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class information
before starting a class
getting started
what to expect in a class
opening hours
guidelines for class attendance
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BKS Iyengar
"Your body lives in the past, your mind in the future.
They come together in the present when you practise Yoga."
BKS Iyengar
Class information.
There is no need to book. We reserve the right to change the teachers
without prior notice to students. To avoid overcrowding class numbers
are limited to 35 in the large studio and 25 in the small studio. Please
arrive in good time, especially for evening and weekend classes.
Foundation Course: Introductory 6 weeks course for complete beginners.
It is stronly recommended for students new to Iyengar yoga to start with
a Foundation Course.
Beginners: for those with little or no knowledge of
Iyengar Yoga with up to
2 years practice in Iyengar yoga.
General: for those who have practised the Iyengar method for at least 2 years.
Intermediate 1: for those who have practised the Iyengar
method for at least 4 years
and can maintain a stable head and shoulder balance for 5 minutes.
Intermediate 2: for those who have practised at Intermediate level for at least 2 years.
59+: for older students and their particular needs.
Pregnancy: for pregnant womenwishing to start or continue yoga practice.
Remedial: for those with health problems, where practice is tailored to individual needs. By application only. Please contact the office or see the remedial section of this site.
Teacher Training: By application only. Click here for more information.
Pranayama: Minimum of 1 year's practice at General level required. Book at reception.
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Before starting a class.
Yoga should be practised on an empty stomach, so leave
3-4 hours after a main meal or 2 hours after a light snack. Wear clothes
that do not restrict your movement in any way. Most people wear shorts
or leggings and a t-shirt. Yoga is always practised in bare feet.
When you arrive at the Institute please leave your shoes in the lobby.
If you are menstruating there are certain
postures that are not suitable, so please consult the teacher before the
class starts.
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Getting started.
The Foundation Course: is specially designed to introduce you to the basic postures and principles in a class of complete beginners. It is the most accessible way for students to start yoga. If you are new to Iyengar yoga, it is strongly recommended that you do the Foundation Course. The course lasts for 6 weeks and costs £35. Foundation Course start dates are advertised on our noticeboard and on our website.
Beginners Classes: are given every day. There is no
need to book your place, but please arrive in good time before the class.
For those who have a busy or unpredictable schedule these classes are
perfect as you can come to whichever class suits you. Ideally it is best
to come regularly to the same class so that the teacher can get to know
you. Beginners classes usually contain a mixed standard of students from
absolute beginners to those who have been practising for up to 2 years.
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What to expect in a class?
You will be introduced to the basic asanas (postures), which will include
standing, sitting and recuperative poses. All the asanas have Sanskrit
names. The teacher will show you how to use yoga props such as belts and
blocks to help you achieve the postures to the best of your ability. All
the equipment is provided by the Institute.
All the asanas have different effects on the body and mind. The basic
postures build strength and stamina, improve muscular tone, flexibility
and alignment. Practising them will reduce tiredness and soothe the nerves.
It also trains and disciplines the mind so concentration is improved.
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Opening hours
The Institute office opening hours are as follows:
Monday to Thursday
9.30am to 6.30pm
Friday
9.30am to 6pm
Saturday
8.30am to 4.00pm (Closed for lunch 12.30pm to 1.30pm)
Sunday
9.30am to 6.00pm (Closed for lunch 2.30pm to 3.30pm)
During these times books, videos
and equipment can be purchased and other general
enquiries can be made. If you are planning to make a special trip to the
Institute to buy books and equipment, please check stock availability
before starting your journey. Please note that we are closed on Public
Holidays.
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Guidelines for class attendance
The following guidelines have been designed to protect this beautiful building and to ensure that everyone can practise Iyengar yoga in an enjoyable and safe way.
When attending classes at the institute we request that you:
-Remove your shoes at the front door.
-Switch off your mobile phone before you enter the building.
-Do not wear strong smelling perfumes, deodorants or aftershave.
-Treat any infectious foot conditions such as verrucas and athletes foot.
In the class please:
-Do not bring any food (including chewing gum), drink or reading
material into the yoga studios.
-Do not enter the studio during the invocatory part of the class if you
arrive late. Wait until people’s eyes have opened and they start
to move. If you are in any doubt about entering a class late, check with
the receptionist on duty
- Keep jewellery to a minimum
- Return any equipment used during a class neatly and safely to the storage
area
You are welcome to go into the yoga studio 15 minutes before your class
starts.
If you do this please:
-Resist speaking to students in a preparatory posture
-DO NOT USE THE ROPES without a teacher present to supervise
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to ask your teacher or
reception staff.
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