a hiking trail near Virginia university’s campus in Charlottesville, where he was visiting, his manager said. Jois’s workshops were attended by thousands of disciples seeking a direct experience with the leader of the Ashtanga yoga tradition, which involves a demanding series of postures and dynamic movements.

Ashtanga yoga is widely viewed today as one of the most accessible forms of exercise. Sharat’s grandfather K Pattabhi Jois is credited with pushing Ashtanga yoga to mainstream popularity. Sharath is known for memorializing his legacy with millions of followers across the world, including A-list celebrities like Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow.

One of Ashtanga yoga’s breathing techniques – known as Alternate Nostril Breathing or Nadi Shodhana even reportedly helped former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton cope with the stress of losing the 2016 presidential election against Donald Trump. Understanding heart disease and yoga Heart disease – which includes conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, or arrhythmia affects your body’s ability to handle physical stress. According to experts, while yoga is mostly recommended for its relaxation and stress-relieving benefits, many postures can be too intense for those with heart conditions.