FAQ
Some of your questions answered
Please always feel free to come and ask any of the teachers any questions you may have and we’ll do our best to help. In the meantime, here’s a list of some of the questions we’ve been asked over time. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for this page.
How do I start?
Choose what time of day you’d like to practise and contact the relevant teacher. The teacher will invite you to come and observe a session and ask any questions you may have. If you decide you’d like to begin astanga, arrange a day and time with the teacher. During your first session you’ll learn some of the basics of the practice and the first few poses. Read more here.
As a complete beginner, will I feel out of place?
The short answer is no! Mysore self-practice is perfect for beginners because it starts with short, simple sequences that are easy to learn. It's easy to feel self-conscious when you start but it helps to remember two things:
1. You will be practising alongside people of all ages, shapes, sizes and levels of so-called 'ability'. You will never stand out or look silly. You’re not trying to catch up with anyone else because everyone is practising at their own pace.
2. Everyone in the room has been a beginner, including the teacher.
See our beginners’ page for more information.
I am very stiff. Do I need to be flexible to start astanga yoga?
This is probably the question we get asked more than any other. You do not need to be flexible to enjoy yoga. Regular practice will increase your core strength, stamina and overall sense of well-being. It will also make you more flexible but this is an added bonus. It is definitely not a requirement!
Am I too old to start astanga?
You’re never too old to take up some form of the practice. It can be tailored to suit all ages and levels of fitness.
How do you pronounce ‘astanga’?
‘Astanga’ is pronounced ‘ash – tan – ga’.
What is a ‘shala’?
A shala is a place where people practise yoga.
How long is a class?
You can arrive at any point during a practice session – just make sure you leave enough time for your practice.
How long should I leave for my practice?
If you’re just starting astanga yoga, your practice will last between 30 – 45 minutes and will gradually increase in length up to around an hour and a half as more postures are added one by one.
What should I wear?
Leggings or shorts, and a vest. You’ll probably get quite hot, so you may also want to bring a small hand towel.
Do you recommend any books for beginners?
Yes! Go to our ‘more about yoga’ page to find out which.
What’s a moon day and why are you closed?
A ‘moon day’ is the day on which the new or full moon falls. We take new and full moon off from practice to help us reconnect with nature. The moon has a strong effect on our bodies and minds. Here’s a list of moon days.
What is the significance of the opening and closing mantras and how do I learn them?
Both the opening and closing mantras help tie us into the treasured history of yoga while helping us break free from being self-centred. You can learn them and see translations here.
How many times a week should I practise?
Ideally 5-6 days a week (it gets easier). We prefer you to attend a minimum of 3 times a week but we’re flexible if you have a work/life/child situation.
Should I eat or drink right before or after practising?
It’s better not to eat for a couple of hours before practice and for half an hour after. Drinking water beforehand is fine but wait 15 minutes after practice. Try not to drink during practice except if you are pregnant.
How do I transition from astanga led classes?
If you’re joining us after doing astanga led classes, remember that the focus of your practice has shifted. Learning the order of postures is a crucial part of traditional astanga. In your initial sessions, we will simplify things while you commit the sequences to memory. The first task is to learn the sun salutes and standing poses off by heart over a few sessions. It’s easy to feel you are being held back but this is the way to set yourself free and become self-sufficient on the mat. On that note, cheat sheets are best avoided. Not only do they keep you reliant on instructions, they can encourage you to do too much, too soon. Self-practice can be quite intense and tiring at first. You need to build up slowly.
Any more tips for beginners?
Yes – see our beginners’ page.
Can I practise when I’m pregnant?
If you have never practised astanga, please wait until six months after giving birth to start. If you have an established astanga practice, please stop practising until your 14th week/first scan and check with your doctor. It is very important that you let us know if you’re pregnant so that we can adapt the sequence for you. We recommend reading Yoga Sadhana for Mothers
Is it advisable to practise during my period?
Traditionally women have taken the first three days of their period off. There are many reasons why you may wish to do this including keeping in touch with your natural rhythms. Please feel free to chat to any of the teachers or assistants about this.
If I already practise astanga, can I just drop-in?
Yes. Please contact the relevant teacher to let them know you’ll be joining their class so they can look out for you. Please let us know if you have any injuries, illnesses or if you’re pregnant. Please also let us know if you’d rather not receive any hands-on adjustments that day.
Do you provide mats?
Currently we don’t provide mats due to the pandemic so please bring your own.
Is there a shower?
We don’t have a shower.
Can I practise when I’m injured?
We can learn a lot from our injuries and generally yoga is a healing practice. Please let us know if you’re injured so that we can help you make any adaptations necessary.
How do I give feedback or make a complaint?
We will take all complaints seriously and we will respect your confidentiality. Please speak to or email whichever teacher you feel most comfortable with.
How do I pay?
We employ a system called ‘Fair Exchange’ for payment of classes. Read more here. We accept cash or bank transfers only – we don’t have a card machine. Please pay your teacher directly after class or speak to them about arranging a transfer.
Can I leave my mat at the shala?
Yes you can. We spring clean the shala and give any mats not being used to charity or pass them on to other students at regular intervals – so only leave your mat if you’re practising regularly :)
Do you have a lost property box?
Yes we do. Ask the teacher where it’s located.
Do you have any specific shala guidelines I should be aware of?
Yes, we have a shala etiquette page.