Ashtanga Yoga Classes in Winter Park, Florida

Ashtanga Yoga Classes in Winter Park, Florida

$25.00$380.00

(13 customer reviews)

Monday-Friday

7:00-8:30am

2020 Crosby Way, Winter Park, FL 32792

*There are no classes on the new or full moon.

*Full time college student discounts are available. Email for info.

Description

Ashtanga Yoga Classes in Winter Park, Florida at The Yoga Shala

The Yoga Shala‘s Mysore program in Winter Park, Florida is suitable for beginners as well as longtime practitioners of Yoga. This unique teaching method instructs every student at their own pace, based on their own needs and goals. For these reasons, it is arguably the most effective and enjoyable way to properly learn yoga.

Mysore classes are similar to private instruction in that they are a personalized form of learning and teaching the Ashtanga Yoga system to each and every person. Instruction is customized to where the student is regarding factors such as physical health, age, strength, flexibility, endurance and balance are taken into consideration.  Moreover, things such as an understanding of the body/mind connection, control of the breath and any prior knowledge or exposure to yoga are important.  If a student has prior yoga experience, what kind and, if not, what other kinds of body movements or sports. Mysore classes differs from private instruction in the ratio of students to teacher. Consequently, the cost is far less per person, being divided up amongst the group.

Our Mysore Classes offer the opportunity to learn and practice the method of Ashtanga Yoga in a dedicated space for Mysore classes. You’ll join other students learning to cultivate the skill of self-practice and grasp specific details of the Ashtanga System. Unlike a Private Session (1:1), you and Krista are in a room of up to 15 other students. You’ll still learn in a 1:1 teaching method.  The teacher’s time is just divided among up to 15 people.

Ashtanga yoga classes in winter park florida

Who Can Attend Mysore Offerings:

As with all of Olotita’s yoga-based offerings, you can enter our Mysore program at The Yoga Shala in Winter Park, FL as you are.  Regardless of if you are a new student of yoga, a new student to the Ashtanga system, a returning student to Ashtanga teachings, or a very dedicated Ashtanga practitioner looking for more guidance, community, accountability, human interaction or adjustments, as you delve deeper into the intricacies of this beautiful practice.

Krista works with students ages 8-108. Every gender, ethnicity and religion is welcome here! If you have unique physical, spiritual, religious, educational or emotional circumstances, know that you can participate. In fact, Mysore is for EVERYONE!  Krista can and will joyfully work with you wherever you are.

She will use her 20 years of teaching experience to teach you how to access this practice, even if your asanas (poses) are different from others. She takes tremendous joy in working with students needing extra creativity in their approach to the practice. Recent health tragedies she experienced only deepened this love, adding to her drive to offer this practice to even more beautiful souls with special needs. EVERYONE is welcome here.

“Anyone can do yoga – old man, very old man. One who is sick – he will gain health. One who doesn’t have strength – he will gain strength. The only person who can’t practice is the lazy man.” – Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

First Class:

If you are new to the Mysore method, your first class will focus on the basic Ashtanga yoga techniques for breathing with movement – called “vinyāsa.”  As well as a thorough introduction to foundational movements, positions and transitions. This is also where you will slowly be introduced to functional anatomy and biomechanics.

The duration of your very first practice may be 30-60 minutes long, depending on your prior exposure to the aforementioned concepts. Early on, the key is slow and steady, consistency, stability, structure, foundation … and practice, practice, practice. To learn the skill of self-practice, you must memorize sequences and become proficient in what you’ve been taught. Practice leads to mastery over this material.  And mastery is unquestionably necessary before you progress further into postures or concepts that demand a certain level of familiarity.

This approach to acquiring the skill of self-practice allows you time to adjust to a new daily routine – physically, emotionally, financially and socially. Consistent and gradual integration of the practice allows your body to become familiar with the practice itself.  Over time, this facilitates development of greater physical flexibility, strength, endurance and proprioception.

