Practice Guidelines

When to Practice

• Ashtanga yoga is a daily practice. Students should plan to come to class as close to six days a week as their schedule allows, but no less than four days a week (unless granted specific permission by the teachers to attend less often).
• There is no practice on days of the new and full moon.
• Students should try not to alternate between morning and evening practice.
• Students should arrive in Mysore-style class early enough to complete their entire practice (including shavasana).

What to Bring

• All students are required to have their own sticky mat, which can be left at the school.
• A cotton practice rug is optional.
• Straps and other props are not used.
• Natural fiber clothing (such as organic cotton) is recommended.
• Practice should be done on an empty stomach. Water is best not drunk before or during class.

Personal Care

• It is customary (and appreciated!) for students to bathe before class.
• Clothing worn during practice should be clean.
• Yoga mats and practice rugs should be washed periodically.
• Use of scented products is discouraged.

"Ladies' Holiday"

• Women are advised not to practice during the first two to three days of menstruation, and to rest as much as possible during this time. This is by tradition, and also for the practitioner's benefit. For more on this, please go to the following interview with Saraswati Rangaswamy, the daughter of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois: http://aysnyc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=175&Itemid=184