classes

Iyengar yoga classes are available for beginners and experienced students. Private and remedial sessions are available on request.  

Class structure: All classes, both level 1 and 2, are 1 1/2 hours. The doors will be open half an hour before the start time of each class – you are welcome to use this time to

• do some preparatory work on the mat – e.g.. arm variations, virasana, supta virasana, spike, on the back bender etc.

• talk to your teacher if any questions have come up

• have a cup of tea, read something yogaish (when the library area is ready!)

• make a payment, buy blankets or a mat

• sit

.Iyengar yoga is for people of all ages. Importance is given to the practice of standing asanas in the development of an appropriate yoga foundation., and on precision and alignment in all postures. Poses may be held for longer periods of time to develop stamina and build strength. Precise awareness and an understanding of alignment are emphasized. Iyengar yoga uses props to help students understand, work with and benefit from poses they may have difficulty with. These props such as chairs, blocks and straps help to make the poses more accessible to a wider range of students.

The art of the yogi lies in accurate perception, interpretation and understanding in posture - asana - and breath – (Pranayama). Asanas are postures performed by the physical body but the mind and intelligence are required. A dedicated Iyengar yoga teacher will strive to ensure that students are involved in their practice physically, mentally and emotionally while they are being taught in class. This involvement can then become part of all their activities. Yoga is one of the six orthodox systems of Indian philosophy.

The master text of yoga is Patanjali's treatise, consisting of 196 sutras, known as the Yoga Sutras. Over the centuries, several commentaries and translations have been written. Yogacharya B.K.S.Iyengar has made it possible for people from all walks of life to experience the wisdom of yoga, by exposing the sutras through his practical search, regular practice and the sharing of his experiential knowledge with his students. His style has therefore become known as Iyengar Yoga