Class Descriptions

Because of the progressive nature of Iyengar Yoga, students with no previous experience in the system begin with Gentle or Level I classes.  Fundamentals of alignment and terminology taught here are needed for performance of poses at more advanced levels. 

Any level may be repeated as often as needed or desired.

Descriptions for all classes can be found on the tabs above. Photos of students in poses are shown for all the Levels classes, Gentle, and Teens.

 

 

Short Course Level I

This short term class is meant for new students who did not have a chance to enroll at the beginning of a session or returning students who have been away for some time.

The class follows the curriculum of the first weeks of Level I class.

 

Level I: Beginner

For students new to the Iyengar system.

Standing poses, forward bends and twists are emphasized.  Basic inversions and the fundamentals of backbending are introduced.

Photos from left to right:

Utthita Trikonasana (triangle pose); Utthita Parsvakonasana (side angle pose); Vrksasana (tree pose)

Level I/II: Continuing Beginner

Designed for students who have had at least 2 sessions of Level I and feel ready to move on to a few more inversions, basic backbends, and new standing poses. Poses are held for longer periods of time and headstand is introduced.

Photos from left to right:

Sirsasana (head balance); Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana (two feet inverted staff pose); Eka Pada Sarvangasana (one leg shoulder balance pose)

Level II: Intermediate

For students with 1 year Iyengar experience who are strong in standing poses.  Along with the refinement of the basic poses, there will be regular work on backbends, inversions and breath. Full arm balance is introduced.

Photos from left to right:

Urdhva Prasarita Ekapadasana (downward facing extended one leg pose); Dhanurasana (bow pose); Adho Mukha Vrksasana (downward facing tree pose)

Back Care

A slow paced class for students with back pain. Basic yoga poses are taught and how to work in these poses with back issues.

This class is for experienced students as well as those new to yoga.

Note: Not for individuals with serious back injuries.

 

 

 

Gentle

Standard poses are adapted to deal with injuries or conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.

For new or experienced students who want a slower pace because of limited mobility or health issues.

Photos from left to right:

Utthita Trikonasana (triangle pose); Utthita Parsvakonasana (side angle pose); Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog pose)

Kids Yoga: Grades 2-5

Music, stories and games are used to introduce yoga to the younger set. In addition to increased flexibility and strength, yoga has been shown to greatly improve concentration and focus for children. Parents are welcome to stay in class until the child becomes comfortable.

Not offered every session. Please contact us if you would like to be notified before the next session is offered.

 

 

 

Pranayama

Pranayama (Yoga Breathing) is for students with at least 1 year of Iyengar Yoga experience and a continuing home practice. Both reclining and seated breathing is taught and the focus is on breath to revitalize the body and calm the mind.

Pranayama II requires previous instruction in Pranayama and an ongoing home practice.

 

Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga is designed for a woman's changing body during pregnancy. As well as strengthening the body and alleviating common physical discomforts, yoga helps create a calm state of mind in preparation for labor and birth.

Classes are not currently offered though private sessions to create your own home practice are available. Please contact the studio.

 

 

 

Teen Yoga: Grades 6—12

Adolescent bodies have different needs than those of adults.  Traditional yoga poses are presented in a more quickly paced class.  Along with flexibility, balance, and strength, relaxation and concentration are emphasized.

Please contact us if you would like to be notified before the next session is offered.

Photos from left to right:

Virabhadrasana I (warrior 1 pose); Salabhasana (locust pose); Virabhadrasna I (warrior 1 pose)