“Everything has to be built up. The foundation
has to be firm. The mind and intelligence has to
stand ready. Bring yourself to attention. Be
attentive to yourself. Be attentive everywhere
within your cellular body. Attention without
tension. Be quiet within to watch. Distribute your
energy evenly, equally. A great chance to look at
yourself. Are you in the right position?”
Geeta Iyengar

Classes

To build a strong building, you must start with a strong foundation. After laying the foundation, the floors are added in a successive order. When learning the art of Yoga, it is a similar process. If the foundation is not laid properly, the whole building is like a house of cards, unstable and ready to collapse.
Growing up in a rushed, ambitious society, we have lost the qualities of patience and forbearance. We want to be at the end result and not start from where we are. In Iyengar yoga classes we learn the basic foundation and proceed with patience and intelligence.

Class instruction is based on the needs and abilities of those who attend. It is part of the Iyengar method of yoga to use props such as blocks, chairs, straps, benches, walls, and ropes to prevent strain or injury, and to reap the maximum benefit of a pose.


General Class Description

The Center conducts regular classes for all. These include beginners, general and advanced classes. We offer  ongoing weekly classes for students of all levels.  Level of teaching will be adjusted to the group who attends each session.  Therapeutic variations are taught within the class sequence.   In the course of a month a full range of study of each type of pose is taught: standing poses, forward bending, backward bending, inversions, balancing, and twists.  The last week of the month generally focuses on resting (restorative) poses and breath awareness or Pranayama.

The classes are divided in the following order:

Introductory/Beginners: Welcome to the Iyengar path. Here we learn the five basic standing poses which bring our attention to how we stand, and correct the posture of the body. The standing poses emphasized in these classes will build strength and help to establish our feet on a firm foundation.

The classes are designed to take you through a learning process that encompasses the full scope of the postures and breathing practices. We start from the "peripheral body"---the legs and hands (they are termed in the yogic terminology "Organs of Actions"), and move towards the center body to access the spine, known as the "Merudanda" or center axis of the body.
Level 1:   Focus of study is on standing poses and preliminary inversions. Foundation work in the full range of poses.   An introduction to the sitting and forward extensions. The study of the standing poses continues since it is the basis of the Iyengar method.

Level 2:  For trained students who are qualified to do full inversions, backbends, and know how to make adaptations and use of props for their own needs. Additional poses are introduced and refinement of asanas already
known.

Level 3: This class is for students with a firm understanding of the fundamental poses in the Iyengar yoga tradition, including Salamba Sarvangasana and Sirsasana and who can sustain the poses for a longer time. We work in more depth with foundational postures as well as explore Balancing poses and other advanced poses.

Gentle/Restorative Yoga: For people who are recovering from injury or those who want to restore their energy level through the yogic postures supported by props.

Before a Class:

  • Please come 15 minutes early to class.
  • Come to class clean and without odour. Taking  a shower  before the class brings lightness to the body            ( asanas come easier ) and refreshes the mind. If you can't take a shower please wash your feet before a class.
  •  Do not wear perfume or scented deodorant products. Some students are very sensitive to strong scents. Thank you.
  • Wear comfortable clothing,  T-shirt (preferable V-neck) and shorts or tights.
  • Yoga should preferably be practiced on an empty stomach. Don't eat (heavy meal) within 3 hours before class. If you feel hungry, a light fruit, tea or coffee may be taken before the class.
  • Water. Please drink before and after class. We know that many believe that drinking water during the class will keep them hydrated and help eliminate toxins from their body. We suggest not to drink during class, Drinking water during asana practice actually cools down the “fiery energy” or the "Digestive fire" of the body. If you feel thirsty take only a small sip of water to keep the mouth, lips and throat moist.
  • The Center provides all the equipment necessary for class. If you wish to bring your own mat and props you are welcome to do so.