An innovative and inspired practice of yoga, the Iyengar method was developed by yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar throughout a long career. Firmly based in the ancient Indian tradition of classical Ashtanga yoga as defined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Iyengar Yoga teaches strength and stamina, flexibility and balance, concentration and meditation. In Iyengar Yoga, the search for a developed consciousness begins with physical awareness. In each posture, every part of the body is acted upon with intent and precision.
Yet Iyengar Yoga goes beyond the physical being to embrace emotional and spiritual growth. As students learn to extend awareness to each part of their body, they begin to explore the limitless potential of the mind and the soul. The two quests of the physical and the spiritual are not separate but parts of a complementary approach to self-realization and enlightenment.
Iyengar yoga is based on the teachings of the yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar, author of many books including the classic yoga treatise Light on Yoga. Iyengar began teaching in Pune, India, in 1936 at the age of 18..
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. Achieving meditation in action, students learn to exist fully and vibrantly in the present moment.
“Yoga is a light which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame. ”
What to Expect from this Method of Yoga
Qualified and rigorously trained instructors committed to excellence in teaching
A safe and systematic progression of yoga postures to develop each student's ability and skill, both within each class and from class to class
Sequencing that develops strength, flexibility, stamina, concentration, and body alignment
Individual correction and knowledge of how to adjust postures for common physical problems
Precise use of language
Demonstration and teaching of specific points to develop understanding and intelligent action
Individual correction and adjustment of students, when necessary
Integration of the yoga philosophy with the practice of asana
Progressive and systematic approach that builds from the foundation learned in beginning classes to advanced classes.
Incorporation and relevance of practice into daily life
Ways to use yoga to ease various ailments and stress
Use of props, such as blankets, blocks, and straps, to facilitate learning and adjust yoga postures to suit individual needs
How Does Iyengar Yoga differ from other systems of 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. The attention to detail and cultivation of awareness is meant to not only maintain physical safety in the practice, but to develop the mental benefits of a complete meditation in action.
No two classes are ever exactly the same. The variation in sequencing of Iyengar classes is influenced by the level and condition of the student, time of day, time of year, and many other factors. In Iyengar yoga classes, the emphasis is on learning, not just doing, so the teacher will usually teach through instruction, demonstration or adjustment so that the student can fully absorb the process and gain a more in-depth understanding of themselves.
Standing poses are emphasized at the beginning to build strength and ease of movement, increase general vitality, and improve circulation, coordination, and balance, ensuring a strong foundation for the study of the other categories of and more advanced poses.
Postures for deep relaxation are introduced from the beginning. Gradually, sitting and reclining postures, forward bends, inversions, backbends, twists, arm balances, and flowing sequences are introduced.
Iyengar Yoga emphasizes precision of alignment in the yoga poses. Why is this important?
People tend to stretch from their more flexible areas and rely on their better developed muscles for strength, thus reinforcing postural habits. Through attention to proper alignment, Iyengar Yoga encourages weak parts to strengthen and stiff areas to release, thus awakening and realigning the whole body. An added benefit of an emphasis on correct anatomical alignment can be the diminishing of aches and pains and improved posture. As the body moves into better alignment, less muscular effort is required and relaxation naturally increases.
How should I begin practicing Iyengar Yoga?
If you have not practiced yoga before, you should attend a Level I course. Students who have studied 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 IYCGR?
During your first classes at the Center, you will be introduced to the basic asanas (poses or postures). 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 can 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.
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 your teacher before the class begins, so that she can give you alternative postures to some that may be performed during the class.
May I come to a yoga class if I have health concerns or limitations?
Advise your teacher of your concerns, injuries, or conditions 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 mat if you prefer. Water is also provided. Please be on time. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes before class is scheduled. Please keep personal belongings and drinks out of the asana room. Shoes belong in the vestibule at the entrance. For reasons of safety and courtesy to the teacher and other students, you may be turned away if you arrive after class begins.
What should I wear?
Wear a t-shirt and shorts or footless tights-- clothes that allow you 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.
Do I need to be flexible to do Iyengar Yoga?
No, Iyengar yoga is very beneficial for people with tight muscles and joints. Iyengar yoga works with finding a balance between strength and flexibility. Through attention to correct alignment and the use of props, stiff muscles are safely stretched.
Do I need to be in good shape to begin Iyengar Yoga?
No, beginning Iyengar Yoga classes are a safe place to begin practicing regardless of your fitness level. The yoga postures can be modified to meet the individual needs of the student. Since Iyengar yoga works with strengthening postural muscles responsible for healthy anatomical alignment, new students can quickly experience increased energy and general well-being. The emphasis on precise postural alignment provides opportunities and challenges for students of all fitness level and all are welcome.