Yet, the benefits of Mysore style Ashtanga Yoga extend so far beyond the physical body! The more time you invest into practice, and the more attention you place on your breath, your posture, your movement and your thoughts, the sooner you will discover true wholeness in your life.

ashtanga yoga classes in winter park florida

Ashtanga Yoga:

Ashtanga is traditionally taught in a “Mysore Style” class, so named after the city in South India where the method originated. It continues to be taught in the shalas (schools) in Mysore, India, and in traditional Ashtanga Yoga schools around the world.

Distinct differences mark how this Mysore method is taught from a more “typical” yoga class structure found nowadays. Mysore class is not “led” as a whole group.  Uniquely, the mysore style is one-on-one individualized teaching within a group class setting.  This niche method of teaching yoga enables students to progress through the Ashtanga Yoga series at their own pace, according to their individual needs. In addition, it helps the teacher assist each student individually through physical adjustments and verbal instruction.

There are two methods used to teach Ashtanga Yoga:

a. Led format is the more popular method of instruction. It’s a better business model, as you can fit more bodies into a room, and more classes onto a schedule. The structure is less personalized, and more “follow the leader.” Led classes teach to an entire class, sometimes intimidating students not as fit or flexible as others in a large class.

b. The Mysore method teaches each student based on individual needs. Its format is group instruction in a 1:1 mode, meaning each student is taught individually inside a classroom of 5-20 other students also being taught individually.

Additional information

Choose an Option

Drop-In $25, 5-Class Pack $120, 10-Class Pack $210, 20-Class Pack $380, Beginner Course $100

13 reviews for Ashtanga Yoga Classes in Winter Park, Florida

  1. Sasha Klein

    Krista is an amazing yoga instructor. My yoga practice blossomed more then I ever could have dreamed through her guidance. My dedication towards my practice was also reinforced through her support and her love for the practice. I have never met anyone as dedicated to their own practice, which translates into her teaching. Her knowledge of the body as well as her dedication to the Ashtanga practice makes her a phenomenal teacher for others to learn from and grow their practice. You will be so happy you chose Krista for your yoga practice.

    • Krista

      Thank you Sasha! People like you are the reason I love teaching. Its so beautiful to work with people who want to take accountability for their own health and wellness. Happy practicing my friend!

  2. Tanya

    Krista is an amazing instructor, I met her during a workshop and then wanted continued instruction with her that I decided to take her yoga teacher training/apprenticeship. I learned so much more from previous training before. She is respectful of your space and understands the body very well and how it moves. She knows how to align your body, she is strict but sensitive. She will help you every step of the way in your practice and she is very patient.

    • Krista

      Thank you Tanya! I absolutely love working with you on your practice, your teaching, your interest in yoga and wholeness. I’m so grateful you’ve gained alot from the time spent with me on your practices and I really hope to see you in class again sometime soon!

  3. Stewart Spears

    Krista and Mysore Ashtanga improved the health of my mind and body more than any thing in my life. She teaches you to build a skillset; you will learn how to understand yourself. There is much more value in her yoga than in the Americanized group lead classes that seem more like a one hour workout than an ongoing practice. Nothing around with those type of classes. I do them sometimes. But Ashtanga is not that. It’s so much more.

  4. Laura

    Yoga is Krista’s passion. It shows in the ways she moves through life, her practice and how she instructs yoga. Her knowledge of the postures, yoga sequencing and the instruction of them are at a masters level. Her instruction in the the Ashtanga sequencing is valuable for the beginner and the well seasoned practitioner. Whether I have attended a Mysore class or led class from Krista I have always come away with a new understanding of my practice. Her instruction has been very valuable to me and my practice has blossomed.

  5. Lama Karma Jinpa

    Krista shows a unique passion for yoga and is a natural teacher. Her appreciation and explanation of physical structure (skeletal and muscular) as well as detail for subtleties like bhanda and breath are uncommon and easy to relate to. Additionally her devotion and humanity are her own qualities that she inspire in others with ease!

