How to Prepare for Your First Mysore Class - Detailed Instructions

Preparation for your first Mysore class is very simple - don't do anything! 

Many students have given me reasons why they think about coming to Mysore class, but haven't come yet:

I haven't learned the series yet.

I'm still a beginner and I think I need to go to more led classes first.

I'll be embarrassed because everyone else will be so much better than me.

Mysore class is a come-as-you-are party.  In fact, we get many students who have never done yoga.  They don't know the series and they don't even know how to do downward-facing dog. Sometimes students come to Mysore class after having tried other yoga classes and felt they didn't belong because they are older, stiff or have a hard time doing the poses.  Mysore class welcomes all kinds of students, even those students with severe medical restrictions. Two students have come to class using walkers because they were waiting for their hip replacement surgery to be scheduled.  Students with severe arthritis or late term pregnancy can use chairs in Mysore class.  In India, our teacher Saraswathi taught a student whose legs were amputated at the knee.  I've seen a student practicing in Mysore with a cast on one leg.

Mysore class is for anyone.  You do not need to know the series; you do not need to be able to do anything.  All you have to do is make a committment to attend Monday-Thursday classes three days a week for one month.  Students who are new to yoga should not go to the Friday and Sunday led classes for at least two weeks after starting Mysore class. The teacher will tell you when you are ready to go to a led class.