Shala Culture And Practice Guidelines

If you have learned Ashtanga yoga in another setting, or at another time, you may find differences in how it is done here. This is not a problem. As we get to know one another, we will clarify any foggy details and we greatly appreciate respect of our classroom culture.

All Mysore Melbourne students learn slowly and step by step. Even new students who come to Mysore Melbourne from another yoga discipline start from the beginning with us. Students are required to take responsibility for their own learning, memorising the practice that they are taught and practicing it consistently. The teacher guides everyone in the program individually, teaching each student one asana at a time. Whilst the student always remains responsible for cultivating their own practice, the teacher acts as a mentor, observing and directing attention and determining the rate at which a student learns the sequence of asanas. It is best to cultivate a respectful relationship with the teacher, the other students in the program, and the space we inhabit.

Typically, Ashtanga Yoga practitioners practice 6 days a week, resting once weekly on the same day each week (i.e. Sunday). We also rest on both full and new moon days. Whilst it is okay to practice less frequently, Mysore Melbourne recommends practicing no less than 4 days a week - otherwise it is difficult to develop and maintain an appropriate, meditative focus. Infrequent, irregular practice becomes a near-constant physical battle with little opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of yoga.

Practice with an unburdened digestive system and avoid drinking water or other fluids during practice. There is one exception to this, which is during pregnancy, where fasting and avoiding fluids is not recommended.

  • We recommend that women do not practice during the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle. Yoga asanas bend and twist the body in ways that other exercise does not. Respect your body and its internal processes by resting at this time.

    In the case of a normal, healthy pregnancy and birth, it is recommended that mothers do not practice during the first 3 months of pregnancy and the first 3 months postpartum. Please wait at least 6 months before returning to practice after a C-Section.

    Please advise your teacher if you are pregnant or have recently given birth.

  • You should never practice if you have a fever. Instead, rest and drink lots of fluids. Please do not come to the studio if you have any symptoms of communicable illness at all. Instead, practice at home and be mindful not to exhaust your energy.

    If you are injured, practice sensibly and in a healing manner. This is always possible. If you need support figuring out how to do this, just ask!

  • At Mysore Melbourne, we use hands-on adjustments as one of our teaching tools. We intentionally use adjustments sparingly both for teacher longevity and to foster independence in students. Please make an effort to do the asanas you have learned on your own, without requiring physical support from others. Your body is your responsibility. A teacher’s physical involvement is best kept to an absolute bare minimum.

    If you do not want to receive adjustments for any reason, at any time, just let us know. We are perfectly happy to keep our hands to ourselves.

  • Brief, simple questions can be addressed by the teacher during class. Q&A sessions are regularly scheduled and are space specifically made available by the teacher for questions and concerns to be raised.

    If you want to have a longer conversation with the teacher, book and pay for a Personal Consult.

Studio Etiquette

  • Please do not come to the studio if you have any symptoms of communicable illness.

  • Sign in using the iPad every time you come to class.

  • Shower before practice.

  • Do not wear perfume, cologne, or scented oils to class.

  • Bring a small, clean hand towel for managing sweat.

  • Tell your teachers about any health issues you have.

  • Aside from verbal interactions with the teacher, please do not talk during practice.

  • Do not use studio walls to practice handstands, headstands, and backbends.

  • Cultivate a respectful relationship with the teacher, the other students in the program, and the space we inhabit.

  • If the studio is full when you arrive, please let us know you have arrived and then feel free to get started in the foyer. We will call you in as soon as a space becomes available.