The Practise 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.

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.

Iyengar Yoga for Sports people

Why is Iyengar Yoga good for sports people?

It speeds up rehabilitation time and when practised regularly prevents injury. Many sports men and women work hard to strengthen their bodies and as aresult shorten the musculature. The benefits of stretching are recognised in the sports world but are often overlooked or performed incorrectly. Iyengar Yoga insists on the correct alignment ensuring the body is stretched and strengthened in a safe manner.

What evidence is there?

Scientific evidence is limited however anecdotal evidence is persuasive. Manchester United have been using Iyengar Yoga since 2003. In particular Ryan Giggs has been quoted as praising this style of yoga in helping him with recurrent hamstring problems. Roy Keane stated its benefits in helping him overcome a hip problem. The English cricket team use Iyengar Yoga when training at their centre in Lougborough.

Fulbourn Classes

Monday 6.00 - 7.30 pm, Iyengar Yoga (Beginners 1) 10 week course 11th Jan - 23 March (Half term 15th Feb) The Swifts, Haggis Gap, Fulbourn, Cambridge, CB21 5AE

Monday 7.30 - 9.00 pm, Iyengar Yoga (Improvers) 10 week course 11th Jan- 23 March (Half Term 15th Feb) The Swifts, Haggis Gap, Fulbourn, Cambridge, CB21 5AE

Ely Classes

Wednesday 6.15 - 7.45 pm, Iyengar Yoga(Beginners) 11 week course 13 Jan- 31st March (Half Term 15th Feb) The Maltings, (Kempen Room) Waterside, Ely

Wednesday 7.45 - 9.15 pm. I yengar Yoga (Beginners 2) 11 week course 16 Jan - 31 March (Half Term 15th Feb) The Maltings, (kempen Room), Waterside, Ely

Saturday 9.30- 11.00 am, Iyengar Yoga (Open class) 10 week course 16 Jan- 27 March (Half term 15th Feb) The Scout Hut, St Johns Road, Ely

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.

Easter Workshop April 3rd 2010

The Maltings, Ely, Waterside 10.30 am - 1.30pm

Retreats and Holidays

Casa Mayor 2010, Andalucia Nourishing Yin retreat

Camilla & Michael will be teaching at Casa Mayor in the mountains of Andalucia.

Retreat 14th August - 21th August 2010 NOW FULLY BOOKED

28th August - 4th September 2010 (Extra retreat due to high demand)

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