All Levels

Iyengar Yoga offers a steady and safe learning progression through its different levels. However, students are well advised to thoroughly enjoy their present level without putting undue pressure on themselves to “advance” to the next level. True progress in this method requires prolonged study at each level and sometimes the acceptance of one’s limits.

Each class of each Series you take will be different as the teacher will vary the sequence according to the curriculum and the needs of the students. In each Series (except Intro), restorative poses and some Pranayama (breathing exercises) will be practiced. Students of all ages and fitness level are finding Iyengar Yoga suitable and beneficial.

Introductory

The Introductory Series is for all students new to Yoga and for students not familiar with the Iyengar method. Standing poses for strength, seated and other fundamental poses are introduced as well as Sarvangasana (shoulder balance — an inversion). This Series will lay the foundation for your practice by emphasizing the spirit of Yoga and the alignment and actions in each pose. In many cases it will be beneficial to repeat this Series.

Level I

Standing poses, seated poses, twists, forward bends, balances and more will be practiced extensively. Understanding the essence of the various poses and the underlying Yoga philosophy will become clearer. Sarvangasana (shoulder balance) will be held longer. Students should be prepared to repeat this level a number of times.

Level II

Students may be ready for this level when Sarvangasana is solidified (at least 5 minutes), when Halasana (plow pose) is performed without a chair and the basic poses have been well studied and refined. Students will practice more intense forward bends and begin learning back bends, deeper twists and Sirsasana (head balance). Also, students should now practice on their own at home. Again, many repetitions of this level are required.

Level III

The fundamental poses will still be practiced, but the actions will be more subtle. In addition to free standing Sirsasana (head balance), more challenging inversions like forearm balance (Pincha Mayurasana) and hand balance (Adho Mukha Vrksasana) are practiced as well as deep back bends and more challenging twists. At this level, home practice should be well established.

Gentle Yoga (suitable for beginners)

This Series is suitable for beginners as well as continuing students. Special consideration is given to people with injuries or conditions due to age or recovery from an illness. Chairs and other props may be used. The class is more moderately paced.

Restorative Yoga

For people in need of deep relaxation. Poses are supported by props, done slowly and held for a long time. Pranayama (breathing exercises) may be part of this Series. Participants should have prior Yoga experience.

Embodied Anantomy and Yoga

This Series is for students of all levels other than Intro. Lessons will address certain physical conditions like back pain, neck and shoulder ailments and knee problems. Participants may request help with other challenges. Since most poses will be drawn from the general Yoga curriculum and sequenced effectively, they will also be helpful in preventing above conditions and support students’ overall health.