  6. Emily

    I met Krista, through my daughter who was already enrolled & after taking several introductory classes, I decided to sign up for more classes. I found her to be extremely knowledgeable, patient & supportive as I began my journey. She helped me to understand and accept my limitations and realize this was not a race to learn the poses all at once. She guides you through poses that can be challenging while providing correction and assistance when needed. I learned never to try and force my body into any pose but to be patient with myself and gently practice each pose. Doing so enabled me to realize that when I was kind with and to my body, the poses became easier for me to do. I found her manner calming, supportive & encouraging, especially when I felt like I would never learn a pose and the sequence of each one. Krista fulfills her teaching role ensuring each student is practicing the poses correctly and yet without unnecessary interruptions. More importantly she continues to further her own education and practice through workshops in India and elsewhere.

  7. Leah Fairmont Venturello

    Krista is an incredible teacher! She inspired me to begin with Ashtanga yoga nearly 20 years ago and I have never looked back. Her knowledge of anatomy and intuitive ability has helped me through multiple stages in my life including pregnancy, injuries, deepening my practice and, through her training, becoming a teacher myself. She helped me get to the root causes, which were often not what they seemed on the surface, showing me modifications and options to safely practice and heal. I would highly recommend her classes and teaching for anyone interested in yoga.

  8. Gabriella

    I have learned so much throughout the years from Krista, especially going through the Ashtanga apprenticeship. Krista’a experienced have truly allowed her to be informative in the different limbs of yoga and convey them with respect to all of her students.

  9. Shelby

    Krista 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!

  10. Sharon Leah Rafferty

    Krista is a dynamic and powerful teacher yet she has the ability to understand and work with brokenness in a gentle healing way… the only reason I am not there daily having her mold my practice is because I love far now.. but when I was close the incredible amount of growth and learning she was the catalyst to still a big voice in my head to my current practice.. she will always be my first ashtanga teacher whom teachings I hold so dear.. she will transform you for the better.. namaste 🙏

  11. Nicholas Smith

    The day I walked into the Yoga Shala I instantly knew this was the place I needed to be that changed my life for the better. Meeting Krista was a blessing because she is a motivating and powerful teacher who impacted my life in many ways not only through the practice of yoga but also as an amazing friend. If you are looking to improve your health, develop discipline, tap deeper spiritually, or changing your health and fitness, Krista Shirley will help guide you through this process. Krista has dedicated her life to helping others with her reputable experience and loving passion of yoga. I am extremely grateful for you Krista. Yoga has cleansed my mind and body. My body is functional and fluid. My mind is strong due to the discipline I developed by showing up to practice with your guidance. Thank you for all you have done to help me.

  12. Matt

    I’ve practiced with Krista over a number of years in a variety of settings: classes, workshops, and two international retreats. She has always given me valuable information and tools to work with that have helped me integrate my body better through space. She meets you where you’re at, and helps provide clarity/support/space when needed. I went on two of her international retreats in 2018 and 2019 to Greece, and those workshops changed my life in meaningful ways. Not only did we visit some beautiful, historic places of the world, but we actually experienced the culture and people of these places. I was humbled by these experiences and will always remember them: the food, culture, and history-she helped us to learn more about. I appreciated the way Krista mixed the sessions during the retreats; some days we worked on different modalities outside of asana: meditation, chanting, pranayama. And, she then also gave us space to just be and explore. The retreats are something I’m grateful for doing, as they evolved me as a person, and made me a better, more appreciative traveler of the world.

  13. Prabhu

    It was one of the best moments of time for me, to have found Krista’s Ashtanga Yoga classes and the path that unfolded in this journey was transformational. I also participated in the Apprenticeship program and the Yoga retreat in Costa Rica., both were joyful and immersive experiences. Krista is a highly experienced Ashtanga yoga teacher, who had been a strong force for my yoga journey. Anyone who wants to begin your yoga journey, look no further, join Krista’s classes., you’re in best hands.

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