The Practice of Iyengar Yoga

“Regular practise of Yoga can help you face the turmoil of life with steadiness and stability.” B.K.S. Iyengar

Iyengar Yoga is a systematic and internationally respected style of yoga developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, who has spent his life constantly refining and developing yoga. Mr Iyengar still continues to teach at his centre in Pune, India along with his daughter, Geeta and son Prashant. Iyengar yoga is rigorous in its understanding of alignment, strength and stamina.

By stretching and strengthening the body, we are more able to take advantage of our bodies by bringing it into a greater sense of balance - left, right, upper body, lower body, inner body, outer body - we become healthier and in turn more deeply connected with the potential of the body.

The external effects of Iyengar yoga are clear - greater flexibility and greater strength; however the internal impact of practicing is even more significant. Through yoga, the inner body becomes regulated and the flow of energy improved throughout the body. We develop such qualities as discipline, self-acceptance and patience, which ultimately lead to a connection between the mind and body; both are nurtured through regular yoga practice.

Classes

“Practice asanas by creating space in the muscles and skin, so that the fine network of the body fits in the asana” B.K.S. Iyengar

Classes consist of students developing and practicing Iyengar yoga at Beginner level, progressing on to more General/Intermediate level postures. If you have practiced another style of yoga it is better to start with a Beginners plus course first. At the start of the class or course you will fill in a confidential medical questionnaire which gives you the opportunity to note down anything we need to know with regard to your general health.

Public Classes:

Cambridge

CamYoga

Thursday 5-6.15 (level 2), 6.30 - 7.45 pm (Open level)

Fulbourn

Monday 6.00 - 7.30 pm, Iyengar Yoga (Improvers)

Monday 7.30 - 9.00 pm, Iyengar Yoga (Intermediates)

(The Fulbourn Centre, Home End Cambridge, CB21 5AE)

Ely

Wednesday 6.15 - 7.15 pm (Foundation)

Wednesday 7.15 - 8.45 pm. (Improvers)

(Classes will be held at the Beet Club, and from October we will move to a new venue St Peters Meeting house, Broad St, Ely)

West Lexham, near Swaffham

Tuesday 11 am - 12 pm (foundation)

Classes are held at West lexham.

Class Guide

Foundation

Our Foundation level courses are specially designed for those who are new to yoga. They provide a solid grounding in the principles and basic poses of Iyengar Yoga. The Foundation courses are ideal for anyone who has practiced a different style of yoga or for those who are coming back to yoga after a break. Each course focuses on developing strength, stamina, flexiblity, alignment and deep relaxation.

Beginners 1 & 2

You will need to have attended a Foundation course before you start to attend Beginners classes.This course follows on from the Foundation course and are designed to prepare you for the Improvers classes.

Improvers

These classes are aimed at those with a good grounding in Iyengar yoga. They are varied and stimulating featuring a range of poses from the level 1 and 2 national teaching syllabus. Students should be familiar with inversions headstand and shoulder stand (sirsasana, sarvangasana).

Intermediate

You will need a minimum of four years regular and recent Iyengar yoga experience to attend these classes and be able to hold inversions (sirsasana, sarvangasana) for at least 5 minutes.

Retreats and Holidays

Point House, Yoga weekends in Norfork 2012

Camilla & Michael will be teaching small and cosy weekends:

Dates coming soon

Spring Workshop in Cambridge 2012

To be announced shortly

Workshop are taught by Michael & Camilla who share the teaching and assist in giving adjustments and one to one guidance. Early booking advised as they sell out quickly.

Casa Mayor 2012, Andalucia Nourishing Yin retreat

Camilla & Michael will not be teaching at Casa Mayor in 2012.

Private Tuition

Traditionally yoga was taught in an atmosphere of learning between two people; the teacher and the student. Private tuition can be taken on its own, in conjunction with other classes or can comprise up to 6 people. Private tuition is a method to deepen and strengthen your practice. The guidance and adjustments give more detail and depth allowing a greater understanding of how to work in the posture and help your practice to progress. Focused attention can be given to postures of particular difficulty.

Workshops

Workshops are a beneficial way to develop your practice. A typical workshop lasts 3 hours, this allows the opportunity to spend more time in the posture and enjoy the benefit a longer practice gives. Workshops are taught by Michael and Camilla. Team teaching gives students more individual attention and the opportunity to benefit from both of their knowledge and teaching styles. Workshops are suitable for all levels except complete Beginners.

Spring Workshop details to be announced soon.

Final Questions?

Why do Yoga?

It's a question that I am sure many people ask themselves - why practice yoga? Well, to begin with, because it is enjoyable and makes you feel good. If practicing yoga did not bring some enjoyment, then we would stop. Building strength, flexibility, alignment and taking away feelings of inertia in the body as well as a greater sense of mental release, all combine to make practicing Iyengar yoga very worthwhile indeed.

Will the classes be all Women?

No!!

What shall I wear?

Anything comfortable, a T-shirt, shorts, leggings. It is recommended however that you do Yoga in bare feet.

Can I have a meal before the class?

A light snack or some fruit is fine an hour or so before class but not a heavy meal.

What about my bad back / stiff shoulders / weak wrists?

All students fill in a confidential questionnaire at enrolment, where you can tell your teacher if there is anything you think he or she should know. All the postures can be made easier for medical conditions and may relieve them. If you are seeing a doctor regularly for a medical condition, ask his/her advice first.

Where can I buy eqiupment from?

We recommend yoga matters website www.yogamatters.com