About Mysore Yoga

Mysore Ashtanga Yoga is the traditional method of teaching, learning and practicing Ashtanga Yoga as done by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India since the 1930s. Students of all levels, from the complete beginner to the advanced practitioner, receive one-on-one guidance from the teacher while learning and practicing the Ashtanga sequence.

Each student's practice is individually tailored during the class according to personal needs and capacity. Since each posture is designed to prepare you for the rest of the series, beginners tend to have a shorter practice than more experienced students.

Postures are given, one by one, in a sequential order. After you are given a new posture, you practice the sequence through until you get to that posture, then wind down your practice with backbends (if appropriate) and the finishing sequence. As you gain strength, stamina, flexibility and concentration, you progress to the next sequence of postures.

The advantage of the Mysore-style of yoga is that it is for everyone because it teaches Ashtanga Yoga according to one's individual capacity. Injuries are less likely to occur because you only progress to your natural next level with the guidance of your teacher.

The most important aspect of Mysore-style practice is not the ability to do postures - it's making the commitment to attend classes regularly and establish a dedicated practice. The benefits of yoga come quickly when you develop a steadfast, dedicated practice, even if you cannot yet do the postures correctly. Ideally, students attend Mysore classes regularly at least twice weekly or more.