What Astanga Entails
Astanga is a fixed series of postures linked by breath and gaze. You memorise the sequence and the practice becomes a moving meditation — the same outer shapes, a quieter inner room each time.
At Solstice Path we teach it Mysore-style: the room opens at 6am, you arrive, and Sofia assists you one-to-one within your own rhythm while the group breathes around you.
- Level
- Some experience recommended
- Tempo
- Vigorous, self-paced
- Length
- 75–90 minutes
- Teacher
- Sofia Bennett
What a Class Holds
- Opening chant and breath count to synchronise the room
- Sun salutations A & B to build heat before the standing series
- Standing, seated and finishing sequences with hands-on assists
- Backbends, inversions and closing rest, scaled to your level
- A personal progression card tracking your postures month to month
Levels & Rhythm
Beginners start with a four-week foundations pass — sun salutations, standing poses and the breath count — before joining the open Mysore room. Most students practise three to five mornings a week; Saturdays we gather for the full led primary series, counted aloud in Sanskrit and English.
When we practise
- Mysore room: Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 06:00
- Led primary series: Saturday at 08:00
- Moon days (full & new): rest — the shala stays open for tea
Do I need to be flexible or fit already?
No. The series meets you where you are; the assists and the repetition do the rest. Consistency matters far more than starting shape.
What should I bring?
Just yourself. Mats, towels, filtered water and showers are all included in every booking.
Is Mysore suitable if I have an injury?
Usually yes — tell Sofia before you start and the sequence is adapted around it. Sharp or recent injuries deserve a doctor's note first.
Book Mysore Mornings All traditions
Also explore: Hatha Yoga · Iyengar Yoga · Kundalini Yoga