FAQ & Everything About Mysore Ashtānga Yoga

Led Intermediate Class with Sri K Pattabhi Jois NYC Puck Building 2001

OUR MAIN PROGRAM, MYSORE ASHTĀNGA YOGA, is a personalized approach to traditional yoga. This class is by monthly registration. No single class drop-ins allowed unless you have an established traditional practice. Please read below to learn more about this unique way of teaching & practicing the Ashtānga Yoga method.

DO I NEED TO KNOW THE PRACTICE BEFORE I AM ABLE TO JOIN? HOW DOES A SELF-LED CLASS WORK? No, you do not need to already know the practice before hand. You do not even need to have any yoga background at all. As a new student & beginner to Ashtānga Yoga, you will receive one-on-one instruction guiding you step-by-step to learn the fundamental principles and the sequence. The only requirement is an open mind, an interest in learning, and a willingness to apply yourself diligently. You do not need to know anything in advance nor do you need to get yourself in shape first. Ashtānga Yoga itself will take care of all of this.

The self-led method of Mysore Ashtānga Yoga accommodates students of all levels. It is a very supportive, inspiring and non-competitive environment intended to foster your inspiration & commitment to your health, well-being and progress in all aspects of yoga. For those who have the aptitude to learn many postures (āsanas), this method can facilitate that. For those who need to take care of certain issues in their body and need special accommodations, this method can also facilitate that. In short, Mysore style has the potential to bring out the best in each individual.

WHY IS THE CLASS 5 HOURS LONG? The Mysore style class is an open practice time. People arrive, practice their routine and then leave all at various times according to each person's own schedule. Each person’s practice varies in length from 1 – 2.5 hours. If you are new to yoga, you can expect your first few classes to be about 60 minutes. If you have yoga experience but are new to Mysore Ashtānga Yoga, then your first class will be 75 – 90 minutes. You can arrive anytime that works best for you (although your first class needs to be scheduled).

SHOULD I TAKE PRIVATE INSTRUCTION? Private instruction is very beneficial for virtually everyone. If you want to make significant improvements in your technique, understanding and over all experience, private instruction is a very effective approach and worthwhile investment. The fundamentals & subtleties of practice are extremely important in order to ensure that you can adapt and evolve your practice for many years to come.

EATING & DRINKING WATER: It is best that the stomach is – and remains – empty prior to and during yoga practice. This means making sure you hydrate yourself no less than a half hour prior to practice. Food should not be consumed for 2 – 4 hours or more prior to practice. Early morning is the easiest time to follow these guidelines. When the stomach is empty (i.e. fasting), the body burns more calories and detoxifies more efficiently. Even simply drinking water during practice hinders the detoxifying effects of practice. It is best to keep the stomach empty before and during yoga practice.

WHY IS IT CALLED MYSORE? Mysore is the name of the South Indian city where Mysore style Ashtānga Yoga originated. The first person to teach western students was Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, whom I met in 1989. Jois learned from the famous Indian yogī & scholar Sri T. Krishnamacharya, and initially taught yoga and Vedanta philosophy at the Mysore Sanskrit College. After retiring as a professor in 1973, Jois continued teaching yoga from his home in Mysore India calling his home school the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute (AYRI). He taught yoga passionately for nearly 70 years until passing in 2009. The influence of his teachings have spread throughout the world and can be seen in nearly all contemporary yoga.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS: Please contact me by email, text or phone with any and all of your questions and concerns. We are happy to help you.

IF YOU WANT TO JOIN THE WAITLIST: Contact me by email, text or phone, and let me know if you do or do not have experience with Ashtānga Yoga.

WHERE ARE WE LOCATED? Because classes are conducted from my home, our address is given only after receiving class payment.