Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga requires regular practice to memorise the sequence, synchronise the breath and reap the benefits.
It offers strength and flexibility, developing both physical and mental awareness, balancing the body and mind.
It is a dynamic and progressing sequence of postures linked together by the breath. For each movement there is one breath. The set sequence builds discipline and patience, minimising indulging in strengths and avoiding weaknesses! Progress is self-evident and experiential.
Mysore Style Ashtanga / Assisted Self Practice
Mysore Style Ashtanga is a traditional and self-paced approach to Ashtanga Yoga. Unlike led and guided classes where everyone moves together, this style of class supports you to find your own connection with the practice. Supported and guided by the teacher you will find your own rhythm, memorise the sequence, and personalise the practice to suit you and your needs on any given day.
In these classes, you’ll find the spirit of a community supporting one another, a collective energy and encouragement from those students practising alongside you.
What to expect
Students come into the space whenever suits them, from 9am onwards. The Arlington opens it’s doors at 9am so you’ll probably see us waiting on the steps outside!
The space is open until 10.45am but don’t leave it too late to start or you might not have time to do as much as you’d like (remembering that you need time to take some relaxation at the end!)
Everyone starts their practice with Sun Salutations, and then continues at their own pace, with their own personal practice.
Some people might have the sequence memorised, but if you don’t we have sheets you can have next to your mat to remind you what comes next. If you are absolutely new to this way of practicing the teacher will lead you through the postures one by one, supporting you to remember the sequence and to move at ease and at your own pace.
The teacher will move around the room offering individual help and advice, hands-on adjustments (if you want it!), support and advice, taking an individual approach and offering variations.
In the room people will be practicing up to different points in the sequence, at their own pace, and with any variations they are exploring.
Towards the end of the practice, the teacher will guide everyone to close their practice and take time for finishing postures and to lie down for a period of relaxation.
