Frequently asked question
If you are thinking about joining one of our programs, find some additional information below. For terms & conditions for booking yoga classes, workshops, etc., please click here.
Is any experience needed to join your classes?
No experience is necessary to join any of the offerings. Just a willingness to show up with an open mind and heart and have fun. If you are new to Ashtanga system and unsure which class to sign up for, please email directly. For newcomers, I request a commitment from students to Mysore practice for a one month with 2 classes per week. If in doubt, contact me directly.
How can i sign up?
Check the offering you would like to join for sign up links and info.
What is mysore style?
Mysore is a town in Southern India and the style of practice is named after it. This is the BEST way to be introduced to the practice if you are a beginner as movements and breath-cycles are taught individually. This gives a greater opportunity to get in-depth instructions and modifications in case of injuries or oddities. When you show a certain level of proficiency and understanding of the posture’s primary actions and foundations, you will be given the next. This ensures a gradual adjustment to new movement and breath-work and strength and stamina slowly increase. Read AYT Mysore style practice etiquette.
What is a guided class?
Traditionally, there were no guided classes in the Ashtanga Vinyasa system. Students ONLY practiced Mysore style. In a guided class, the postures and vinyasa-count are called out in Sanskrit.
What are ladies HOlidays?
When female practitioners are on their personal moon cycle, it is strongly recommended to refrain from practicing bandhas or ujjayi pranayama. This is not a myth or due to the fact that women are considered weak but because our bodies experience a predominance in downward movement (apana vaju/tamasic energy). During practice, the exact opposite is being cultivated and this can cause serious harm and confusion in the system. Usually, it results in menstruation becoming long, spotty or in severe cases, it will stop altogether. It is most essential to honor our natural cycles and as long as there is flow, you should not be practicing but resting, allowing the body to do its thing. BUT some postures are beneficial and I encourage you to contact me directly, so I can give you a personalized “princess-program” which will support and help your body during the days of menstruation and in the end lead to a very efficient and hopefully pain-free menstruation cycle.
What about moon days?
In the Ashtanga tradition, you take rest during moon days and refrain from asana practice. The moon emphasizes everything we do and because of its big impact on our bodies, we are more likely to injure ourselves if we are not careful. At Ashtanga Yoga Telluride, classes still happen on moon days as I don’t teach a 6-day-per-week program. But note that classes may look different and may have a different focus. If you have been given a chanting, sitting or any other practice, emphasize these during moon days.
GENERAL INFO
• shower before practice
• drink lots of water: not during practice but up to 30 minutes before and then again, 30 minutes after practice
• keep your mat and practice items clean
• refrain from wearing scented body lotions, shampoos, deodorants as this can disturb other practitioners
• settle up before coming to practice
• ask questions and keep a dialogue with your teacher
• be curious, always!
• use ghee, sesame and coconut oil as much as you can
• if you go to someone else’s shala, be friendly and kind, introduce yourself, have an open mind and be respectful towards their style of teaching
• be kind, loving and support others in their practice and on their path
♥