Before coming to practise Ashtanga Yoga, a few simple guidelines are enough to arrive in good conditions. Nothing complicated: punctuality, comfortable clothing, an empty stomach and the wish to practise. Here is the essential to know before your first class.
Arriving and registering
Simply arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the class. Registration and payment are settled after the class, with your teacher. All classes last 1½ hours. They are progressive — a programme runs across the whole year, from September to July — but it remains possible to join during the year. The intensive mornings last 3 hours.
Advanced, private and prenatal classes
If you are coming for the first time to an advanced-level class, please contact us before making the trip. For private classes, classes for pregnant women or the opening of new classes, all information and registration are handled by phone or email — please do not come to the Institute in these cases.
The rules of practice
- Arrive on time: the series begins with the warm-up.
- Practise on an empty stomach.
- Wear soft, comfortable, light clothing; you practise barefoot.
- You do not need to be supple — it is the yoga that makes you supple.
- Turn off your phone.
- If you are under medical treatment, injured or pregnant, tell the teacher before the class.
- Avoid strong perfume.
- No flip-flops or shoes in the practice room.
- This is not Bikram Yoga: it is best not to drink water just before or during class. Afterwards, wait 20 to 30 minutes before drinking.
Bring a towel
Be ready to sweat. If you sweat a lot, a yoga towel (183 × 60 cm) laid on the mat protects it and washes easily after each practice. It has a microfibre side that absorbs perspiration and a rubber side that keeps it from slipping in supporting postures. Care: machine-wash at 40 °C maximum — no tumble dryer, no dry cleaning, no bleach or softener.
