What is Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga?

The first yoga class I ever attended in person was an Ashtanga Vinyasa class. It was tough. The teacher led us through 75 minutes of Primary Series. I tried to create the correct shapes. I tried to breathe. I was hot, sweaty, and muddled my way through. But I could see there was something special there. I went back, and I went back again, and again, and again. Over time, I began to get more familiar with the postures.

One of the lovely things about Ashtanga is that we work with a set series of postures. This means we become familiar with what we’re asking our body to do, which not only helps us refine the postures physically but also supports a sense of quietness, stillness, an inward focus. When we don’t constantly have to think about what posture comes next, or how to create a particular shape, we can instead focus on the breath and begin to develop a one-pointed focus for the mind.

Ashtanga has a reputation for being challenging. And it can be (as I discovered in that first class). But it doesn’t have to be. Because in Ashtanga we work one pose at a time, one step at a time, and within each pose there is room for variation. This is where the beauty of a Mysore-style class comes in.

Mysore-style yoga is a way of teaching 1:1 in a group setting, so I can make the practice relevant for each individual.

We can use props, we can modify, we can change hand positions, try a slightly different alignment. There are so many possibilities. And because we’re working with the same postures and building your sequence slowly and steadily, your practice becomes truly personalised for you and your body.

In a Mysore class, each person is taught individually, so everyone may be working on something different. At the same time, they’re bringing their breath and energy into the room to create something powerful together.

You might look around the space and see someone who’s been practicing for ten years, floating gracefully through their vinyasas; someone who’s just starting to explore headstands; and someone else learning the sun salutations.

This unique way of teaching means we can spend time breaking down the trickier postures, work through projects together, and create the practice you need.

We all start the same way. Coming into the space. Finding our breath. Then that first ekam—inhale, arms up. Where you go from there is up to you.

Come practice with me! I teach weekly Mysore style Ashtanga yoga classes, plus a led class. If you’re new to Ashtanga take a look at my Beginner’s Practice Pack, or check out my upcoming courses and workshops.