What is Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar Yoga is based on the teachings of the living yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar, author of the classic yoga treatise Light on Yoga, who began teaching in Pune, India, in 1936 at the age of 18.

Today, at 86, he continues to teach and inspire students all over the world. His daughter, Geeta, and his son, Prashant, are also accomplished teachers and authors of yoga texts.

The Iyengar family’s teachings are deeply grounded in the yoga sutras of Patanjali, an ancient summation of the path of yoga considered to be at least 2,500 years old. B.K.S. Iyengar’s intense practice and almost seventy years of teaching have produced significant innovations in the teaching of the art and science of yoga. To learn more about B.K.S Iyengar visit www.bksiyengar.com.

What to expect from this method of yoga

• Precise use of language
• Demonstration and teaching of specific points to develop understanding and intelligent action
• Individual correction and adjustment of students, when necessary

What are props and why do we use them?

B.K.S. Iyengar introduced props into the modern practice of yoga to allow all practitioners access to the benefits of the postures regardless of physical condition, age, or length of study.  Props help all practitioners (including the most advanced) gain sensitivity to the use of effort and receive the deep benefits of postures held over significant time periods.  Props are introduced from the beginning for students with specific physical limitations and gradually in regular classes to enhance personal understanding of a posture and its effects and to develop skill and confidence. 

Props include sticky mats, blankets, belts, blocks, benches, wall ropes, sandbags, chairs, and other objects that help students experience the various yoga poses more profoundly. Props may be used in class to encourage students, bolster confidence, and create optimal body alignment.

Allowing students to practice asanas (yoga postures) and pranayamas (breathing patterns) with greater effectiveness, ease, and stability, props provide support for the body and allow the mind to relax and more profoundly receive the benefits of the yoga.

The Iyengar method develops strength, endurance, and optimal body alignment, in addition to flexibility and relaxation.  The Iyengar method develops self-awareness, intelligent evaluation, and profound inward reflection. 

Standing poses are emphasized at the beginning to build strength and ease of movement, increase general vitality, and improve circulation, coordination, and balance.

Postures for deep relaxation are introduced from the beginning. Gradually, sitting and reclining postures, forward bends, inversions, backbends, twists, arm balance, and flowing sequences are introduced.

People tend to stretch from their more flexible areas and rely on their better-developed muscles for strength, thus reinforcing postural habits. Iyengar Yoga encourages weak parts to strengthen and stiff areas to release, thus awakening and realigning the whole body. As the body moves into better alignment, less muscular work is required and relaxation increases naturally.

If you have not done yoga before, you should come to an Introductory Series or a  Level I class.  A good way to experience Iyengar Yoga is to come to one of our Introductory classes, which are offered frequently.  Students who have done other types of yoga but who have never experienced Iyengar Yoga are also encouraged to take Level I classes for a time to absorb the basic principles and apply them to the fundamental postures.

What can I expect in a class at the Institute?

During your first classes at the Institute, you will be introduced to the basic asanas (poses or postures), which include standing poses, sitting poses, and inverted poses. All the asanas have Sanskrit names that the teacher will use—don't worry, you are not expected to pick it all up right away. The teacher will orient you to the fundamental shapes and actions of the postures and repeat them, so that you learn to know them. Gradually, you will learn more about the postures and about yourself, and this will allow you to do and understand them better and receive more benefit.

All the yoga equipment is provided by the Institute, including mats.

The various asanas have different effects on the body. The basic postures taught at the beginning will build strength and stamina, and improve muscular tone, flexibility, and alignment. Practicing the postures reduces tiredness and soothes the nerves. It also trains and disciplines the mind so that concentration is improved.

If you have particular physical conditions or are menstruating or pregnant, certain poses are not suitable for practice. Please consult with the teacher before the class begins, so that he or she can give you alternative postures to some that may be performed during the class.

Can I come to a yoga class if I have health concerns or limitations?

Advise your teacher of your concerns before class. Iyengar teachers are trained to modify and suggest alternative strategies (or postures) to enable you to practice safely and intelligently.

Yoga is open to people of all ages and all levels of physical condition. Do not be put off from trying a yoga class because you feel that you are too old, too stiff, too fat, too thin, too tired, etc. Yoga has something to offer everyone.

What should I bring to class?

We provide all the props necessary to practice. You may bring your own sticky mat if you prefer.

Please be on time. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before class is scheduled, to allow time to register at the front desk, change for class, and ensure space in the classroom. For reasons of safety and courtesy to the teacher and other students, you may be turned away if you arrive after class begins.

Wear shorts or footless tights and clothes that allow you to move easily and that enable the teacher to observe you well. Yoga is always practiced in bare feet. Please do not wear perfume or heavy jewelry.

Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. We suggest waiting a few hours after a heavy meal and at least one hour after a light snack before taking class.

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