testimonials

Student Testimonials

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The Yoga Shala is an incredibly welcoming place for both experienced practitioners and beginners of yoga!
My Ashtanga Yoga journey began over a year ago with Krista, the owner — and I haven’t looked back since. Krista teaches in the traditional Mysore style, allowing me the freedom to practice at my own pace while receiving individualized guidance and customized adjustments. This powerful method has brought me immense mental and physical benefits.
Krista’s deep knowledge of the poses, breathing techniques, meditation, body mechanics, and Ashtanga philosophy ensures that I always feel safe and supported. I also thoroughly enjoy the workshops she hosts at the Shala.
Krista is a truly inspiring teacher who creates a welcoming and loving environment. The Shala is not just a place for yoga practice; it’s a place overflowing with love and energy, fostering a deep connection with oneself.
If you’re looking for a cozy space with a unique energy, The Yoga Shala is a must-visit! It’s a special place with respectful and caring teachers (I also recommend classes with Neil and Laura), precise corrections, and a dedication to the traditional method of Ashtanga Yoga. Whether you’re new to yoga or have been practicing for years, this rewarding experience is one you don’t want to miss!

Larissa DS Florencio

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My experience at the Yoga Shala has resulted not just in physical changes in my body, but it has also allowed me to grow both mentally and physically. It is not like any other yoga class/practice that I have ever attended, and that is exactly why I love it! Learning and going deeper into the asanas has made my body stronger and more flexible. Yet it is the very practice of going deeper into the asanas that has also fostered my mental and emotional growth. For, without mental and emotional strength, I would have never given myself the space and time to achieve any of the physical postures.
All of this growth is fostered by a staff of caring, insightful instructors who meet you where you are individually, leading and guiding you in a way that is unique to your body and your abilities. Krista Shirley (the owner) has instilled the same love and dedication she has for Ashtanga yoga into each of her instructors, so even if you don't have the pleasure of attending one of the classes she guides, you can rest assured you are going to be equally well taken care of by any of her staff.

When I first started at the Yoga Shala three years ago, I was skeptical at first because it was so different than what I was used to. However, if you give Ashtanga and the Mysore method a chance, you will take your mind and body to new heights. Just breathe in, breathe out, and let it work for you. Even on days, when I am struggling to motivate myself, I know that there is no other practice I would rather do, and no place I would rather do it.

Nikki N

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Who knew the right kind of yoga, modifications and instructor could alleviate chronic back pain, make you stronger, result in weight loss, and tone you up! Not to mention the mental health benefits from the focus/mind clearing/centering/deep breathing. I never in my wildest dreams thought I could do yoga! But when my chiropractor referred me to Krista, I gave it a try as a sort of physical therapy and it worked because it broke up all the built-up fascia in my body, among many other reasons.

Krista is in tune with what each individual needs and has the medical knowledge to modify our movements and create custom practices for each (even though the overall routine is the same) based on whatever body issues we have.
I love the mysore style classes because she works with each of us one-on-one throughout our practices. It’s like having a medical-based personal trainer in a group setting. If I do yoga or pilates with any other instructor, it hurts my back and knees, but with Krista’s guidance, form correction, education, caring nature, and modifications, I can do both!

Jill McMillan

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I met Krista in 2014 on my early practice days and always loved her guidance. Currently I live in a small beach town about an Hour away from the shala and with no Mysore practice. When you practice alone it sometimes gets really lonely. I miss the connection and sometimes I really need someone to hold me accountable. Mostly for this reason I joined the Zoom Mysore with Krista. Oh well, I really got way more than I expected. Under her watchful eye with her great verbal cues, I felt as if she was standing behind me every breath, and was even surprised in one of those nemesis asanas that you kind of try to rush through when “no one is watching “ she was actually watching and made me repeat it and gave me new cues !
If you are doubtful about mysore zoom practice do yourself a favor and give this one a try ! Make sure your camera is well positioned and you have good light … she is truly an amazing teacher and I’m so happy to be able to have a studio with a certified teacher , in my garage !❤️

Jessica Mundo

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Krista Shirley is an excellent teacher! She has a way of just looking at you and knowing how best to guide you in the practice. I love how she offers preparatory poses to allow people’s bodies to gradually change, so they don’t injure themselves trying to do a pose they’re not ready for.

