Questions & Answers
Getting Started
Yes! Ashtanga is great for beginners.
In our studio, we teach newcomers to the practice the basics of the system, starting with the special breathing, breathing through the nose and making a soft sound with the throat. Then we teach the synchronization of the movements with the breath which is an essential aspect of Ashtanga called Vinyasas.
We have foundations classes of different levels where we teach the sun salutations A and B and standing poses with great care. Each week we deconstruct a pose in minute details for beginners to grasp the essence of the pose, to learn it and practice it in a safe way. This is a unique approach to learn Ashtanga and we are the only ones in Paris to teach it this way.
Step-by-step learning is an important concept in our studio, we want people to feel that they are cared for, that they are in safe hands, surrounded by professional instructors who want them to feel better in their bodies and their mind.
If you have never practiced Ashtanga yoga, or very little, we recommend that you start with the Fundamentals of Ashtanga classes, designed with beginners in mind. Fundamentals I and II classes will teach you the basics and particularities of this practice necessary before trying more advanced classes (see question “Is Ashtanga Ok for Beginners?”).
You can read a description of each style and level by clicking on the class in the class schedule or under Classes -> Description on the main menu.
Here is also a video by Linda and Gerald explaining classes and levels:
If you visit us for the first time start here.
To ensure your place in a class you can book online from the class schedule. For this, you will need:- a student account that’s been activated
- a valid card (with at least 1 class, or a pass)
Please check-in at the front desk at least 10 minutes before the beginning of the class. In case of late arrival we cannot hold your spot, access to the class is not guaranteed.
Your reservation can be canceled from your student account up to 15 minutes before the start of the class. After this time you will be charged for the class.
We have a *First Time Offer 3-Class Card* available for new students living in Paris (or nearby). Other popular choices for trying classes are the 7 Days Pass or single classes. We occasionally have offers or events in which you can come try classes.
See all our price options here
See our upcoming events here
You’re welcome to join any time. To book a class, you’ll need to choose a price option to pay for it. We have different price options that may suit your need depending on how many times you’d like to come practice and how long you’re staying. We offer passes for frequent visits (for 7 days to 1 year stays!) and class cards or single classes for more occasional visits. They can all be purchased online.
Besides Linda’s, all led classes are in French. However, all AYP teachers understand English and many are completely fluent. If you would like the teacher to give some cues in English, tell them before the class starts and go to these teachers’ classes: Céline B, Yvan, Marine, Paola, Elsa, Louise, Cyrielle, Elisabetta, Nancy or Alick.
Pricing & Discounts
Calculate how many times per week or per month you plan on coming to class. If you come 3 times a week or more, a pass will work best. If you come 1-2 times a week or less, class cards are better.
An example: the 20 class card (valid for 6 months) gives you access to all classes and works best if you come 1 or 2 times per week and are regular in getting to the studio; if you travel a lot with work or anticipate weeks where you won’t be able to come practice it is better to take another class card, with fewer classes so that you don’t lose any at the end of the card’s validity.
We can prolong a card for one month with the purchase of another card if your old card has expired for less than a month. We’ll add an extra month to the new card, giving you time to finish the old card. This option is valid for everyone, no matter the reason for your absence, no medical certificate is required.
We can prolong a card for 3 months if you are pregnant or seriously injured or ill ONLY if you cannot come to Prenatal Yoga, or Restorative Yoga classes or breathing & meditation classes.
Important: You need to ask for this within the 2 weeks following pregnancy or injury/illness.
A medical certificate is required, saying that you are not able do any kind of yoga class; even gentle yoga and breathing & meditation classes.
The extension card is valid as soon as the old card expires. No need to purchase a new card.
We offer 10% off class cards & passes for job searcher, full time students and full time yoga teachers.
Note: these discounts cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions (including the Discovery/tester Card) and excludes the single class payment option.
Practice Guidelines
More than anything, a consistent practice is what you should aim for.
If you practice regularly we recommend that you take the day off during moon days (full moon and new moon). You can do a restorative practice instead; we have restorative practice sheets available on the website (see “practice tools”) and in the Mysore room.
You don’t need to be flexible to begin practicing. The teacher can always show you modifications for certain poses and you can use blocks or straps to help, no matter your level. Good bases (breath, stability, focus, and correct alignment are much more important than being able to put your legs behind your head.)
