new TO ASHTANGA YOGA?
Two-week beginner course in Ashtanga. Learn the basics of how to do yoga with Krista in six classes.
If you are new to yoga, Ashtanga yoga, or the Mysore method, take advantage of The Yoga Shala's two-week beginner course to learn the basics of how to do yoga. Instruction covers breathing, bandhas, drishti, Sun Salutation A&B, the standing postures, and some of the seated and finishing sequence. Classes meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30am for two weeks at The Yoga Shala in Winter Park, FL (near College Park in the Orlando area).
Individual Instruction
This unique program is suitable for beginners as well as longtime practitioners. Every student is taught individually, in order that he or she can progress through the Ashtanga Yoga sequence of poses at their own pace and according to his or her individual needs. The teacher assists each student individually by giving physical adjustments (if consented to) and verbal instruction.
If you have liked our Facebook page or Instagram, you can see our stories and how our classes display a variety of shapes, sizes, levels of flexibility, ages and experience, health issues and injuries.
Ashtanga Yoga Defined
Ashtanga is traditionally taught in a class style called “Mysore”: a supervised self-practice. The same series of asanas (poses) are practiced each day. New poses are introduced by the teacher once the student memorizes and becomes proficient in the previous asanas in the sequence. People of all ages and health can practice Ashtanga. A student works with the teacher to advance at their own rate. Ashtanga Yoga incorporates the synchronization of breath with movement. This process produces intense internal heat and a purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The results are improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind.
Scroll below to watch a 9-minute video of the "intrinsic nuts and bolts of Ashtanga Yoga". We encourage you to watch this video before attending your first class.
Safety As A Priority
Because of the way we teach you how to use a concept known as "opposition of forces," you will keep your body safe and stable, while also enabling strength and flexibility to unfold without worry of damage or injury. Additionally, we do not push students into poses for which their bodies are not ready. Learn how to do yoga safely and correctly!
Two Week Beginner Course
The Yoga Shala
2020 Crosby Way, Winter Park, Fl 32792
OR join us virutally via Zoom
Pricing: $100 (6 sessions)
Refund: All Sales Final
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The Yoga Shala is one of the best things that ever happened to me. When I started, I had no idea that I would fall in love with this practice. It has been the best thing, not only for my body, but for my mind. It humbles me, it inspires me, and it motivates me. Of course it could never do all of these things without an AMAZING staff--they are some of the most encouraging, patient, and truly kind people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I talk about The Yoga Shala so much that my daughter asks, "how much are they paying you for your constant "ads" lol. Well, the payment isn't monetary--the payment is just being able to be present in this space...growing both physically and mentally.
Stephanie S.
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I am new to Ashtanga and I so appreciate how wonderful and welcoming this studio is to their new students! I have felt so much care and guidance in my short time there. I'm excited to continue challenging my body and mind and to continue learning.
Michelle I.
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When I started exploring different studios around Central Florida, I often felt like an outsider. The teachers wouldn't have much to say to me during or after class and there were many social clicks within different studios. I came across Laruga's instagram account. I knew nothing about Ashtanga yoga but admired the spiritual integrity she had with her practice. I wanted this experience and found it within The Yoga Shala. There are no social barriers based on race, class, or gender at The Yoga Shala. Because of the presence of this studio in the Central Florida community I have an ashtanga practice to take with me around the world. All of the teachers I have taken from in this studio are welcoming and wise with their adjustments. Shelby was perfect for me to work with as a beginner and I look forward to seeing her again soon. The studio owner, Krista Shirley, teaches and travels often and although I'm still building the courage to take her class, she is extremely approachable and patient with people like myself who are just getting adjusted to the mysore yoga community! So if you are reading this and have doubts based on fear of discrimination or acceptance in general, release them and go take a class at this beautiful studio. This is a safe space to grow and practice.
Chloe I.
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You may find so many great Yoga studios all around but at The Yoga Shala, Mysore style is followed and this is what makes it a one of a kind experience. If what you are looking for is to build a strong and consistent yoga practice, instructors here can really help you do it. The place itself will make you feel at home and connected. Very recommended.
Tatiana L.
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I love it when instructors patiently coach and help me to improve my poses step by step! I also appreciate the friendly and positive environment of the Yoga Shala.
Nargges A.
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Krista Shirley and her staff at The Yoga Shala are by far the best around. Their studio is great! The knowledge you will get and the confidence you will gain is priceless. I am a new student at their studio but I already feel like I am part of their community. I have learned so much about Ashtanga Yoga and about myself and I am forever grateful to this studio for all of it. Please do yourself a favor and visit The Yoga Shala, you will be glad you did.
Mariluz R.
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Who Are You?
My name is Krista Shirley and I am a dedicated student and practitioner of traditional Ashtanga Yoga. I was introduced to this practice over 14 years ago and immediately embraced it as a daily part of my life because I was magnetically drawn to the healing this practice provides. I have rolled out my mat each day because it is such an intrinsic part of who I am. Ashtanga Yoga has given me health and wellness, comfort, stability, peace, mindfulness and an outlet to work on myself and help others have the same.
I continue my trips to Mysore, India each year because I believe it is very important that all students have a teacher, a guide, to aid and inspire them along their path. I have made ten trips to Mysore to continue my own studies and spent over twenty-five months of my life studying at the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India.
