Ashtanga yoga is traditionally taught in the Mysore style- with individual instruction and assists in a group setting, at the student’s own pace. Students can join a Mysore practice at any time while the space is open (just make sure you leave enough time to finish your practice).
You aren’t expected to know anything about yoga or Ashtanga to join a Mysore practice; the instructor will work with you individually and gradually teach you poses as you’re ready. The instructor is also there to help answer any questions and provide assists to enter or deepen poses.
We strongly recommend if you are going to start, commit to doing several weeks of it consistently Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings. Otherwise, if there is too much time between practices, you will start to forget what you learned last time. This class also requires pre-registration.
FAQs:
Do I need to know the sequence of poses?
You aren’t expected to know anything about Ashtanga (or yoga) to come practice, that’s what you’re here to learn. The instructor will work with you individually and teach you everything you need to know.
How long do I need for my first class?
If you are brand new to Ashtanga, give yourself an hour to practice. This will give you enough time to break some new postures down to start your Ashtanga practice, and leave time for questions.
If it’s not led by a teacher, how do you know what to do?
Students work with the instructor to learn the sequence of postures in small increments, so they can feel comfortable practicing what they’ve learned on their own. If students have any questions or need any help or review, a teacher is always available.
How often should I practice Ashtanga?
If you’re beginning an Ashtanga practice, it’s recommended to practice at least 2-3 times per week, and it’s highly recommended to practice on your own even if you aren’t able to come to the studio. A consistent practice is important in Ashtanga because it helps safely train the body to enter postures, and makes memorization of the sequence easier through repetition. Eventually, experienced Ashtanga yogis often practice 6 times per week, which is a traditional practice schedule.
Can I modify?
The Ashtanga practice is very personal and adaptable. If there is a posture that isn’t compatible with your body for whatever reason, whether due to injury, illness, or physiology, you can work with the instructor to find a modification that works for you, and still capture the essence of the pose in your practice.