Ashtanga Yoga Jersey has opened its shala doors in St Helier to become Jersey’s first Mysore-style yoga school.
Open five mornings a week, the school introduces a more traditional Indian style of yoga to the Island.
The shala, which translates to “home” in Sanskrit, is located in the Quakers Meeting House at La Colomberie and is now open for students to carry out their practice as they would in India. New members are invited to try an Ashtanga practice, no matter what their level or previous experience, as founder Anna Haines looks to grow the Ashtanga community in Jersey.
Mysore-style classes differ from more Western yoga classes in that each practitioner is taught individually in a group setting, rather than led by a teacher instructing in front of the class. The teaching is therefore tailored to the student’s ability and experience, allowing you to progress at your own pace. Experienced teachers are on hand for guidance and adjustments to ensure you get the most out of your morning.
Ashtanga Yoga Jersey founder, Anna Haines, explained: “Having been teaching in Jersey for the last three years, I’m so excited to open this dedicated space for anyone to learn yoga and support their daily practice. More than running a business, I am looking to establish a community and provide an opportunity to experience yoga as it was originally taught in India.”
Anna is hoping to bring a taste of India to the Island following intensive training at the Sharath Yoga Centre in Mysore and learning from some of the most respected teachers in the world including Sharath Jois. Anna has extensively studied Mysore in the UK and maintained a daily practice for nearly a decade.
She continued: “With dedicated, regular practice, yogis can see an increase in strength and flexibility, as well as an improvement in posture, chronic pain, and energy levels. Yoga is also proven to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you to manage anxiety and depression and other mental health issues.”
