Yoga is not a subject that is learnt to a certain level upon which one is "qualified." It is a subject which has a beginning but no end - the more one progresses in one's practice, the more the subject opens up and the more one realises there is more to be learnt, absorbed and applied. B.K.S Iyengar has been practicing for over 65 years and states that he is still a student who is constantly discovering and learning new things through yoga.

The Iyengar method develops strength, endurance, and optimal body alignment, in addition to flexibility and relaxation. The Iyengar method develops self-awareness, intelligent evaluation, and profound inward reflection. Standing poses are emphasized at the beginning to build strength and ease of movement, increase general vitality, and improve circulation, coordination, and balance. Postures for deep relaxation are introduced from the beginning.

Iyengar Yoga is based on the teachings of the living yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar, author of the classic yoga treatise Light on Yoga, who began teaching in Pune, India, in 1936 at the age of 18. Today, at 86, he continues to teach and inspire students all over the world. His daughter, Geeta, and his son, Prashant, are also accomplished teachers and authors of yoga texts.

Certification in this country is governed by the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States (IYNAUS). Candidates for introductory level certification must have at least three years experience teaching Iyengar yoga and be nominated by two more senior certified teachers. Certification requires passing a rigorous review consisting of a written exam, demonstrated ability to perform 59 basic yoga poses, and an observed teaching session.

If you have not done yoga before, you should come to an Introductory Series or a Level I class. A good way to experience Iyengar Yoga is to come to one of our Introductory classes, which are offered frequently. Students who have done other types of yoga but who have never experienced Iyengar Yoga are also encouraged to take Level I classes for a time to absorb the basic principles and apply them to the fundamental postures.

The more one practices, the more benefit and improvements one will get; the rewards correspond to the effort put in. However, a daily routine, even if only for a few minutes, is more beneficial than one long session weekly. A daily routine also builds it's own momentum and encourages one to continue with yoga rather than bursts of irregular but intense practice.

Iyengar Yoga is not "tough" but it is demanding. Correct yoga requires being totally involved physically, mentally and emotionally in one's practice. As Yoga is concerned with the growth and development of the individual, this means extending one's current comfortable limits. Thus yoga requires that one work beyond what is necessarily easy but obviously not to the point of distress.

Meditation is not taught as a separate subject in Iyengar yoga classes. As already stated, true meditation (Dhyana) and the subtler mental states are things which cannot be taught. Meditation is a state where one "becomes one with the universal spirit." One has no mind, intelligence, feelings or experiences when in this state and so no question of expressions of one's experiences. Thus meditation cannot be taught - It is a state of being which comes of itself when the practitioner is ready.

Iyengar Yoga is characterized by an emphasis on precision of alignment in the yoga postures, the use of props to help students of all ability levels achieve correct alignment, and an understanding of the therapeutic potential of yoga. We begin with the body: muscles, bones, and breath. Through asanas (postures), we explore the work of art that is this gift we receive at birth. Mr. Iyengar calls the body a temple, and asanas our prayers.

Light on Yoga, the complete reference book by Mr. Iyengar; Light on Pranayama, Mr. Iyengar's book on yogic breathing practice; Yoga the Iyengar Way, by Silva, Mira & Shyam Mehta, a terrific book for beginners; How To Use Yoga, by Mira Mehta, a newly published book that includes some of the most recent teachings of Iyengar yoga. (links are to Amazon.com book summaries)

Certification means that an instructor has satisfied the rigorous requirements of the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States. In order to gain certification, a candidate must be first recommended by two senior level certified Iyengar teachers, attesting to his or her readiness to apply for certification assessment. Candidates then undergo a three-part assessment.

We hold our teachers to the highest standards. Most are certified and the rest are working toward that goal. They are all vigilant about continuing study and have strong home practices. We also offer a large schedule of classes and our studios are fully equipped with all necessary yoga props.

Iyengar Yoga teaches and leads towards the experience of all 8 aspects of astanga yoga, primarily through the tools of asanas and pranayama. In Iyengar yoga one learns how the performance of Asana needs the disciplines of Yama and Niyama (ethics and personal discipline), the role of the breath (Pranayama) and how the turning of the senses of perception to look inwards (Pratyahara) and total concentration (Dharana) while doing asanas lead one to experience the higher mental states.

The different forms of Hatha offer an important foundation, preparing the body to hold higher frequencies of energies. Hatha, Astanga, Iyengar and other yogas that concentrate on postures work on detoxing the physical body and confronting the ego. Kundalini yoga offers the next level of integration. Because it includes a vigorous physical workout, pranayama, mantras, meditation and Bhakti, it takes the practitioner to a deeper level of awareness and connection with Self.

People tend to stretch from their more flexible areas and rely on their better-developed muscles for strength, thus reinforcing postural habits. Iyengar Yoga encourages weak parts to strengthen and stiff areas to release, thus awakening and realigning the whole body. As the body moves into better alignment, less muscular work is required and relaxation increases naturally.

Iyengar yoga develops strength, endurance, flexibility and relaxation by paying close attention to body alignment in each asana. There is an emphasis on standing asanas . These postures build strong legs, improve circulation, increase vitality, and improve coordination and balance. Meditation occurs as the practitioner becomes absorbed in the moment through attention to postural alignment and breath movement. As the mind, body and breath unite, the practitioner moves into a meditative state.