Yoga Class Descriptions

“Yoga offers us techniques to become aware, to expand and penetrate, and to change and evolve in order to become competent in the lives we live.”

– B.K.S.Iyengar


*Sanskrit names of poses translated into English below. Unless indicated, class time is 90 minutes.

Introduction to Yoga

The perfect choice for students new to yoga, the Iyengar method, or those who want a strong foundation for their practice. This class is based on the Iyengar’s preliminary course and focuses on classical poses that will provide the basis for the practice of yoga.

Students develop flexibility, strength, and body awareness, learn proper alignment, and are taught the use of props.

The class is taught as a 6 week series, beginning with basic standing and seated asanas. Be the end of the series most students are capable of practicing ardha halasana and salamba sarvangasana. Each week the sequence with the poses and pictures is provided to encourage practice between classes. By the end of the series most students are able to progress to Level 1, although many repeat the series more than once to develop a good foundation.

It is strongly recommended that students commit to the entire 7/8 week session in order to gain maximum benefit.

Level 1

For students who have a foundation of Iyengar Yoga or have completed the Introduction series. Each week focuses on a different group of asanas: standing, forward extensions, twists and backbends, and restoratives. Level 1 students build strength and flexibility; students learn sarvangasana variations; and the preparation for sirsasana and sirsasana against the wall is introduced. Supine pranayama is introduced.

Level 2

For students with a regular practice of standing and seated asanas and sarvangasana in the middle of the room. Sirsasana at the wall and moving away from the wall, and deeper back extensions are included in regular classes. Seated pranayama is introduced.

Level 3-4 (Intermediate)

For experienced students with a regular practice that includes inversions. The practice includes Sirsasana away from the wall and variations, arm balancing poses, deep forward extensions, and coming up into urdhva dhanurasana from the floor. Seated pranayama is taught. Instructor’s permission required to attend.

Mixed Levels

All students with a foundation in Iyengar Yoga can attend.  The instructor directs the level of the class to the students present at each session.

Gentle Yoga

Designed for Iyengar Yoga students who have chronic conditions or other issues requiring special attention. While the class includes Level 1 and 2 asanas, the pace is slower, and more individual attention to the use of props and therapeutic variations is provided. 60 minutes.

Iyengar Intensity

A physically challenging, encouraging, and well paced progressive format. A variety of asanas are included, and the sequence changes every week. You can leave with a good list of poses to practice to keep you in a sattvic state for the whole weekend! All levels welcome.

Care Classes

Education and therapeutic modifications for persons with conditions or impingements that cause discomfort, target to specific areas. These 4 week, once a week series are designed to provide you with some relief from pain, and teach you poses and actions to improve your mobility and stability. Class fee: $80 for the series. No refunds for missed classes, but you can make up the class when the series begins again. These are offered on a rotating basis.

Neck and Shoulders: People with neck and shoulder issues. The stress and strain of modern life places a heavy load on the neck and shoulders. Time spent sitting – at the computer, behind the wheel; texting and phone use; general stiffness, misalignments and injuries – all of these conspire to reduce mobility and create pain.

Lower Back and Hips: Almost 80% of people in the US will suffer from back pain at some point in their adult life. Whether acute injury or chronic pain resulting from congenital, traumatic, or age-related causes, pain can be reduced by improving stability and mobility of the affected areas. Research on the use of Iyengar yoga has shown it to be an effective means for both back and hip pain.

This 4 week, once a 1 week series is designed to provide you with some relief from pain, and teach you poses and actions to practice at home so that sitting, standing and moving become easier.

Knees: Approximately 700,000 knee replacement procedures are performed annually in the US. This number is projected to increase to 3.48 million procedures per year by 2030 

Knees are the “recipients” of problems stemming from the feet, ankles, calves, thighs and hips, and be design has limited movement. Injury, poor posture, or gait complications can wear the knee joint to the point of discomfort and/or pain. In this class we work to re-educate your knees (and your brain) on how to sit, stand, and move to enhance proper functioning of the knee and surrounding joints.

Ropes Class

All levels (with Iyengar experience) are welcome. BKS Iyengar developed the system of ropes to provide active and passive support in asanas, so that the student can build strength, mobility, and steadiness. This class focuses on the creative use of the ropes in all poses: standing, forward extensions, back extensions, twists, inversions, abdominals, and recuperatives.

*Sanskrit translation into English.

Asana – pose.

Ardha halasana half plow pose.

Salamba sarvangasana – supported shoulderstand.

Sirsasana – head balance pose.

Urdhva dhanurasana – upward bow pose

Pranayama – practice of breath control for movement of energy.