Ashtanga is a dynamic practice and the heat created will help muscles stretch. With a regular practice, little by little you’ll gain flexibility, but also strength and endurance.
If you have any health issues or injuries it’s important to check with your doctor before taking an ashtanga class as they are a bit “sporty” and dynamic however, restorative yoga is usually fine. Before each class always inform the teacher of any issues (even if you’ve told them before it’s a good idea to remind them.) If you have any concerns or questions it never hurts to ask the teacher whether something is normal or something to watch out for.
If you practice regularly (5-6 days a week) skip the 3 first days and after that avoid inversions. If you practice less regularly still avoid inversions and take the first day of your period off.
You can do a restorative practice instead; we have restorative practice sheets available on the website (see “practice tools”) and in the Mysore room.
We have a Prenatal yoga class that you can start from your second trimester onwards. Restorative yoga should also be fine during pregnancy. No Ashtanga Yoga if you didn’t practice before your pregnancy, and not during the first trimester. Always check with your doctor.
To receive more information about ashtanga during pregnancy you can send us an e-mail.
We recommend you wear comfortable supple/soft clothes, closer to the body so that they don’t bother you as you move or stretch.
- We recommend that you practice on an empty stomach and that you don’t drink just before or during practice. If you need to eat something before class, give yourself enough time for digestion and opt for a small light meal.
- Please avoid perfume.
- A shower is available for those going to work after morning mysore (just bring your own toiletries and towel)
- If you are a bit late to class, please wait until the end of the mantra before entering the room.
However, if you are late to class you might not be allowed in.
Account & Notifications
If you are a student (current or former) a personal account was created when you first participated in a class. An account is “active” when you log in for the first time. If you do not know your username/password, please contact us.
You can also:
– If you are a member of the studio, or if you have been in the past: to log in, use your e-mail address and click on “create a password”. You will receive an email with a link to login and customize your password. If you have not given us an email address, or if you have forgotten it, you can write to us and we will send you your login details.
– If you are not our student yet: you can create a new account if you have never taken any classes at the studio.
A code for the door (in-person classes) or for ZOOM (virtual classes) is sent to you when you sign up for class.
Therefore, please make sure to activate notifications in your student account before booking any classes.
If you did not get an e-mail with the access code, please contact us as soon as possible.
Studio Facilities
Yes! The code for the building’s door is sent to you when you sign up for class (make sure to activate notifications in your student account). Otherwise, you can contact us beforehand.
You are welcome to use your personal mat or borrow one from us. We only ask that you clean the mat after use with the spray and cloth available in the room. You can also cover the mat with a yoga towel for added hygiene.
Yoga mats are usually thin, dense and sticky for a better adherence to the floor and the skin. The smaller and thicker fitness mats are not very comfortable for ashtanga practice.
Space in our cupboard being limited you can leave your personal mat if:
- you have an AYP Pass
- you come to practice at least 4 times a week
- your mat has to be rolled in a bag or strap and have your name written clearly on a name tag or ribbon
- you need to bring your mat back home if you’re going to be away for some time.
- a teacher must add you to the list of students leaving their mats when you pay.
Renting space in the mat’s cupboard costs: 5€ for a month, 25€ for 6 months, 45€ for 1 year.
We do a clean-up of the mats’ cupboard every season.
Abandoned or unrecognizable mats will be eventually donated.
We have different sized blocks, regular and elastic straps, bolsters and other cushions, covers…
There are changing rooms upstairs and downstairs. There are no lockers however, so we recommend that you leave your valuables at home.
A shower is available for those going to work after morning mysore (just bring your own toiletries and towel).
Workshops & Private Classes
All our workshops are listed on our “Events” page. To register, you can download the registration form from the website or get one at the studio. Instructions for registering to each workshop may differ slightly, they are detailed on the registration form. Online registration is also available when signing up for the whole workshop (all sessions).
We can organize private classes for individuals and small groups, as well as private classes for businesses or special events.
We have 200h and 300h Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Trainings.
The 200h training is also available online (pre-recorded to follow at your own pace).
You can learn all about our Teacher Trainings on our dedicated website: Ashtanga Yoga Paris Academy
Contact
For any other inquiries or information, please feel free to contact us through our contact page or visit us at the studio.