FAQ

Often times this class is called ‘Mysore Style.’ This class is a self-paced experience, allowing students to receive individualized instruction while learning the traditional Ashtanga practice. 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.

Since Ashtanga (self-practice) 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.

Yep, ashtanga yoga has always been a system which was meant to meet students where they are (with all that can mean). It is unfortunate that ideology and limitations of some teachers have shaped our understanding of Ashtanga yoga as restrictive and/or only accessible to those bodies that can contort themselves. Ashtanga yoga is a framework for practice that is malleable within its systematic approach toward balance and health on all layers of the human.

It’s my dream that Ashtanga Yoga can be available to more folks without the expensive monthly memberships. That’s why I’ve created this pricing model for my classes where folks have access to amazing teachings of yoga for as little as $12/month for virtual and $65.month for in-person education.

Your pass and membership with Bella Prāṇa will not cover your Ashtanga classes with Yoga Chikitsa. There are lots of options for you to best fit your practice needs. Check out all the pricing options here.

Yep! We’d love for you to come practice with us! Of course, if you’d like to donate to the program by purchasing a pass we would welcome that too.

All of our Memberships and Pricing options are available for purchase here: https://www.yogachikitsa.net/pricing/
You can also purchase your pass or membership when you arrive at the studio for practice.

Both are fine with us! If you’re a planner, you’re welcome to sign-up in advance. If you’re more spontaneous, you can just show up (except on moon days 😉 ).

Sure, just message us here: yogachikitsa108@gmail.com with your specific request and we’ll take care of you.

Message us here: yogachikitsa108@gmail.com with your specific request and we’ll take care of you.

Yep, message us here: yogachikitsa108@gmail.com with your specific request and we’ll take of you.

Ashtanga Academy is a every-growing library of resources that are EVERYTHING Ashtanga:
Chants
Breathwork
Posture tips, techniques and adaptations
Downloadable audio for led classes on the go
And SO MUCH MORE!

Absolutely, the props in the rooms are for everyones use.
If you don’t have a mat, Bella has wonderful rental mats for just $1 – you can rent them at the front desk.
At Bella, we have full service bathrooms with showers and private changing stalls. You’re welcome to use these before/after class.

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.

Nope!
The Ashtanga (self-practice) 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.

In Ashtanga yoga, we traditionally take our yoga practice six days a week, resting only on Saturdays, Moon Days, and first three days or any heavy day of a menstrual cycle. 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.

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.

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.

Eventually it might be possible to not eat for 2-3 hours before you practice and for at least 45 minutes after practicing and to avoid drinking 1 hour prior to and 30 minutes after practice. HOWEVER, you need to make sure this works for you. If your body needs food in the morning before practice – EAT. Just try to eat something that is easy to digest and won’t feel heavy/uncomfortable as you try to move on your mat.