What is Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga?
In the world of yoga, where there are countless yoga class styles, Mysore Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga stands out as a truly transformative and personalized practice, perfect for all levels, including beginners.
With a decade of experience as an Ashtanga yoga teacher and practitioner, I'm here to guide you through the differences between a Mysore-style class and a traditional led class, give you a glimpse of what to expect in a Mysore-style session, and explore the transformative benefits it offers.
Why is it called Mysore Class?
Mysore style Ashtanga Yoga is named after the city of Mysore in India, which is often considered the traditional and historical home of Ashtanga Yoga. The naming of this style of yoga is a nod to its origins and the city where it gained prominence. Mysore has been a significant hub for yoga for many years. It's where the renowned yoga teacher Sri K. Pattabhi Jois developed and popularized the Ashtanga Yoga system in the 20th century. By naming this style after Mysore, it pays homage to the tradition and one of the places where it all began. It also reflects the authenticity and roots of the practice.
What is the difference between a led Ashtanga Class and a Mysore class?
Mysore style classes and traditional led classes represent two distinct ways to practice yoga, each with its own beautiful advantages. Led classes in Ashtanga Yoga were initiated to guide students through the entire sequence of postures in a systematic and uniform manner. Ashtanga Yoga's origin in Mysore, India, began with personalized Mysore-style classes, where each student practiced at their own pace. However, as the practice gained popularity and the number of students increased, the need for a more structured approach arose.
This led to the development of led classes, where all students move in unison through a set sequence of postures, following the teacher's verbal cues. This evolution allowed Ashtanga Yoga to be shared with a larger audience, spreading its benefits and teachings to a wider community of practitioners. These classes also help students to learn the vinyasa count of how to enter and exit the postures properly.
On the other hand, Mysore Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga invites you on a deeply personal journey. In a Mysore-style class, each student advances at their own pace through a self-led sequence with support from the teacher, gradually memorizing it over time. The teacher is there in the room, offering individualized guidance, hands-on adjustments, and customized cues. This approach welcomes beginners through advanced practitioners honoring individual needs, and making it a uniquely accessible and intimate experience.
A picture from a led Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga class with students in utthita parsvakonasana (extended side angle pose) , and one student receiving a hands on adjustment from yoga teacher Lauren.
What to expect in a Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga class
In a Mysore-style Ashtanga Vinyasa class, you'll discover an immersive and transformative journey. Here, the magic unfolds in the rhythm of your breath, guiding your movements. This creates a meditative flow that lets you dive deep within, focusing your attention on the present moment. With fewer external distractions, you'll uncover the intricate layers of your practice, refining each posture. This doesn’t happen right away though if you’re not familiar with the poses and sequence yet, so give it a chance and be patient - it’s worth it, trust me.
Your teacher, a constant presence in the room, moves gracefully between students, providing hands-on adjustments to ensure precision and alignment. This personal touch means you receive tailored guidance, helping you advance at your own pace. The teacher is there to assist you in navigating the subtle nuances of each pose, creating a profound sense of trust and confidence. You’ll learn the next step for your practice, and have opportunity to ask questions and workshop any that come up. I like to describe it as a community private yoga session.
You can expect a mostly quiet room, except for the sound of ujjayi breathing, and other students going at their pace on their yoga mats with the teacher going from student to student giving the support they need.
Check out this video below for 360 degree peek inside the mysore room to more clearly see what you can expect when attending a class.
Benefits of Mysore Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga for Beginners
Mysore Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga offers a wealth of benefits, particularly for beginners. The memorization of the sequence over time enhances your memory and cognitive abilities, making it a practice that nurtures not only your body but also your mind. This personal map and guide will accompany you, integrating your practice into your daily life and allowing you to carry it with you wherever you go.
The hands-on adjustments in Mysore style ensure that your practice is precise, promoting correct alignment and technique. The meditative flow of breath nurtures a profound sense of mindfulness, enhancing your focus and concentration. Mysore Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga provides an authentic and holistic experience that encourages you to find your unique practice. It's a deeply rewarding and transformative journey that's perfect for beginners seeking a personalized yoga experience.
Elevate Your Practice: Unleashing the Potential of Mysore-Style Ashtanga Yoga for Advanced Yoga Students
This format provides a unique advantage for experienced yoga students, as you won't need to slow down for the rest of the class (although sometimes that can be a great challenge too), granting you the freedom to explore poses and techniques that may be beyond the scope of your typical yoga class. Your teacher is there to offer support, particularly in intricate postures, giving you the space to experiment and refine your practice.
Mysore style class also offers opportunities for more in-depth meditation and pranayama practices, allowing you to delve into the other aspects of yoga. Here, you can explore the withdrawal of senses, without the need to wait for the next cue or guide from the teacher. This format encourages you to dance on the edge of discomfort, pushing you gently toward the next level of your practice. The continuous building on postures enables you to revisit and refine poses, and the emphasis on self-practice empowers you to continue your journey even beyond the studio. Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga can be your path to reaching new heights in your practice, making it an exceptional choice for advanced yogis ready to explore the limitless potential within.
Try a Mysore Style Class
Mysore Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga embodies an intimate and transformative practice, ideal for practitioners at all levels. This personalized approach, characterized by self-paced movement, individualized attention, and a strong emphasis on breath and alignment, offers numerous benefits. As a mysore style yoga teacher, I invite you to join me for a class on Long Island, or via zoom, or book a private yoga session with me - learn more below. Here, your yoga journey will deepen, nurturing both your body and your soul. It has changed my life and I am honored to share these tools forward with those who are interested.
I offer two weekly opportunities for beginners to start their Ashtanga Yoga journey:
Thursdays: Half Primary Series (7-8:15 pm EST) - A guided led class where you'll explore the fundamentals of Ashtanga yoga, and get a feel for the sequence. It’s ok to take breaks in this class. You can join us in person in Massapequa Long Island New York or via zoom from the comfort of your home for virtual yoga.
Saturdays: Go at Your Pace Mysore Style Class (10-12 pm EST) - A class tailored to your individual needs, allowing you to progress at your own speed. Don’t be afraid of the 2 hour time slot, there is more flexibility here where most students stay about 75 minutes - 90 minutes, and you can start anywhere between 10-11am EST. This allows more time for communication and workshopping your practice together. It’s like a small community private. You can join us in person in Massapequa Long Island New York or via zoom from the comfort of your home for virtual yoga.
Or, if you're seeking a more personalized experience, you can book a free consultation call today. We can discuss your goals and how Ashtanga Yoga can benefit you on your path to wellness and self-discovery. One of my favorite ways to support beginners is with an introductory pack of classes where we can create a plan together to get you ready and confident for a group class. We can do these private yoga sessions from your home, in massapequa, or via zoom.
Meet Lauren
Hi, I’m Lauren Reek. I’m a Yoga and Meditation Teacher, and Holistic Wellness Coach located on Long Island. I have dedicated my life to helping people navigate the ups and downs of life and create a toolbox of tools they can continue to go back to when things don’t go as planned.
My mission is to be a supportive guide and resource for others on their journey towards total wellness and personal development, and embarking or currently on the path of yoga. I want to make feeling good accessible, informative, and fun.
My approach to yoga is a holistic and adaptive one, inspired by the lineage of Ashtanga Yoga (eight limb path of yoga) and yoga therapy, where I help make the poses fit to you and find your version of the practice rather than fitting you into a pose. Using the time on the mat and in sessions to practice skills and techniques that you can bring off of the mat and into the world.
