Frequently Asked Questions

The Practice

What is Ashtanga Yoga?

Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional system of yoga that links breath, posture, and a soft, steady gazing point — trishtana — into a set sequence practiced six days a week, with rest on moon days. Students move through a series of sequences over time, each building on what came before. Its modern form took shape under Krishnamacharya and was refined and carried worldwide by his student Pattabhi Jois, drawing on the teachings of the Yoga Sutras, the Vedas, and the Upanishads.

What is Mysore-style practice?

Mysore-style practice is a class format where each student moves through the sequence they've already learned, at their own pace, while a teacher offers individual guidance and consensual hands-on adjustment. It's named for Mysore, India, where Pattabhi Jois, his daughter Saraswathi Jois, and grandson Sharath Jois taught for decades and shaped the method now practiced worldwide. The original school, now known as the Sharath Yoga Centre, still teaches out of Gokulam, Mysore today.

What are Led classes and Open Studio?

In a Led class, the teacher recites the sequence aloud — using the Sanskrit names for each asana and the vinyasa count — while students move together, breath for breath. Open Studio is unstructured practice time, with no formal instruction: a quiet space held within our guidelines of respect, self-study, and silence.

Is Ashtanga good for beginners?

Yes, Ashtanga Yoga Squamish welcomes practitioners of every level, including complete beginners. There are two ways to begin: new students often start with our Foundations Workshop, where the fundamentals — trishtana, breath, the opening Sun Salutations — are introduced through theory and guided practice, so you arrive at your first Mysore class already familiar with the basics. Alternatively, you're welcome to join a Mysore class directly; we simply ask that you email the teacher beforehand so we can let you know what to expect and help you settle in with confidence. Either way, you'll be guided one step at a time, at a pace suited to you. See upcoming Foundations Workshops →

What makes Ashtanga Yoga Squamish different?

Ashtanga Yoga Squamish is a community-centered shala where Ashtanga is taught through parampara — direct transmission from teacher to student, in the traditional Mysore lineage. Rather than focusing on asana alone, we encourage students to understand the deeper layers of this practice: access to books and discussion, Sanskrit taught alongside English, chanting, quiet time for self-inquiry, and study of traditional yoga texts. Satsanga serves as a doorway into reflection — a reminder that yoga is older and larger than the postures themselves.

Are the teachers trauma-informed?

Yes, all teachers at Ashtanga Yoga Squamish hold at least some hours of training in trauma-informed teaching. Hands-on assists are offered with consent and never assumed — students are encourage to share with the teachers at any time that they'd prefer not to be physically adjusted.

How is progress measured in Ashtanga?

Progress in Ashtanga is measured by steadiness of breath, mind, and gaze, not by how advanced a posture looks. Students move from the Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa, “yoga therapy”) toward the Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) and, over time, into parts of the Advanced sequences (Sthira Bhaga) — but the practice treats consistent return to the mat as the main marker of progress.

Why does Ashtanga use the same sequence every time?

Ashtanga uses a set sequence as a container, offering the chance to return to the same postures in the same order so students can meet whatever actually arises in the body, breath, and mind. It's within that steady structure that real exploration becomes possible. Practiced most days, with rest on moon days, the sequence builds habits that carry off the mat as well as on it.

What philosophy underlies Ashtanga Yoga?

Ashtanga draws primarily on the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras, texts concerned with action, attention, and the nature of the Self, along with ideas from Sankhya philosophy. Ashtanga Yoga Squamish holds a monthly Satsanga — a community study session open to all levels, with no asana practice required. Check dates for the next Satsanga →

Classes & Teachers

Who teaches at Ashtanga Yoga Squamish?

Natalia Correa opened Ashtanga Yoga Squamish shortly after moving to town in early 2017. She leads a team of teachers who follow the Ashtanga lineage, trained within the studio's own apprenticeship program, and bring their own unique training and knowledge forward into their teaching.

What is the Ashtanga Yoga Squamish apprenticeship program?

The apprenticeship program is a mentorship path for serious students who want to teach, rooted in the lineage of Krishnamacharya, Pattabhi Jois, and Sharath Jois. Apprentices shadow a senior teacher in Mysore classes, learn the Sanskrit vinyasa count needed to lead a Guided class, study traditional texts, and meet monthly with the teaching team and one-on-one with Natalia.

