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 (30 and 20 in Beginners' classes respectively).
Regular classes are suitable for those over 14 years of age. We do have Children's classes for those between 7 and 14.
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.
Beginners/General: for those who have practised the Iyengar method for at least 6 months.
Not suitable for complete beginners.
General: for those who have practised
the Iyengar method for at least 2 years.
Intermediate: 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.
Teachers' Class: for qualified Iyengar yoga teachers only.
60+: 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.
Teacher Training: By application only.
Click here for more information.
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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.
Injuries and health problems: If you are suffering from any minor ailment (such as a sprain or a headache),
you should inform the teacher beforehand.
If your problem is more serious
or you are pregnant, you must inform the Institute before starting any
classes. This is for your own safety. See our Remedial
Class and Medical Information page for further details.
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Getting started
Free Taster Class: is run regularly for people who
want their first taste of Iyengar yoga. Usually these classes
are held a week before the start of a foundation course so students
can then go onto book on to a course to continue their practise
of Iyengar yoga.
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
£60 which includes a 3 month membership
plus 2 free Beginners classes. 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 2 years or more.
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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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How do I get to the Institute?
The Institute is situated in Maida Vale (North West London, not far from
central London). It is a short walk from Maida Vale tube station on the
Bakerloo line - just 15-20 minutes from Oxford Circus. You will find the
Institute at the north end of Maida Vale (and just south of Kilburn),
at 223a Randolph Avenue parallel to the west of the Edgware Road. Look
for a driveway on the west side of the road (left hand side if you are walking away from Maida Vale tube station). Our yoga studios are tucked
away at the end of it.
We are well placed to take advantage of a number of public
transport facilities.
By car: there are some limited parking facilities in the area but
residents parking restrictions apply from Monday to Friday 9am to 6.30pm.
Students are advised to allow an extra few minutes to find a parking place.
There is cheaper parking in Paddington Recreation Ground behind the Institute.
You can get to the car park from an entrance by the public house on Carlton
Vale. Be warned: traffic wardens do frequent this area! Under no circumstances
must students park in the Institute's driveway. This very limited space
is for staff and teachers and delivery vehicles only.
By tube: the nearest tube stations are Maida Vale (3 mins walk away)
and Kilburn Park (5 mins walk away) - both are on the Bakerloo line. We
are also about 10-15 mins walk from St Johns Wood , on the Jubilee line.
From Maida Vale tube, turn right with the wine merchant on your right
hand side. Walk up Randolph Avenue past the park entrance on the left.
Just before you get to the intersection with Carlton Vale, there is a
tree-lined driveway on your left. The Institute is at the bottom, behind
the houses.
By rail: the rail line from Kings Cross runs close to the Institute.
The nearest stop is the Kilburn High Road in south Kilburn. It is better
to use the tube or buses.
By bus: many buses stop near to the Institute, such as 16, 31, 98, 206, 316, 328 and 332.
For further information about public transport in London, visit www.tfl.gov.uk or call the travel
information line on 020 7222 1234.
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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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What facilities do you have at the Institute?
The Institute was purpose-built for yoga in 1994 (replacing the previous
building that had been used for many years), and is fully equipped with
all that you will need.
There are two studios with underfloor heating, wooden floors, ceiling
fans and automatically opening windows. The Institute provides all the
necessary yoga equipment, including mats. There are separate changing
rooms for men and women, each equipped with a shower (you will need to bring your own towel, soap, shampoo etc.).
Chilled mineral water is supplied free of charge and there is a communal
area near reception where students can read display books and magazines.
There is usually a member of staff present at reception to deal with any
questions you may have. Questions about your yoga practice or suitability
for classes should be directed to a teacher.
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