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 women wishing 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.
Restrorative: for students who have practised Iyengar yoga regtularly for at least 2 years.
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
£40. 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
9.00am to 8.30pm
(except Wednesday 7.00am - 8.30pm)
Friday
9.00am to 6.30pm
Saturday
8.00am to 2.30pm (Closed for lunch 12.30pm to 1.00pm)
Sunday
9.30am to 6.00pm (Closed for lunch 2.30pm to 3.00pm)
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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