- What is Mysore Style?
- Is the class really three hours?
- How is Mysore Style different from other led Ashtanga classes?
- I don’t have the series memorized, should I still come to a Mysore class?
- Do I have to practice six days a week?
- I’m not flexible, can I still do Yoga?
- I have pre-existing pain and/or injuries, can I still do Yoga?
- What should I wear to class?
- Should I eat or drink before class?
What is Mysore Style?
Mysore is a self-paced class allowing students to receive individualized instruction while learning the traditional Ashtanga practice. Named for Mysore, India, where Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Guruji, first taught the Ashtanga Yoga method to students from all over the world. This living lineage is being carried on by R. Sharath Jois and Saraswathi, and is still being taught to hundreds of students daily. You will learn the Ashtanga Yoga method at your own pace, working with new and challenging poses when your body is ready. This class is appropriate for ALL students, even if you’ve never done yoga before, because you get to move at your own pace under the guidance and support of a qualified instructor.
What’s So Great About Mysore Style?
You can also read 10 Reasons You’ll Love Mysore!!
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Is the class really three hours
No. The class is as long as you need it to be. Your teacher will be in the room during this window, and you come to practice any time within that window. You’ll work with the teacher one-on-one to slowly build your own personal practice. Some people are there for 60 minutes and others are there for 90 or more minutes, it all depends on what you need and what can fit into your schedule on that day. Please let your teacher know if you have limited time on a given day and your teacher will guide you on how to fit your practice into your schedule.
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How is Mysore Style different from other led Ashtanga classes?
Since Mysore Style is a self-paced class, students have the opportunity to move through their practice at their own pace. Students are not limited to the pace and rhythm of a class or an instructor. This provides a unique opportunity for students to streamline the benefits of the yoga practice. Led classes are a necessary part of the Ashtanga Yoga method, because there is a specific pace and rhythm to the practice, and as students we need to be reminded of that occasionally. It’s advised to attend at least 1 led Ashtanga class per week.
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I don’t have the series memorized, should I still come to a Mysore class?
Yes! The Mysore class is where students are meant to learn the series! Your teacher will guide you from the beginning, teaching Surya Namaskara A first and leading each student individually based on their personal needs.
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Do I have to practice six days a week?
In Ashtanga yoga, we traditionally take our yoga practice six days a week, resting only on Saturdays, Moon Days, and lady’s holiday. However, at the beginning this may not be possible. We can slowly build up to a practice of six days a week. At first you might try practicing three times a week. As the body adjusts to the practice, you may slowly start to build up to a practice of six days a week. A six day a week practice is a beautiful experience, the benefits of yoga are able to flood into your heart clearing away patterns of suffering and restoring peace and balance to our lives, but ultimately, our practice needs to support our lives, so practice when you can and the benefits will come.
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I’m not flexible, can I still do Yoga?
YES!!!!! This is why you should do yoga!! Yoga is for all people, and one of the many benefits of a yoga practice is increased flexibility which can lead to less pain, more mobility and increased health throughout the body.
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I have pre-existing pain and/or injuries, can I still do Yoga?
Yes! Yoga is often advised to those dealing with pain or healing from injuries. Please be sure to receive your doctor’s permission to begin any new physical activity when on the path to recovery. And, always tell your yoga teacher if you are experiencing ANY pain or recovering from any injuries, this will help your teacher guide you through a safe yoga practice.
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What should I wear to class?
Wear clothes that allow you to move easily and that you’re comfortable bending over and sitting in. That’s all you need to worry about 🙂
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Should I eat or drink before class?
No. Try not to eat for 2-3 hours before you practice and for at least 45 minutes after practicing. Try to avoid drinking 1 hour prior to and 30 minutes after practice.
