Iyengar Yoga
B.K.S. Iyengar
Iyengar yoga is named after the living yogi, B.K.S. Iyengar.
B.K.S. Iyengar began life with many challenges yet his dedicated, driven, and intelligent exploration of yoga allowed him to transcend those difficulties. At the age of fourteen and in ill health, Iyengar was sent to learn yoga from his brother-in-law, Sri T. Krishnamacharya. Through steady practice under his demanding teacher, Iyengar's health improved.
After just three years of study he was sent to teach in Pune, India. There he began an intense, subjective study of yoga and teaching. Through experimentation he honed his skills as both practitioner and teacher.
Iyengar yoga follows the eight-fold path of Patanjali's Astanga Yoga. In his Yoga Sutras Patanjali describes the eight branches that make up the tree that is yoga: ethical discipline, self-discipline, physical firmness and ease, breath awareness, an inner awareness, concentration, a spreading of aware-ness, and a connection to all things. Iyengar recognized that one could understand each of these limbs more fully through the practice of yoga postures.
Iyengar Yoga is methodical, progressive, and appropriate for all. One need not be flexible or "fit" to come to an introductory class. Iyengar teachers are trained to adapt postures to make them accessible, interesting, and challenging for those with different levels of skill and ability, challenge and limitation.
Iyengar Yoga is ever evolving. In Pune, India the Iyengar family continues to teach in fresh and exciting ways. Theories are tested and different approaches to teaching are then disseminated throughout the Iyengar community.
Our teaching staff includes 5 Certified Iyengar teachers, all of whom are currently teaching classes.
Class Descriptions
Intro to Iyengar Yoga and Intro to Iyengar-style Yoga
An introductory class, developing flexibility, strength, and body awareness. Students learn proper alignment in the poses, and are taught the use of props to allow everyone to achieve aligned, comfortable poses. Focus is on hamstring, hip and shoulder stretches and standing poses.
Level 1 Iyengar Yoga and Level 1 Iyengar-style Yoga
For students with previous experience in Iyengar Yoga who want to deepen their practice. Inversions and backbends are introduced.
Students must have completed 2 or more Intro to Iyengar Yoga sessions.
Level 2 Iyengar Yoga
For experienced students, this class provides a challenging, in-depth study of the postures, including inversions and backbends, and an introduction to yoga philosophy and pranayama. Taught by certified Iyengar teachers.
Students must have completed 2 or more Level 1 Iyengar Yoga sessions.
Multi level Iyengar Yoga
This class is for students you have had some yoga experience and are comfortable in a Level I or higher class. The ultimate level of the class depends on the students registered, as the class will be designed with their needs is mind. The goal of the class will be to refine and deepen our postures as well as developing an understanding of the philosophical aspects of yoga that could enhance our lives.