Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is astanga yoga ?

Astanga yoga is a set sequence of postures which you move through following the rhythm of your breath. It promotes strength, flexibility and an awareness of the breath that helps the student maintain equanimity and equilibrium during their day. It also boosts the immune system and opens the heart promoting a general sense of well being.

2. What is a Mysore style class ?

Mysore style classes are ones which follow the teaching practices of Sri K Pattabhi Jois. These classes are open to students of all levels provided they commit to at least three days per week for a minimum period of one month. I f you are a visitor to Rio with an existing practice you are welcome to drop in for class. In this type of class you are taught to remember the sequence of postures and you move through the series in the rhythm of your own breath. This enables you to build up much greater levels of concentration and heat, benefiting you by making the practice more profound and safer. You practice within a group of students and the teacher provides guidance hands-on and using one-to-one verbal instructions. You go through the sequence only as far as you are physically, mentally and emotionally capable of performing the postures and movements. So by this method you learn slowly and steadily, developing your practice with great awareness and energy coming from the breath.

3. Why is it called Mysore?

It is called Mysore because my Guru, Sri K Pattabhi Jois, lives and teaches in a town in the state of Karnataka in South India called Mysore.

4. Why do we not practice on moon days ?

Our energy is not reliable on moon days. Some moon days it may feel smooth and steady but we never know how long it will stay that way. Also after the moon day your energy wanes, so if you do hurt yourself healing takes longer. Rather than practice it is better to sleep in and take rest. Evening guided classes will still take place, but at a much softer level than usual.

5. Am I able to do Mysore style classes ?

Anyone is able to do mysore style classes, from a complete beginner to an experienced practitioner. You just need to commit to three or more classes per week for a minimum of one month. It is important that when you come to any class of yoga you tell the teacher of any injuries or medical conditions that you have or have had. Under certain conditions astanga yoga may be contraindicated.

6. What should I wear and bring ?

ideally you should wear clothes which allow you to stretch and sweat comfortably. Typically lycra shorts and a t-shirt or top are worn. It is recommended that you bring a large towel or cotton mat to practice on and a second towel to help the teacher give adjustments.

7. Do I have to be fit and flexible ?

No you don’t have to be either fit or flexible. But one of the consequences of this yoga is that slowly slowly you will inevitably become fit, flexible and imbued with a sense of well being. In the classes you will be taught how to breathe and maintain internal muscle locks that protect your spine and when combined they also work to heat. The heat helps in two ways; firstly it creates alot of sweat removing impurities/toxins from your body. Secondly, the heat also helps you on a physical level to move in and out of the postures safely.....our teacher is well known for saying "even iron bends when heated".

8. Do you do private classes ?

Yes, both Matthew and Carla are available for private classes in Rio. Contact us by clicking below.

info@astangaspirit.com

9. Is there a spiritual element to the practice?

Yes there is. You will find this as you practice. Our teacher, Sri K Pattabhi Jois is well known for saying "do your practice and all is coming".

If your question is not answered here contact us on

info@astangaspirit.com