Ashtanga Yoga, the rest is built in

Traditional Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga is often described as demanding; one reason being the expectation to practice six days a week. At first, this can feel overwhelming. The best approach? Build up slowly, as with most things in Ashtanga. If your fitness level is low or you’re returning after a break, start with one or two sessions per week. In a few months, you’ll likely find yourself practicing three, four, even five days a week.

Real transformation, both physical and mental, begins when we commit to the six-day rhythm. It’s a dedication that reshapes not just your practice, but your approach to life. (We’ll explore this deeper in a future article. 😉)

But rest is built in! Here’s a quick guide to your natural rest days:

• Saturdays

• The first 2–3 days of ladies' holiday (adjust based on your flow and energy)

• Moondays (both full and new moon days; traditionally observed to reduce injury risk)

• First trimester of pregnancy

• Fever - stick to seated breathing only

  
  

When you map out the moondays for 2026, you’ll see that basically every other week becomes a five-day practice. And when ladies' falls outside a moonday week? Some months, you might only hit six days once. Honouring these rhythms helps you align with your body’s natural cycles - and your practice - throughout the year.

List of Moondays 2026

January

Saturday 03rd ○ full moon

Sunday 18th ● new moon

February

Sunday 01st ○ full moon

Tuesday 17th ● new moon

March

Tuesday 03rd ○ full moon

Thursday 19th ● new moon

April

Thursday 02nd ○ full moon

Friday 17th ● new moon

May

Friday 01st ○ full moon

Saturday 16th ● new moon

Sunday 31st ○ full moon

June

Monday 15th ● new moon

Tuesday 30th ○ full moon

July

Tuesday 14th ● new moon

Wednesday 29th ○ full moon

August

Wednesday 12th ● new moon

Friday 28th ○ full moon

September

Friday 11th ● new moon

Saturday 26th ○ full moon

October

Saturday 10th ● new moon

Monday 26th ○ full moon

November

Monday 09th ● new moon

Tuesday 24th ○ full moon

December

Wednesday 09th ● new moon

Thursday 24th ○ full moon