Mysore Myths

Yoga dad joke: i’ve been practicing ashtanga vinyasa yoga lately and boy, mysore.

Ashtanga Vinyasa is a system of yoga that originated in Mysore, India in the early 1900’s. The system of Ashtanga Vinyasa is comprised of six different series: Primary Series, Intermediate, and Third or Advanced series A, B, C & D. Ashtanga studios all around the world teach “led” classes where the teacher counts and leads students through postures together, doing the same poses at the same time. Most studios offer Primary or Half Primary classes, occasionally offering Intermediate, or Half Primary/ Half Intermediate.

Mysore classes are self-led, which makes them perfect for pretty much any practitioner that walks through the door. An advanced yogi can start to explore Intermediate or Advanced poses and the brand-new yogi can get help and work as much of the sequence as he wants. The great thing about Mysore class is that the teacher gets to work individually with everyone in the room. The teacher has the ability to write yoga “recipes” to address any physical issues that the student might present. It’s truly like a private lesson (but much cheaper!) within a group setting.

Now… on to the Mysore Myths:

Mysore Myth No.1
You have to be a really experienced yogi to go to Mysore class.

Truth:
Actually, Mysore is the PERFECT class for a brand-new yogi.

Have you ever wanted to stay longer in a posture but the teacher moves on too quickly? Has a teacher ever taught a posture that doesn’t make sense for you without giving other options? In Mysore Ashtanga, the teacher offers you personal help & suggestions depending on your goals and health needs at the moment. Yes, being familiar with the Ashtanga sequence of poses is good, but we can teach you that. Mysore gives you the space and time to work on the poses that are good for you without being rushed ahead. 

Mysore Myth No.2
My practice needs to be at least an hour long to be effective.

Truth:
Some days a 30 minute practice is all you really need.

The standing postures in Ashtanga Vinyasa are designed to re-align your body & get you set for the day. Some days, the 30 minute standing practice is enough! In Mysore, your practice could be anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes long. You set the pace & leave when you’re done.

Mysore Myth No.3
I’ll feel lost if I don’t know what pose is supposed to come next.

Truth:
Forget “supposed to” and trust your intuition instead.

Mysore helps you tap into your inner knowing. Your body knows deep down what it needs for health, and Mysore helps you answer that call. This deepening of your intuition has profound effects on the rest of your life too. 

Mysore is the opposite of group fitness. It really is a private lesson in a group setting. Whether you’re working to build strength, reduce tension, or work into an awesome posture, we’ll work with you to create your tailored “recipe” to make your goals happen.