Do I need anything to join my first class?

I am really looking forward to teaching you and introducing you to Iyengar Yoga. Here are a few things that might help you prepare for class:

Clothing: Comfortable workout clothing like leggings are best for practicing yoga. Be prepared to practice with bare feet!

Equipment: You will need a mat for class. If you would like to borrow a mat do let me know and I can provide you with one.  There are a few simple props that are used in class. In most classes, we will use a basic kit of props ( folded blanket, 2 cork or foam bricks, 4 foam blocks, and a yoga belt). These props can be purchased from YogaMatters and I encourage you to buy your set for practicing at home and to bring to class. I will bring a few sets to class for people to use. 

Health: At the beginning of class please tell me if you have medical conditions, such as post-operative conditions, hypertension, heart problems, high or low blood pressure, back, neck or knee problems, menstrual disorders etc. I will then be able to offer adaptations or alternative poses for you to do.

Before your class: You should not eat for at least two hours before an Iyengar yoga class. Tea/coffee and a light snack like fruit are fine. If you are attending an online class make sure you have allowed time to set up your camera so that I can see you, and make sure there’s nothing nearby that you could trip on etc. 

What can I expect to do in a class?

In general, the class will start with a few moments of quiet to prepare for the yoga. This helps to encourage a focused, concentrated state of mind. The sequence starts with a few beginning poses(asanas) such as downward-facing dog. Standing poses are then often practiced in which one learns the fundamentals of how to adjust and align the body correctly. This has to be learnt before more advanced yoga poses can be successfully mastered. Standing poses form the foundation of even the most advanced postures and have to be studied continuously.

The practice could then focus on different aspects of the body and breath such as backbends, more standing postures, forward bends, inverted postures, or recuperative postures which prepare the student for the practice of pranayama or breath control. Pranayama is normally taught after about two years of regular asana practice, although observation of normal breathing patterns and some basic pranayamas may be introduced during the relaxation/recuperative period at the end of each asana class. The class will end with recuperative and re-energising postures.

Often classes are arranged to teach types of postures, such as backbends or forward bends standings, forward extensions, backbends, recuperative poses in a sequential programme throughout the month. The high standard of training of teachers ensures a good record of safety for the students. Students will often say they walk away from an Iyengar yoga class feeling straighter and full of energy, despite having worked quite hard.

What are the effects of Iyengar Yoga?

The effects of yoga can be felt even after the first class. With regular practice, the effects are physical health and mental well being. This is not saying that yoga cures every ailment and that yogis always feel well! However, it is likely that yoga will help you face ill health and manage it better. Yoga can help with stress and emotional tension. Yoga is a demanding practice and the effort and attention you bring to the detail while in the posture increases concentration and can develop a greater knowledge of your state of consciousness and gain a deeper understanding of the Self. 

Do I have to be physically fit?

Iyengar yoga is for everyone regardless of age, gender, health, religion and circumstances in life. Iyengar yoga is not competitive and you won’t be judged against other people. A distinctive feature of Iyengar yoga is the use of equipment, called props, which helps you develop strength, flexibility and control in a posture in order to achieve your full potential.  In this way, you will work to your maximum ability within a general mixed class. The teacher is trained to select the correct prop and to supervise individual students.

Do I have to be flexible to practice yoga?

There is no need for any special physical traits to practice yoga. All it takes is desire, patience, and perseverance. It does not matter if you can reach your toes in a forward bend position, or whether you can fold your legs into a lotus position. The effects of yoga are not necessarily proportional to how the pose appears externally. It is quite possible that an inflexible person will gain greater benefits from yoga than a very flexible person. 

Is Yoga a philosophy or a religion? 

BKS Iyengar once said that yoga is an art, a science and a philosophy. Iyengar yoga is based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, an Indian sage who lived around 1,700 years ago. In the sutras, the one-line statements guide the yoga practitioner towards peace of mind and harmony. Yoga Philosophy is explained in several of Mr. Iyengar’s books. Please refer to the introduction in Light on Yoga. To go deeper in the understanding of yoga philosophy read his translations of the Yoga Sutras in his book Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. He also talks about Yoga philosophy in Tree of Yoga and the latest publication Light on Life.

Yoga is not a religion and people from many religious traditions can, and do, practice Iyengar Yoga. Yoga is based in the Hindu tradition and some references may be made to the source of ideas or postures in order to clarify the background of the practice.