Iyengar

Iyengar yoga is based on the teachings of B. K. S. Iyengar who is now in his 80’s living and carrying on his teachings in Pune, India. He is responsible for creating a methodology for teaching yoga that has produced significant innovations in the teachings of this art and science. Asana practice in this method focuses on alignment, sequencing, and timing. There is an emphasis on standing poses for beginners to develop strength, stamina, concentration, and body alignment. Learning continues in a gradual and systematic sequence to prepare students for the progression of poses and breathing practices. Through a systematic progression of poses both within a class and from class to class the student’s abilities develop over time which encourages confidence and commitment.

Props such as blankets, blocks, straps, and chairs are often used to facilitate learning and to adjust poses to an individuals needs. Mr. Iyengar has also developed therapeutic applications of yoga for a wide variety of limitations and ailments. The process of teacher training and certification is extremely rigorous and so certified Iyengar teachers are very skilled and competent in executing the teaching with in the method laid out by Mr. Iyengar. B. K. S. Iyengar is the author of many books including Light On Yoga which is considered by most yoga practitioners to be the “bible” of modern yoga. For more information on Mr. Iyengar and yoga in the Iyengar method you can visit www.iynaus.org.

The level 1 Iyengar classes at Yoga Haven taught by Jill Ganassi take one pose at a time and focus on the details of the alignment for each pose, the poses are repeated so that the experience has time to deepen and the learning is retained in the body and the mind. Standing poses are emphasized. These classes are both physically challenging and safe; they progress through a sequence that focuses on a different category of poses from week to week. Level 1 classes are 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The level 2 Iyengar classes use the same method of teaching but more advanced poses are introduced in a systematic and progressive manner. Poses are held for longer periods of time and inversions are often included in the sequence. When taking level 2 classes it is helpful to have taken level 1 Iyengar classes to be familiar with the method and the way props are used, but it is not absolutely necessary. Level 2 classes are an hour and a half.