Class Descriptions

The Yoga Shala offers only Yoga Classes/courses in the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Method, a 5,000 year old discipline that explores, develops, and integrates the body, mind and spirit.  Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga purifies the body, the nervous system, the internal organs, and the mind through the use of vinyasa (breath with movement), asana (physical postures), ujjayi breathing, and dishti (looking place or gaze).  Practicing Yoga Asanas purifies the body and strengthens and gives flexibility to the body.  Performing Ujjayi breathing purifies the nervous system.  Drishti is the place where you look while performing asanas, or postures in order for you to concentrate on one specific place; also helps to stretch the eyes.  The goal of incorporating drishti to your practice is for purification and stabilization of the mind.  Daily practice of Ashtanga Yoga promotes weight loss, vitality, mental clarity, stress reduction, deep relaxation, and overall health and wellness to the practitioner.

No Mysore classes on New and Full Moon days.
All other classes held as scheduled on moon days.

Beginner Ashtanga Yoga Course:

New to yoga?  This beginner course introduces Ashtanga Yoga at a progressive pace in a safe manner.  Our four week program will equip students with a physical foundation of the beginning postures in the Ashtanga Yoga system, introduce the history and philosophy behind this yoga method, and thoroughly prepare beginners to enter into the Mysore Program.   This course requires pre-registration.

Mysore Program: Monthly Membership required

This method of teaching is appropriate for both experienced practitioners and those new to yoga.

Ashtanga Yoga, done daily, will increase flexibility, strength, endurance, and physical and mental balance; it will cleanse the internal systems of the body and provide a healthy source of focus and dedication in ones life - something everyone needs!  

The Yoga Shala offers classes in the traditional Ashtanga Mysore Method; the most effective and enjoyable way to learn Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. This unique program is suitable for beginners as well as longtime practitioners because every student is taught individually.  In other words, each student is given a one-on-one lesson in a group setting in order that he or she can progress through the Ashtanga Yoga series’ at their own pace and according to his or her individual needs.  Mysore classes are taught by highly experienced yoga teachers who are dedicating their lives to practicing, studying and teaching traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

This is the way that yoga is taught by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Rangaswamy in Mysore, India and why it has come to be known as "Mysore Style" teaching.  For more information on Ashtanga Yoga please visit www.kpjayi.org  

Students are encouraged to practice daily, and are asked to make a monthly commitment and come to class 3-6 days each week.   

In order to advance sequentially in Ashtanga Yoga, it is important to commit to and maintain a daily practice.

Timings are flexible and students may begin practicing any time after the posted start time provided they finish by the end of class. New students attending Mysore class should allow 30 to 45 minutes for practice. As strength and stamina build more of the sequence will be taught and one’s practice will gradually lengthen.  

You may attend the following classes
on a drop in basis ($16.00).

Ashtanga Level 2 - Led Primary Series:

The Ashtanga Full Primary Series class presents the first series of Ashtanga Yoga in a led/guided classroom setting.  Have fun moving and breathing while learning the harmonious flow of the first series in its traditional form. Be prepared to sweat as this class is fast-paced.  Previous Yoga experience or athletic conditioning is recommended.