Ashtanga |  Mysore |  Flow 
 | Mat Pilates | Body Mechanics ​|Sound Bath | Meditation

Mysore - Ashtanga Yoga

The Yoga Shala teaches Ashtanga yoga in the Mysore style. This unique program is suitable for beginners as well as longtime practitioners because every student is taught individually. In other words, each student is taught in a one-on-one fashion, within the classroom setting, so that he or she can progress through the Ashtanga Yoga series at their own pace, and according their individual needs. For these reasons, it is arguably the most effective and enjoyable way to properly learn yoga.
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The Ashtanga method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with a progressive series of postures—a process that helps to detoxify the muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. Ashtanga Yoga practice promotes weight loss, vitality, mental clarity, stress reduction, deep relaxation, and overall health and wellness to the practitioner. When you practice this yoga style consistently you will lose weight and gain strength, balance, endurance, flexibility, concentration and so much more.
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The mysore style is ideal for people who seek to create and maintain a daily yoga practice; something they can nurture and grow over time. To learn more about the Mysore method, click here.

Beginner Mysore 

This class is an introduction to the practice of Ashtanga yoga, focused on introducing the fundamentals of breathing, sun salutations and the standing and seated postures that make up the primary series. You’ll challenge yourself as you work at your own pace in a safe and supportive environment. Modifications will be offered as you practice each pose. Get ready to fall in love with yoga! All levels and beginner-friendly. Beginners Yoga is ideal for people who have never done yoga before, students who want to begin an Ashtanga Yoga practice, people dealing with chronic pain or want to improve their mobility.

Led Primary Series

The Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series is a set sequence of poses (asanas) that forms the foundation of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. The Primary Series practice consists of a specific order of postures that are linked together with vinyasas (breath with movement). The primary series is also known as Yoga Chikitsa, which means “yoga therapy,” as it is designed to detoxify and purify the body, mind, and spirit.  The primary series is a dynamic practice that helps practitioners build strength, flexibility, and endurance. Each posture is designed to prepare the body for the next, creating a flowing and continuous practice. Open to all levels.

Led Half Primary Series

The entire class is instructed through the first half of the Ashtanga primary series. Sun salutations, standing postures, seated postures, backbends, and finishing postures will be covered in led class.  All levels welcome.

Flow Yoga

A vinyasa yoga style class with ashtanga roots that focuses on flowing sequences, a dynamic mix of postures that allows you to build strength and gain flexibility while improving cardiovascular health and mobility.  A fun, upbeat, energetic class that aims to help you gain greater control over your breath and your body. All levels welcome!

Mat Pilates

Mat Pilates class focuses on strength, stability, proper breath control, posture, and flexibility, primarily using body weight exercises.  Each class will work to balance all muscle groups’ strength and flexibility, with an emphasis on challenging the core muscles with each movement. Classes will be taught using slow, controlled movements. Mat Pilates is based on the original work of Joseph Pilates, which originated before the creation of Pilates reformer equipment or “machines” used in the practice today.  Mat Pilates can be modified for any age, body, or fitness level. Students will enjoy improvement in posture, balance, coordination, body awareness, injury prevention, and concentration.

Body Mechanics & Calisthenics

Incorporating a combination of calisthenic exercises, mat pilates, yoga, rehabilitation, and functional training, each class will help you improve strength, mobility, coordination, stability, proprioception and balance. This is a group led class, but students will be given personalized instruction, unique to their needs and goals.  In each class, Krista will assess your body mechanics patterns and continuously customize your movements to address any imbalances or weaknesses to optimize your strength, balance and function.  Who is this class for: This class is incredible for anyone who wants to improve mobility, strength, flexibility, function and gain mastery of proprioception.  And it is especially ideal for those who would like to improve function after struggling with a chronic musculoskeletal or neurological condition. 

Sound Bath

Take time to slow down and immerse yourself in a meditative experience where you are “bathed” in sound waves, frequencies and tones designed to activate your parasympathetic nervous system. Using the soothing vibrations of crystal singing bowls, tuning forks, and other instruments we provide an unique and powerful way to experience the benefits of sound healing promoting deep relaxation for both physical and spiritual well-being. Perfect for anyone looking to unwind, reset, and experience a profound sense of peace. No prior experience needed—just come, relax, and let the sound guide you to tranquility. 

4 Week Meditation Course

This course is an introduction to mindfulness and concentration practices that support meditation. These practices support increasing emotional calmness and lowering stress reactivity. Throughout the four sessions, participants will learn concrete techniques for how to hold the body, how to breathe, how to focus the mind, how to release unbeneficial thoughts, how to relax tension in the mind and body, and how to observe the movements of the mind.  To learn more about this course and register, click here.

LifeArt Book Group

The Yoga Shala is excited to host the LifeArt Book group, offering discussion groups on books that “cultivate the conditions, skills, and attitudes that support artful, passionate, and purposeful living and creating.”  Upcoming book group dates will be announced soon!

NEW STUDENT INTRO SPECIAL

Best deal for first-time students! 4 classes for $50

Health Benefits of Yoga​

The benefits of practicing Ashtanga yoga are like no other. To ensure you get the most out of this powerful practice, it is crucial to get as close to the source as possible. Krista Shirley studied in Mysore, the birthplace of the Mysore-style of Ashtanga Yoga, for 20 years and teaches the way she was taught. Experience this for yourself at The Yoga Shala in Maitland, FL (near Winter Park and the Orlando area).

​ Ashtanga Yoga employs a multitude of techniques, such as postures, breathing, concentration and meditation exercises; we could call it the yoga of techniques. Ashtanga Yoga differs from other forms of yoga in that it is dynamic; most are static. The benefits of this particular yoga practice may be grouped into three categories: physical, emotional and mental.

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