Consistent practice of Ashtanga yoga has a growing effect on the body. If you are new to yoga, it is recommended that you practice 3 days a week and gradually add more days. It is traditional to practice Ashtanga yoga 6 days a week, and make sure to take 1 day for rest. Women are advised to avoid practicing during the first 3 days of menstruation and opt for a more restorative practice.
If you have tight muscles, yoga can help loosen them up! Yoga asana is a physical practice that will help increase your flexibility over time. You do not need to be flexible, but your flexibility increases with regular and consistent practice of yoga. It is a personal practice with many physical and health benefits, and not an opportunity to show off how flexible you are. Everyone can practice yoga and improve their overall health, including flexibility.
The Yoga Room is a shala (Sanskrit for home), where students gather to learn, share and experience yoga. Ashtanga yoga is a vigorous style in which students practice a set sequence of postures in the exact same order every time. We offer daily led classes that teach the primary series of Ashtanga yoga. The sequence consists of sun salutations A & B, standing sequence, postures of the primary series (which include a lot of seated forward bends), and finishing sequence (inversions and deep relaxation posture). Ashtanga yoga is fast-paced with a lot of movement, so students can expect to sweat a lot during practice. Sun salutations are performed in the beginning of class to warm up the body, and Vinyasa (synchronization of breath with movement) is practiced to keep the body warm. Teachers will assist and adjust you when necessary, unless told otherwise. If you prefer not receiving any physical contact for any reason, please inform the teacher before class or as she/he approaches to adjust you.
At the Yoga Room, we focus on the practice of asana – the physical practice of postures. Yoga asana involves stretching your muscles in a whole different way than warm-up stretches at the gym. In yoga, correct alignment is emphasized. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a system in which breath in synchronized with the movement from posture to the other. It is essential to bring awareness to your breath while flowing through the sequence, balancing between both physical strength and flexibility. Yoga asana is very popular all over the world, but is only one aspect of a yoga practice. It is the 3rd limb of Ashtanga yoga, but is an excellent place to begin a yoga practice.
Through careful and regular practice, students with pre-existing injuries or physical pain can benefit from the healing effects of yoga. The primary series of Ashtanga yoga is called Yoga Chikitsa in Sanskrit, which translates into yoga therapy. If you are suffering from any injuries, please inform the teacher so that you are given any modification or adjustments that are best suited for you. More importantly, be compassionate towards yourself and your body.
Our spacious practice room accommodates up to 35 students during each class. If you have purchased a class-package or an unlimited pass, you can access the online booking service (insert hyperlink). Otherwise, you can call (insert number) and book a class ahead of time. When practicing yoga, it is important to wear clothes that you are comfortable practicing in. Dress in a way that allows you to move freely while moderately covering your body. Go for attire that is not too restrictive – nothing too loose that might get in the way of moving through the postures, or too tight that might limit your movement. You will work up a sweat in Ashtanga yoga, so it is best to avoid materials that will feel heavy when sweaty. Yoga is best performed barefoot; no need to wear socks during class. It is advised not to drink water during practice to keep the body warm and light. Therefore, drink plenty of water before and rehydrate after class.
Everyone! The key to practicing yoga is an open heart, an open mind and the will to learn gradually. Yoga is for everyone – men and women of all ages, even children. You are never too young or too old to start. At the Yoga Room, beginners and advanced students are welcome to practice. We offer classes designed to suit students’ needs and varying levels. If you have any concerns, physical or medical conditions, please make sure to share them with the teacher before class starts.