Iyengar Yoga

Based on the teaching of yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar from Bellur in India, Iyengar Yoga is rooted in the 2,500 year old classical yoga tradition of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and its eight limbs of yoga.

“Yoga is a mirror, to look at ourselves from within.”

BKS.Iyengar

Meditation in action

Described as “meditation in action”, Iyengar yoga emphasizes proper alignment in each pose which
safeguards against injury but it goes deeper than just the physical body. Through one pointed concentration, we bring awareness to each part of the body and eventually move from alignment of the physical points deeper, to align our body with our mind, energy and emotions.

Benefits

Regular practice increases strength, flexibility and stamina, improves posture and concentration, quietens the mind, and prepares one for meditation.

“Anything you do in life, Yoga shows you how to do it better.”

Every class is different

In the Iyengar  ethos, quality of movement is prioritized over quantity. Yoga postures are held for longer time, allowing tight muscles to lenghten and relax, and helping to focus awareness. Each class sequence is carefully planned and has a different focus so that every part of the body is attended to.

Use of props

Because we are all different with our specific strengths, weaknesses and misalignments, Yoga props such are blankets, blocks, belts and ropes are used to improve your understanding of the poses, and to help support you in a pose.

What to expect

On your retreat, your yoga practice will be divided into two sessions per day. The morning class is two hours in duration and focuses on energetic and rigorous asanas to ground you, increase your strength and improve your stamina.
Evening classes are one and three quarter of an hour long and are restorative. In restorative practice you will be supported by props in different positions so that you feel deeper benefits of the practice, quieting the mind through breath awareness. We usually finish with deep, guided relaxation, called Yoga nidra.

Learning for everyone

The beautiful aspect of the Iyengar method is that no matter what your background, whether you are a beginner or a practitioner/teacher of other yoga methods, you will deepen your understanding of yoga and gain universal principles which you will be able to apply to whatever else you do.