On top of all that, she brings a positive, motivational energy to her classes. She makes every student (from beginners to advanced practitioners and everyone in between) feel like they are exactly where they are meant to be.
I had the privilege of doing Krista’s teacher apprenticeship, and it was truly one of the best things I did in my life. I never wanted those apprenticeship weekends to end!

Shelby Makowsky

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Krista is an excellent teacher. She directs you personally, one-on-one during class and explains the benefits of the poses. She's very encouraging and you feel cared for in her classes. After practicing Ashtanga yoga, I can see how this would be a lifelong journey for your body and your mind. I feel extremely strong after each class and I can only imagine how that will grow over time.

Audrey Phillips

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I absolutely love the Yoga Shala!. Krista has been helping me with my back issues, while guiding me through yoga as a beginner. The Mysore classes are a great way to learn techniques, and the Body Mechanics classes really help with teaching your body to perform correctly after age, damage, and life has done a number on it. I feel supported, not judged, and the kindness and encouragement from Krista and Laura make me want to continue. The beginning yoga and sound bath classes with Laura are grounding and so enjoyable. I am enjoying my journey with the Yoga Shala!

Mary Odell

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For me is the best Yoga studio to learn traditional Ashtanga Yoga. You may find so many great Yoga studios all around but in the Yoga Shala a very old tradition is followed. Mysore style makes it a one of a Kind experience. If what you are looking for is to build a strong and consistent yoga practice, instructors here can really help you do it. Krista is an awesome asana teacher, and her love for the practice is contagious . The place itself will make you feel at home and connected. Very recommended

Tatiana Lozada

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I am a yoga newbie, and I cannot imagine a better place to start. Krista and her team are so knowledgeable and welcoming. No matter your fitness or flexibility level, they can find a way for this practice to work for you, and they do so with incredible support and kindness. I have been going consistently for a little over a month now, and it is the best present I could have given myself. I can already feel improvements in both my mental and physical well-being. If you are on the fence, sign up for the two-week intro course. You will not regret it.

Mollie Smith

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I have tried several, if not every, yoga studio in the Orlando/Winter park area... This studio is by far the most unique. Krista is the best teacher I have ever had. Ashtanga yoga is different than most styles of yoga and I have found that it is now the only yoga I practice. Krista has so much knowledge and cares so much for her students to truly learn that it was extremely easy for me to stay at the Yoga Shala permanently. Could not recommend the shala enough!

Victoria Quintero

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Krista Shirley and her staff at The Yoga Shala are by far the best around. Their studio is great! The knowledge you will get and the confidence you will gain is priceless. I am a new student at their studio but I already feel like I am part of their community. I have learned so much about Ashtanga Yoga and about myself and I am forever grateful to this studio for all of it. Please do yourself a favor and visit The Yoga Shala, you will be glad you did.Krista Shirley and her staff at The Yoga Shala are by far the best around. Their studio is great! The knowledge you will get and the confidence you will gain is priceless. I am a new student at their studio but I already feel like I am part of their community. I have learned so much about Ashtanga Yoga and about myself and I am forever grateful to this studio for all of it. Please do yourself a favor and visit The Yoga Shala, you will be glad you did.
Krista Shirley and her staff at The Yoga Shala are by far the best around. Their studio is great! The knowledge you will get and the confidence you will gain is priceless. I am a new student at their studio but I already feel like I am part of their community. I have learned so much about Ashtanga Yoga and about myself and I am forever grateful to this studio for all of it. Please do yourself a favor and visit The Yoga Shala, you will be glad you did.

Mariluz Rivera

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I've been practicing yoga for about 10 years, have about 300 hours of training completed, and have practiced at studios all over the country. The Yoga Shala is a traditional studio - it's the real deal if you are looking for authentic Ashtanga Yoga. I love practicing the Mysore style because it is tailored to each individual student so you can work on your practice at your own pace - which is how yoga should be! This way you are taking care of yourself if you have any injuries or getting challenged at your own level when you are ready to take it to the next step. I felt very welcomed to the studio by all of the instructors - they are all very experienced and knowledgeable. I also felt honored to be studying under the guidance of the owner, Krista Shirley, who continues to study in Mysore, India and who has dedicated her time to achieving a very high level of certification that not many teachers have. I was moving across the country (from CA) to Florida, and I was honestly on the fence about it until I learned about these teachers and this studio! It is pretty rare to find a studio like this - you can't find them anywhere - so if you are lucky enough to live in the area at least check it out! (I commute over an hour each way to practice here, but it's worth it!)

Katie Borowski

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