Try Something New! Philadelphia Ashtanga Yoga is Now Open In Blue Bell

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Philadelphia Ashtanga Yoga w Melissa
Images via Philadelphia Ashtanga Yoga in Blue Bell.

When Melissa Matt opened Philadelphia Ashtanga Yoga just a few months ago, she did so with the desire to offer a yoga practice that has made a tremendous positive impact on her life. We spoke with her to learn more about the practice she loves so much.

Melissa Matt, Owner of Philadelphia Ashtanga Yoga.
Melissa Matt, Owner of Philadelphia Ashtanga Yoga.

“I started practicing Ashtanga when my first daughter was born and I was home for the first time with a new baby,” Melissa commented. “I was the first of most of my friends to have a baby, which left us home alone. So we started going to mommy-baby yoga together. After a few months, the teacher suggested that I come try an Ashtanga class, since I seemed to really enjoy the yoga part of it. I remember feeling isolated at the time with a newborn, and the Ashtanga studio was so welcoming and supportive.”

Over the past ten years, Melissa has worked on her personal practice. It’s brought her physical and emotional wellness that she is looking forward to teaching others interested in joining her. So what is Ashtanga yoga exactly? We asked Melissa to share what makes this practice unique.

“Ashtanga is a traditional system of yoga. It’s actually an ancient style that a lot of other types of yoga have branched off of, but are based on. The Ashtanga method has eight limbs, including a specific series of postures students can use to grow and evolve over time.”

Philadelphia Ashtanga Yoga
“Everyone has the shared sense of support from being in the community space together,” Melissa Matt says at Philadelphia Ashtanga Yoga.

One of the aspects of the practice that Melissa appreciates is that people of all levels can practice in one room together.

She explains that “we teach using a unique method called Mysore style practice. So someone new might come in and practice for 30 minutes, while another student might come and practice for 75 minutes, depending on where they are. But everyone has the shared sense of support from being in the community space together. The instructor makes her way around the class to give assistance and individual instruction, but everyone is practicing at their own pace.”

Melissa Matt says that there is a strong sense of community among those who practice Ashtanga.

“The importance of the Ashtanga community at large that I experienced when I first started was something special that I wasn’t expecting. I compare it to going to Starbucks. When you go into an Ashtanga studio, anywhere in the world, the teaching you receive is essentially the same. There is a sense of a shared community in practicing this tradition. It’s the same commitment to focused effort, your personal growth, and your learning. It’s an especially cool part of being an Ashtanga teacher or student. And everyone is welcome, no matter your ability or experience.”

What Newcomers Can Expect

In the studio, classes for all levels focus on learning a specific sequence of postures. You’ll get individual instruction, pose by pose, at a pace that works for you.

“The way that we teach people is by working with each student one-on-one. Students come into the studio and regardless of their level of experience, fitness ability, or any kind of limitations, we work with them wherever they are. Students start on a series of postures that they will add onto over time. In this way, we create independent practitioners. Your practice is yours, not mine, and not exactly like anyone else’s.”

Celebrating Women-Owned Small Business Month

In celebration of October being National Women-Owned Business Month, we asked Melissa what it means to her to be able to share this experience with her two daughters, Stella and Piper.

“It’s been so thrilling for me as I’ve gone through this process to show my girls all of the things that it takes to open a business. They’ve had the opportunity to watch and see along the way the parts that are fun and the parts that are challenging. They’ve come with me to the studio to watch me do everything from paint to teach classes. This is such a richly rewarding full-circle moment, now that they’re in grade school, that they can see me go for something that I am truly passionate about. They’re the absolute best cheerleaders and smartest advisors.”

Special Workshop Coming Soon!

Melissa is excited to announce that her teacher, renowned Level 2 Authorized Instructor, Taylor Hunt will be in-studio for workshops on November 19th, 20th, and 21st! Hunt travels all over the world to do Ashtanga workshops. He will be leading workshops for practitioners at all levels.

Limited spots are still available to register.

To view class schedules and for more information on Philadelphia Ashtanga Yoga, visit their website!

Philadelphia Ashtanga Yoga

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