I am a Level-2 Authorized Ashtanga teacher and the founder of The Yoga Shala in Orlando, Florida where my instructors and I teach traditional Ashtanga yoga classes in the Mysore method. I live here in the city beautiful with my son, Kaiden.
I can't "not teach yoga." It brings me joy, it gives me purpose, it makes me feel like I'm honestly right where I'm supposed to be. Doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing. I internally, subconsciously think that I need to help people and this gives me an amazingly beautiful outlet to express myself as a healer and a giver and a person that can hold space in a safe way, for those who are suffering. I do look back on my life and I think that all of the many tragedies I've witnessed or experienced have helped to define what I'm meant to do with this life. Helping people overcome their own internal and external struggle is what God wanted me to do, is what I feel.
I'm Not Flexible, Can I Still Do Yoga?
We welcome all types of bodies. Yoga is a physical exercise that will help increase your flexibility over time. You do not need to be flexible when you start yoga, however, over time you will see your range of flexibility increase. Over time, the regular and consistent practice of yoga will instill a balance between both strength and flexibility.
If you are very stiff and tight, perhaps it is because you have exercised your whole life but never stretched, or perhaps you sit at a desk all day. At first, you might practice modified postures. With consistency, you will gain strength, flexibility, endurance, agility and so much more. Just be mindful of where your limitations are at first.
However, even if the initial modifications are still too challenging, don't worry, there are many other modifications I can give you. This practice of yoga is designed to be accessible to all, regardless of shape, body size, experience level, flexibility or stamina. These modified poses will help you to achieve the benefits of a yoga practice so that eventually you can take the full expression of the postures.
What About Pre-Existing Pain & Old Injuries?
While you might feel sore or tired after doing your yoga practice, or sometimes even during your yoga practice, it is not necessary to push your body to the point of causing injury. Throughout our lives, we primarily tell our bodies what to do. With time, the yoga practice becomes an opportunity to listen to, and respect, your body's wants and needs. In the event of an injury, whether related to yoga or past outside experience, there are many special adjustments, modifications and considerations that one of our instructors can recommend. One of the main long-term benefits of the yoga practice is healing. By creating and inviting more balance into one's overall state of being, the regular yoga practitioner creates the space to allow healing on many levels.
How Do I Prepare For Class?
- Bring your own mat and towel. (rentals available for $2)
- Refrain from eating 2-3 hours before class.
- Come to class well-hydrated. Also drink plenty of water after your practice.
- Inform the instructor of any medical concern or injuries.
- Please turn off your cell phones.
- Personal hygiene is an integral part of practicing yoga. Please ensure that you and your gear are clean.
- Rest from Ashtanga is recommended for women in the first 2-3 days of their monthly cycle (known as ladies holiday).
- Honor and respect your limits. Acknowledge that your body and mind will feel different every day; listen to what your body tells you and practice following your breath.
How Often Should I Practice?
Ashtanga Yoga is traditionally practiced 6 days a week, leaving one day for rest. Women should take off 2-3 days during their monthly cycle. Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga has a cumulative effect on the body and should be practiced a minimum of 3 days per week. As your schedule permits, more days should gradually be added. It is when we are practicing in the traditional manner that we receive the greatest benefit.
Why Am I Being "Stopped" In My Practice?
For beginners, "stopping" at a particular pose within the sequence is simply part of learning the practice. Postures are taught one by one and usually need time to be assimilated both physically, mentally, and emotionally. Furthermore, new postures are given only when a student has demonstrated proficiency in his or her practice all the way through the last posture given. In Ashtanga Yoga, proficiency is at least as much about the correct maintenance of internal energy locks (Bandhas), gaze (Drishti) and deep breathing with sound as it is about being able to get into a particular posture.
For established practitioners, being asked to “stop” before the end of what may otherwise appear to be a complete practice may be for one of the following reasons:
- The student has not done regular practice for some time, or has learned incorrectly, and needs to start over, gradually.
- The student is injured and is advised to scale back his or her practice to allow the injury to heal.
- The student has not demonstrated full proficiency in his or her practice and may be risking injury by going beyond his or her current abilities, in which case it is for the student’s physical, mental and emotional well-being that he or she is asked to stop.
- The student is playing to strengths and/or neglecting weaknesses, and needs to redress this imbalance rather than add new postures.
You mention I will be learning the Ashtanga Yoga series of poses, what are those?
Glad you asked, you will begin working through what is called Primary Series, scroll to the bottom of this page to view the Primary Series gallery. Don't be intimidated, postures are taught one by one and usually need time to be assimilated. Many may already look familiar to you.
This sounds great, how can I work with you?
- Click the buy now button below.
- Create an account with MindBody.
- Input your credit card information.
- You will see a "Purchase Policy" where you will see a phone number specifically for New Students, call that number and leave a message, telling me you just purchased the $30 special. I will get back to you as soon as possible to make sure all your questions are answered before your first class.
Early Morning Classes
Any new students planning on attending a class between 6:30am and 8:30am need a door code to enter the studio. Please ask for the code.
Parking
There is ample parking in the back of the building near the main entrance and on the street in front of the Shala.
I want to buy this as a gift, what should I do?
In the check-out page before completing your order, under "Purchase Policy" you will be given a phone number to call. Make sure you save it before clicking "place order." You have two options A) Call or text directly and leave a message sharing the name of the person who will be redeeming this offer or B) Give the receiver of this gift the phone number and instruct them to call and give your name. Then pat yourself on the back for snagging an amazing deal for your loved one.
