Pose Repose Yoga - What is Iyengar Yoga

What is Iyengar Yoga

“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured."
BKS Iyengar

The Hallmarks of Iyengar:

Precision in body alignment and attention to detail which provides a clear focus on the present moment while being safe and engaged in the practice
The skillful use of supportive and informative props to make the poses accessible while providing deeper awareness, understanding, and opening to anyone at any stage in life
Skillful instruction that fosters gradual and steady progression by highly qualified Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers (CIYT) who undergo years of comprehensive, rigorous training and evaluation to earn, maintain and progress to higher levels of certification
Unique sequencing and timings of the poses for each class with individual modifications for physical conditions for level-appropriate students
The importance of establishing and maintaining a joyful, and nourishing home practice to cultivate self-knowledge, transformation, and your love of yoga supported by meaningful instruction on practice development and maintenance

Iyengar yoga is based on the innovative and inspiring teaching of yoga master BKS Iyengar (1918-2014), named by Time Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2014. Iyengar yoga is the most widely practiced form of yoga globally and is firmly rooted in the traditional eight limbs of yoga. In this method of yoga, physical alignment brings about a feeling of aligned balance, harmony, grounding and ease in the body as well as upliftment in the mind. The Iyengar method of yoga builds strength, flexibility, concentration, endurance, balance, positivity, clarity, tranquility, compassion, and confidence as it expands our boundaries physically and mentally. In the practice of Iyengar yoga, the therapeutic and meditative benefits are derived through an ever-evolving and dynamic path in this progressive system of learning yoga. It involves the sequencing of the asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing practices), attention to alignment in the postures, the skillful use of props, an traditionally, longer timings held in the poses, given the student’s capacity. This practice is made accessible to everybody as a skillful tool to be used throughout life providing a whole person approach to health and wellbeing.

In the Iyengar method of yoga, inquiry is brought into each and every pose with the intention of making ourselves closer to our greatest potential and, ultimately, to something larger than ourselves. Through the physicality of precision in alignment of the body, a connection is consciously established with the mind resulting in mental clarity, keen awareness, and being fully present in each movement of a pose.

In a world where we are prone to overthinking and existing on the surface of ourselves, the practice of Iyengar yoga invites us into the feeling, experiential refuge of the heart. Yoga is an inward journey where we feel the challenge of exerting and moving our body into various positions, which can require so much from us physically and mentally. Yet within this effort, we are asked to search for ways to release a bit, let go a bit, and connect with our heart and our love of feeling our body and mind. This is the Pose Repose that Mr Iyengar speaks about in the method. This way of practicing yoga allows the love that we each individually are to shine through, illuminating each of us, our practice, and our life. Most of all, Iyengar Yoga is for everyone, at any age, level, physical capacity or health condition.

Advanced Beginners/Intermediate: Perfect for those wanting to clarify their understanding of the foundational poses of the Iyengar method. Basic standing poses, basic seated poses, basic twists, basic back bending poses, and beginning inversions preparations including Adho Mukha Vrksasana (full arm balance) and Sarvangasana (shoulderstand) will be covered along with alternative poses. The use of props will be covered as needed. Not currently on the Proposed Schedule of Classes*

Props needed: A yoga mat, 2 blocks, 3-4 yoga blankets, strap, a chair is optional

Prerequisite: Level I or appropriate yoga experience

Intermediate: Experience in Level I asanas (postures) as they will be refined. Intermediate poses will be introduced including preparations for inversions leading to the full poses to your capacity, twists, forward and backward extensions and arm balances.

Props needed: A yoga mat, 2 blocks, strap, 3-4 yoga blankets, yoga backless chair, preferred

Prerequisite: Level I Fundamentals of Iyengar yoga

Advanced Intermediate: These classes are for students well versed with the poses above, comfortable with inversions and familiar with Sanskrit and the Iyengar method and its terminology. More challenging poses will be introduced. An established regular daily home practice is expected.

Props needed: A yoga mat, 2 blocks, 2 straps, 3-5 yoga blankets, 1-2 bolsters, 1-2 yoga backless chairs, preferred

Prerequisite: Minimum of: 5 minute Sirsasana (headstand), 5 minute Sarvangasana (shoulderstand), able to push up into Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Wheel pose) or working toward it with props

Students who would like to progress in the poses at a slower pace and/or would like to learn how to safely practice the yoga postures to address their back challenges. Various props will be utilized for additional support in the poses. This is a good class for those trying to conceive, those who are currently pregnant, and post-partum, as well as those who are less flexible, or recovering from an injury or illness.

Props needed: A yoga mat, 2 blocks, a 6-foot yoga strap and an 8-foot yoga strap, 3-5 yoga blankets, yoga backless chair

Prerequisite: Appropriate for all levels. Please email the teacher before the class to discuss your condition and challenges, as well as any diagnostic test results.

A blend of supported physical poses, Pranayama (breathwork) and guided meditation to create a sense of deep relaxation, recuperation, and repose. A good class for use as Fertility Yoga for those trying to conceive and going through IVF and for those who need a break from their weekly demands.

Props needed: A Yoga mat, yoga blankets (3-4), 1-2 bolsters, 1-2 blocks, 1-2 straps, 2 yoga backless chairs, preferred

Prerequisite: Appropriate for all levels.

Available upon request. Private yoga sessions are beneficial to progress your personal practice by working on specific areas and postures. Private yoga therapy sessions are used to address specific ailments, chronic diseases, injuries, musculoskeletal issues and provide a holistic and complementary support for allopathic therapies such as chemotherapy. Please email the instructor to discuss your particular needs.