NEW TO YOGA OR MYSORE?

Perfect! This is a great place to start. If you’re new to yoga or the Ashtanga practice, the teacher will introduce you to a basic sequence of postures to get started. Then you’ll add on more postures as you get familiar over time.

You’ll get to move and learn at your own pace. Once you learn the sequence, you can join led classes and will have a practice that you can do anytime!

A great way to start is by joining our Intro to Ashtanga 4-week course.

INTRO TO ASHTANGA COURSE

If you are new to Ashtanga we highly recommend this course! 

This monthly, 4-week course is for those who want to learn the fundamental aspects of Ashtanga Yoga. The basic technique for breathing, meditative gazing (drishti), & internal core-strength (bandhas) are covered. Students are guided through the initial sequence of postures building onto the practice each week.  The course provides a great foundation for transitioning into the Mysore practice. The course fee includes unlimited access to all Mysore classes, check ins and materials.

Preregistration is required for this - to register click here. Scroll down to ‘Purchases’ and select ‘Intro to Ashtanga Course’.

Contact Lorie Bird with any questions or concerns : 252-649-7901 or info@aysraleigh.com

COMMON QUESTIONS/FAQS

What Is Ashtanga Yoga?

• Traditionally, the Ashtanga yoga method is an organized series of poses taught one by one linking breath with movement that is passed from teacher to student, one to one, with poses added gradually. This is the approach we use in Mysore style classes.

• Students learn the practice each day at their own pace, and the teacher provides individualized instruction and adjustments appropriate for each
  student’s needs. Students benefit from the repetition as it helps them remember the sequence which helps bring focus as well as improvement - a visible progress they see. Students also get both the benefits of private instruction and the community support of a group setting.

• We love that students in the community at all experience levels can practice together.

What does ‘Ashtanga’ mean?

• Ashtanga means “eight-limbed.”

• Although important, the “asana,” or postures, are actually only one of the
  eight limbs. The other components of Ashtanga yoga are also important transformational tools to study for cultivating a healthy, compassionate existence. We offer daily thanks to the committed teachers in our lineage who bring us these invaluable teachings in order to heal, evolve, and better our lives through daily practice.

What is a ‘Mysore’ style class?

• Mysore is a self-practice where students practice the Ashtanga series at their own pace with a teacher assisting each student individually.  It is named after the city in South India where this method of yoga originates.

How often should I practice?

• As many days as you can! It’s important to make our practice part of our daily routine. Traditionally, we try to practice six days a week and then take a rest day. We can also rest on moon days and ladies’ holiday. We suggest starting off with 3 days a week and adding from there.

Mysore classes are 2-3 hours! Is that how long I practice?!

• These are not 2-3 hour classes! You may arrive anytime between the start time and 1 hour before the end time, allowing about 1 hour for your lesson.

• As your practice evolves, the time you are praciticing will too. At some point you may end up with up to about a 90 minute practice, but that is something that will take time.

Can visitors drop in from out of town?

• Absolutely! Just let the teacher know what series and poses you are working on.

MYSORE FYI’S (ETIQUIETTE)

All are welcome here at AYSR. We hope the following info helps you to have a positive experience each time you practice with us.

The mutually dedicated relationship between you and your teacher is essential to a positive learning experience as well as a safe practice. Your teacher will help guide you on what and how to practice. Please communicate any relevant injuries, health conditions, or individual needs  prior to each practice. Work within your limits and commit to a regular practice to yield a beneficial, growing, and sustainable experience.

Come to class with an open mind, ready to focus and learn, practicing Saucha (purity/preparedness), the first of the Niyamas on the Eight-Limbed path to yoga:

• Bring a towel or 2 for practice. One for you and one for the teacher to use for adjustments

• We recommend you don’t drink water during class, we’re trying to build our heat during practice.

• Do your best to get a good night’s sleep and proper nutrition the day before practice

• Showering before practice helps warm the muscles - especially for early morning practice - and ensures no offensive body odor.

• Do not wear heavy perfume or cologne for practice out of respect for other students.

• Minimize talking in the practice space

• Leave cell phones outside of practice space, or at least ensure that they are in silent mode

• Bring a small notebook to take notes AFTER practice. Leave this and practice sheets outside the practice space if at all possible.

• Upon arrival, set up your mat and begin practice. The teacher will ask everyone to come to Samasthitih for chanting, and then you may resume your practice where you left off.

• If you arrive after the chant, you may chant on your own, or take a few moments to settle your thoughts and prepare your mind for practice.

• Do your practice up to the last pose/asana that you have been given and stop. Do not ask for the next pose - the teacher will give it to you when you are ready

 “Practice, and all is coming!” ~Sri K Pattabhi Jois