Class Descriptions

Yoga Foundations

This class is for those new to Iyengar Yoga and those who have experience but want to brush up on the basics! Students will learn the foundational postures and their primary actions while engaging the body-mind in the process of moving skillfully and breathing consciously. Simple stress-relieving techniques that can be used anytime and anywhere will be integrated into each class for you to take with you off the mat and into the world.

Level 1

After learning the primary actions in the foundations series, revolved standing poses, variations in forward extensions and revolved seated poses are taught.  Backward bending movements and abdominal and lower back strengthening with the support of the floor are introduced.  Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) and Halasana are learned in a progressive manner before variations are initiated. Students are taught breath awareness in asana and in supported postures on the floor (“suptas”).  The use of props, including the rope wall, is introduced.

Level 2

For students who are confident in practicing the Level 1 syllabus, or who are new to the Iyengar method but have significant current Yoga practice experience. Students have been well prepared to learn Sirsasana (Headstand) in stages. The next step in each category of asanas commences. Breath awareness transitions to breath observation and students are taught the first stages of Pranayama.

Level 3

For students who have a well-established Yoga practice. Students should be ready to kick up into Adho Mukha Vrksasana (Full Arm Balance) and Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Balance), push-up into Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow).  Variations in Sirsasana are introduced progressively. Students begin learning arm balances and the next steps are taken in Pranayama, including sitting for practice.

Level 4

For students with a firmly established, consistent home practice with substantial Iyengar Yoga experience who are practicing inversions and variations with stable, correct alignment for ten minutes. Arm balances from Sirsasana II are taught.  Students can navigate all the categories of asanas skillfully and are prepared to approach the final frontier in each.

Gentle Yoga

This class is focused on building strength and flexibility in all the right places for those bodies experiencing the effects of age and gravity. It is also appropriate for students of any age who need a slower-paced class, or when recovering from injury/illness.

Yoga, as Therapy

All Yoga is therapeutic. Its practice gives back health and happiness (sukha) to the body and mind and brings about contentment (santosha). It is not medical treatment but can provide the student with knowledge about how to (at least) manage and (at best) heal from the source of the pain (dukha) being experienced by the body-mind. Iyengar yoga combines individualized sequencing, the skillful use of props, timing while in the specific postures and assistance by highly-trained teachers and apprentices to create a holistic treatment, unique to each individual. The maximum number of students in the classroom at any time is limited to ensure personal attention and assistance as the student practices.

Prior to registering for this class, students are required to contact us.

For more information about our classes send an email to info@iyengaryogalehighvalley.com.