If you have spent any time around yoga studios, you have probably heard the term “Mysore style” tossed around. Maybe you walked past a studio window and saw people practicing at different paces, doing different poses, while a teacher moved quietly between them. It looks nothing like a typical group class, and that is exactly the point.
Mysore-style yoga is one of the most traditional ways to learn Ashtanga yoga. It is also one of the most misunderstood. People often assume it is advanced, or intimidating, or only for serious practitioners. The truth is that Mysore is arguably the best way for a beginner to learn yoga, because you receive individual attention in a group setting and progress at a pace that is right for your body.
At Yoga Now Chicago, we have been running a Mysore program in River North since the early 2000s. Our program is led by Todd Boman, one of the highest-certified Ashtanga teachers in the Midwest. In this guide, we will break down what Mysore-style yoga actually is, how it works, and why it might be the practice you have been looking for.
What Is Mysore-Style Yoga?
Mysore-style yoga is the traditional method of teaching Ashtanga yoga as it was developed in Mysore, India by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Rather than a teacher leading the entire class through the same sequence at the same time (what is often called a “led” class), Mysore students practice the Ashtanga series independently, at their own pace, while a teacher provides one-on-one adjustments and guidance.
Think of it like a private lesson that happens inside a group room. Everyone is doing their own practice, but the teacher is moving through the room, working with each student individually. New students receive more hands-on attention. Experienced students work through more of the sequence. The room holds a quiet, focused energy that many practitioners find deeply meditative.
The Mysore method is how Ashtanga yoga has been taught for decades in India. It is not a trendy new format. It is the original way.
How a Mysore Class Works
If you have never been to a Mysore yoga class, the format can feel unfamiliar at first. Here is what to expect:
Arriving and Starting
Mysore classes typically have an arrival window rather than a strict start time. At Yoga Now, students arrive within the first part of the scheduled class time and begin their practice. There is no waiting for everyone to start together. You begin when you are ready.
Learning the Sequence
If you are new to Ashtanga, the teacher will teach you the sequence pose by pose. You do not need to know anything before your first class. The teacher starts with Sun Salutations and the standing poses, then gradually adds more postures as you become comfortable. You practice what you have been given, and the teacher adds new poses when you are ready.
This is fundamentally different from a led class where everyone does every pose whether they are ready for it or not. In Mysore, you only practice what is appropriate for your level on that particular day.
Hands-On Guidance
The teacher moves through the room giving verbal cues, physical adjustments, and individualized instruction. If you are struggling with a pose, the teacher might offer a modification. If you are ready to go deeper, they might help you find more space in the posture. This kind of personalized attention is rare in group classes and is one of the reasons Mysore students progress so effectively.
Your Practice, Your Pace
Over time, you memorize the sequence and it becomes your own personal practice. You arrive, move through the series, and the teacher is there to refine and guide. Many students find this incredibly empowering. The practice becomes something you carry with you, not something you depend on a teacher to lead you through.
Why Mysore Is Great for Beginners
This might sound counterintuitive, but Mysore is actually one of the best entry points into yoga. Here is why:
You get individual attention. In a typical group class, the teacher has to keep twenty people moving together. In Mysore, the teacher works with you one on one. They see your body, understand your limitations, and tailor the practice to you specifically.
You learn the sequence properly. Instead of trying to follow along with a class and hoping you are doing it right, you learn each pose step by step. The teacher makes sure your foundation is solid before adding complexity.
There is no pressure to keep up. In a led class, there is an implicit pressure to stay with the group. In Mysore, you move at your own pace. If you need to rest, you rest. If you need to spend extra time on a pose, you do. The practice meets you where you are.
It builds independence. Once you know the sequence, you can practice anywhere. You do not need a video or a teacher calling out poses. The practice becomes yours.
The Yoga Now Mysore Program
Our Mysore program at Yoga Now is led by Todd Boman, who holds the SYC certification from the Sharath Yoga Centre in Mysore, India. This is the highest level of authorization available in the Ashtanga lineage. Todd has traveled to Mysore 18 times to study with R. Sharath Jois, and he brings that depth of experience to every student he works with.
The program is also supported by several teachers who have built their own Mysore practices under Todd’s guidance. Eva Yam, Shelly Gies, and Colleen Nyland all maintain daily Mysore practices and teach from their own direct experience with the method.
Yoga Now was founded by Amy Beth Treciokas in 2003. Amy Beth has traveled to Mysore, India 14 times to study with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and was authorized to teach Ashtanga yoga in 1999. Her decades of experience in the Ashtanga tradition are the foundation of everything we do at the studio.
Mysore vs. Led Ashtanga: What Is the Difference?
Both are Ashtanga yoga. The difference is in how they are taught.
In a led Ashtanga class, the teacher calls out the poses and the entire class moves together. This is excellent for learning the rhythm and pacing of the series, and for building the discipline of moving with the breath.
In a Mysore class, you practice the same series on your own while the teacher gives individual attention. This is excellent for developing a self-directed practice and for working through specific challenges at your own pace.
Most experienced Ashtanga practitioners do both. Led classes sharpen your focus and timing. Mysore practice deepens your understanding and independence.
What to Bring to Your First Mysore Class
You do not need much. A yoga mat, comfortable clothes you can move in, and a willingness to learn. That is it.
You do not need to memorize the sequence beforehand. You do not need to be flexible. You do not need to have any prior yoga experience. The teacher will teach you everything from the very beginning.
If you have injuries or health concerns, let the teacher know before you start. Mysore is inherently adaptable because the teacher is working with you as an individual. Modifications are always available.
How to Get Started with Mysore Yoga in Chicago
If you are in Chicago and curious about Mysore-style yoga, the best thing to do is simply show up. You can view our current Mysore class schedule online and register for a session. We recommend committing to at least a few classes when you are first learning, because the sequence builds on itself and the repetition helps it stick.
We also offer Ashtanga yoga classes in a led format if you want to experience the sequence in a group setting first. Many students find that a combination of Mysore and led classes gives them the strongest foundation.
If you have questions before your first class, you can reach us at 312-280-9642 or email info@yoganowchicago.com. We are happy to talk through what to expect and help you feel prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know the Ashtanga sequence before my first Mysore class?
No. The teacher will teach you the sequence pose by pose, starting with the very basics. You learn as you go. Many students start with absolutely zero prior experience.
Is Mysore yoga only for advanced practitioners?
Not at all. Mysore is appropriate for all levels because the practice is individualized. Beginners actually benefit the most from the one-on-one attention that the Mysore format provides.
How long does a Mysore practice take?
It depends on how much of the sequence you have learned. A brand new student might practice for 45 minutes to an hour. As you learn more of the series, your practice will naturally extend to 90 minutes or more. You are welcome to leave whenever you finish your assigned sequence.
Can I practice Mysore if I have injuries?
Yes. Because the teacher is working with you individually, they can modify poses and offer alternatives that accommodate injuries or limitations. Always let the teacher know about any injuries before you begin.
What is the commitment for a Mysore practice?
Traditionally, Ashtanga is practiced six days a week with one day of rest. However, any amount of consistent practice is beneficial. We encourage new students to come at least two to three times per week to build familiarity with the sequence.
Ready to try Mysore-style yoga in Chicago? Join us at Yoga Now in River North. Our Mysore program is led by one of the most experienced Ashtanga teachers in the country, and we welcome complete beginners. View our class schedule and book your first session today. If you are new to the studio, check out our first class information to learn everything you need to know before you arrive.
Yoga Now Chicago | 742 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654 | 312-280-9642