Does Ashtanga Yoga Squamish offer private lessons?

Yes, private lessons are available with any of the teachers in our team, both in-person and online. Ideal for students who are new to Ashtanga, working with an injury, or deepening an established practice. Learn more and book →

Does Ashtanga Yoga Squamish offer classes for children?

Yes, Ashtanga Yoga Squamish runs a Wednesday afterschool program led by Carla from September through June, designed primarily for children ages 5–7; older children can join by direct request. Details and enrolment are on the studio’s Events page.

Can teens join classes at Ashtanga Yoga Squamish?

Yes, youth over age 12 are welcome to join regular adult classes at Ashtanga Yoga Squamish.

Does Ashtanga Yoga Squamish offer prenatal yoga?

Yes, Ashtanga Yoga Squamish runs seasonal Prenatal Yoga series a few times a year, typically six weeks long, combining movement, meditation, and breathwork suited to every stage of pregnancy. See current dates →

Are classes available online?

Yes, Wednesday evening and Friday morning Led classes run both in-studio and online, so students can practice the Half-Primary sequence from home. Mysore classes and Open Studio remain in-person only, since they depend on hands-on individual guidance.

Community

What is the Chai Club?

The Chai Club is Ashtanga Yoga Squamish’s monthly community contribution program, where members gather after class to share chai together. Early subscribers receive a handmade ceramic mug made locally by potter Rosemary Slater.

Does Ashtanga Yoga Squamish offer financial support for students?

Yes, the Energy Exchange Program and Love Bank exist so finances are never a barrier to practicing at Ashtanga Yoga Squamish. Read more →

Can I visit Ashtanga Yoga Squamish from outside Squamish or from abroad?

Yes, visiting students are always welcome at Ashtanga Yoga Squamish. Each summer the studio runs a Summer Immersion for students practicing Primary, Intermediate, and part of the Advanced series, with steady Mysore practice, satsanga, and reflection. The next immersion runs in July 2027. See our Events page →

Holistic Health

Does Ashtanga Yoga Squamish offer holistic nutrition and herbal medicine services?

Yes, Natalia is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist with a Diploma in Herbal Medicine and offers consultations through Holistic Health with Natalia alongside her yoga teaching. Many students use nutrition and herbal support alongside their yoga practice, since both address the same underlying habits.

Practical Information

What are the drop-in and membership prices at Ashtanga Yoga Squamish?

A single drop-in class at Ashtanga Yoga Squamish is $30 plus tax, or $45 total for two people sharing a Friends Drop-in. New students typically start with the Foundations Workshop or a Two-Week Unlimited Pass, then choose from class punch passes, monthly Unlimited Membership ($170.10, or $145 for seniors, students, and full-time yoga teachers with valid ID), or the Glow Membership ($248.85/month), which combines unlimited studio access with one monthly private session or holistic coaching call plus 30% off a first Holistic Consultation. Full pricing on our Get a Pass page →

Where is Ashtanga Yoga Squamish located?

Ashtanga Yoga Squamish is located at 201–38018 Cleveland Ave, in downtown Squamish, BC, on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation.

Is there parking near Ashtanga Yoga Squamish?

Yes, free two-hour street parking is available on Cleveland Avenue, directly outside the studio.

What is a moon day in Ashtanga Yoga?

A moon day is one of two monthly rest days in Ashtanga practice — the full moon (Purnima) and new moon (Amavasya) — when practitioners rest from asana instead of practicing. These days are called tithis in the Vedic tradition and are tracked through Jyotisha, Indian astrology; resting on them is a long-standing custom in Ashtanga, and a chance to notice the rhythms of nature and of one’s own body. Ashtanga Yoga Squamish shares moon day closures in its members’ WhatsApp group and on its Facebook page; adding lunar phases to a digital calendar will also flag them in advance.

Can I buy Ashtanga Yoga Squamish merch?

Yes, Ashtanga Yoga Squamish sells locally designed tees and caps, cotton mats made in India, and a rotating selection of pre-loved pieces supporting circular, sustainable fashion. The studio is a small, local, mother-owned business, and merch purchases directly support it. Visit the shop →

Have a question we haven’t answered here? Contact us and we’ll be glad to help.

Want first access to new passes and workshops? Subscribe to our Full Moon Notes →