ABOUT
CLASSES
“In 2019 the Iyengar family took me under their tutelage and I moved to Pune for a year, to study directly under them and the rest of the RIMYI Institute teachers.”
-BKS Iyengar
Class descriptions
XS - EXTRA SOFT
This space is meant for people who need to work at a gentler, softer pace. We use typical household objects (such as the wall, chair or belt) as props, which provide support during the class. This class is recommended for people with certain injuries, pain, and elderly people. We approach common ailments, which come with age. We want the students to feel strengthened, to increase their mobility, to feel revitalized and energized.
LEVEL 1
It is strongly advised that people who have never practiced Iyengar Yoga should start by taking Level 1 classes, in which the foundations of Iyengar Yoga are taught. There is a great emphasis in standing poses, but almost all categories of asanas are introduced. The practice of Salamba Sarvangasana is consolidated. After some time, if the student is ready, headstand or Salamba Sirsasana will also be introduced in Level 1. Classes are dynamic and the aim is for the beginners to get to know their own bodies, develop new body awareness, as well as getting to know the Iyengar Yoga method and develop interest in the subject.
LEVEL 2
For people with 2 or more years of regular practice of Iyengar Yoga. The content of Level 1 classes is further refined, consolidated and studied in detail.
A familiarity and regular practice of Salamba Sirsasana and Sarvangasana for 5 minutes, Adho Mukha Vrksasana and other inverted poses is taught.
We work on more complex backbends like Urdhva Dhanurasana as well as more complex asanas from other categories.
Certain notions of Pranayama are introduced, mainly through the study of the asanas.
LEVEL 3
This space is mainly meant for exploration and experimenting through the Asanas and Pranayama.
It is meant for regular practitioners of Iyengar Yoga. They must have an established self-practice, mature understanding of Level 1 and 2 contents, and they should be able to hold Salamba Sirsasana and Salamba Sarvangasana and variations for 10 minutes.
Yoga Props
During the practice of Iyengar Yoga we may use props. Yoga props were invented by Guruji BKS Iyengar to provide support to the less flexible students or to those who suffer from certain difficulties. They also help us adapt the pose to our needs, they help achieve greater extension within the pose, stay longer, and they help more advanced students develop a more profound sensitivity and awareness.
