The Origins: Mysore, India

Mysore-style yoga gets its name from Mysore, a city in southern India where Sri K. Pattabhi Jois taught Ashtanga yoga for over 60 years. Rather than a specific style of yoga, "Mysore" refers to the method of teaching—it's how Ashtanga yoga has been transmitted from teacher to student for generations.

How Mysore is Different

In a typical yoga class, an instructor leads the room through poses, and everyone moves together. Mysore is the opposite:

• Self-paced practice: You move through the sequence on your own, at your own rhythm
• Individual instruction: The teacher moves around the room, giving adjustments and teaching one-on-one
• No verbal cues: You memorize the sequence over time through daily practice
• Flexible timing: Arrive within a window and practice as long as you need

It's like having a private lesson within a group setting—you get personalized attention while benefiting from the energy of practicing with others.

The Ashtanga Sequence

Unlike free-form vinyasa classes, Ashtanga follows a set sequence of poses. The Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa, meaning "yoga therapy") includes:

1. Opening chant
2. Sun Salutations A and B
3. Standing sequence
4. Seated sequence
5. Finishing sequence
6. Closing chant

You learn this sequence gradually—the teacher adds new poses when you're ready. There's no rushing ahead; the practice grows with you.

What to Expect as a Beginner

Your first Mysore class might look like this:

1. The teacher shows you how to do Sun Salutation A
2. You practice it several times, with corrections
3. You learn a few more poses—maybe 20-30 minutes worth
4. You practice what you've learned, then rest in Savasana
5. Each day you return, you practice what you know and possibly learn more

Within a few weeks, you'll have memorized a short practice. Within months, you'll be doing most of the Primary Series independently.

Who is Mysore Right For?

Mysore works for essentially everyone:

• Complete beginners: Learn step-by-step with personal attention
• Athletes: Get a challenging workout that adapts to your level
• Busy professionals: Arrive and leave within your schedule
• Those with injuries: Practice is modified to your needs
• Advanced practitioners: Receive poses when truly ready

The Benefits of Mysore Practice

1. True Personalization

Your body is unique, and your practice should be too. In Mysore, adjustments and instruction are tailored specifically to you.

2. Deep Focus

Without a teacher's voice directing you, you must turn inward. This develops concentration and presence that carries into daily life.

3. Sustainable Progress

You move forward only when ready. This prevents injury and builds genuine strength and flexibility over time.

4. A Moving Meditation

Memorizing the sequence frees your mind from thinking about "what's next." The practice becomes a meditative flow.

Getting Started at Ashtanga Yoga Denver

We welcome beginners to our Mysore program. You don't need any prior yoga experience—just an openness to learning. Our teachers, William and Elizabeth, are both Level 2 Authorized by Sharath Jois, meaning they've studied at the source and are qualified to guide you through the traditional practice.

Your first class, you'll receive hands-on instruction and leave knowing the beginning of your personal practice. Come back the next day, and you'll grow from there.