Why people practice yoga?
People start with yoga practice for different reasons. Some want to improve their health, some want to calm their mind and some want both. The significance of yoga and its positive effects on human psychological and physical health have been recognised since ancient times, so it is not surprising that there is a large number of books but also scientific studies that confirm the benefits of continuous practice of yoga. Traditionally, people have approached yoga as their own spiritual practice. In his book “Tree of Yoga”, B.K.S. Iyengar says, “Yoga is more than physical. It is work on the cells of the body, mind, intellect, and spirit – it involves man in his whole being.” By definition, yoga means to unite, specifically it signifies the union of the body with the mind and mind with the soul.
What Sanskrit words can I hear in the class?
Out of respect for the line of teachers who have taught yoga in the modern world, Iyengar yoga teachers occasionally use Sanskrit words during the class. In Sanskrit, yoga positions are referred to as yoga asanas. Each asana has a Sanskrit name. I do not expect from my students to know how to pronounce or remember the names of asanas. (Every learning is a process that puts in front of us different tasks.) When learning something new we are always faced with various new tasks. After a while, which has not been determined by time, After some time, of unspecified length, the practitioners are surprised by the fact that they have succeeded, as best they can, to make a certain asana, but also realise that they have no problem pronouncing its name or performing a certain position when they hear the Sanskrit word.
Is Iyengar Yoga a form of meditation?
Practicing Iyengar Yoga is typically referred to as meditation in action. While performing the asanas, the participants develop awareness of different parts of the body. Initially, the mind of a student moves from one part of the body to another but over time he/she becomes conscious of the body as an integrated whole. By cultivating consciousness, concentrating on here and now, the mind becomes more meditative, allowing deeper penetration during practice.
What are props and how can they improve yoga practice?
B.K.S. Iyengar is credited with designing and introducing props into yoga practice. Simple props are used to encourage optimal body alignment and to provide support to the body so that anyone, regardless of the degree of physical ability, flexibility and physical condition, can effectively and safely practice yoga. Equipment is also used when teaching specific actions in asanas. The function of props as instruments is to develop and sharpen the sensation of the body. Examples of props that B.K.S. Iyengar introduced are yoga mats, blankets, wooden and foam bricks, belts, chairs, ropes on the walls, benches, bolsters, sandbags, etc.
As a beginner what can I expect in the class?
The teacher will present basic positions and direct the students through basic movements and positions. Asanas that are taught at the initial level build strength and stamina, and contribute to the strength of our body and improve muscle tone, mobility and physical alignment.There are no mirrors in the room and attendees can feel comfortable knowing they are not in a competitive environment. Iyengar Yoga teachers are trained to design and modify the classes so that they are adapted to the needs of students.
Which type of courses are offered?
Please check our class description for a better understanding of the classes offered and to make sure which one suits you best. If there are any doubts or you need further clarification, feel free to contact us, we will be happy to advise you.
What should I bring to the class?
In our space, we provide all the necessary equipment for the class, including the yoga mats. However, if you want and prefer, you can bring and use your own mat.
What should I wear?
It is best to wear shorts or leggings and a comfortable shirt. Wide trousers or sweat pants, as well as oversized shirts, make it difficult for the teacher to see the alignment of your body in the poses. We practice yoga barefoot.
Can I eat before the class?
It’s best to practice yoga on an empty stomach, but that’s not a rule. So plan your meals. If you come to the morning classes and your body constitution requires something to eat, you can eat something light, such as yogurt, toast, tea.If you consume an abundant meal, it would be desirable to allow at least 4 hours before your yoga class. After practicing yoga, allow at least 1/2 hour before your next meal.
Do I need to be flexible to practice Iyengar yoga?
This is a misconception. Yoga asanas help relieve rigid joints and muscles and increase their mobility. The performance of each asana can be adjusted to the physical capabilities of each individual, and with professional guidance and proper use of the props can provide the participants with the necessary security while performing their asanas.
Do I need to be in good physical condition to start practicing yoga?
Everyone can practice and have benefit from Iyengar Yoga. Yoga classes are taught at different levels, taking into account the experience and abilities of each participant so that a person can safely progress at his own pace.
Can I practice Iyengar yoga if I have a medical condition or a physical restriction?
Iyengar Yoga teachers are qualified to work with people who have habitual health problems of modern day which result in incorrect posture, painful back or neck, problems with knee, shoulders or hips. Asanas that help with the mentioned health issues are included in the content of a regular class. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries. If we are unable to help you, we will gladly refer you to another Iyengar yoga studio that specializes in helping people with more serious and chronic health conditions.It is each student’s responsibility to inform the teacher of any new health condition that may arise, and if you are practicing yoga with a new teacher, you should definitely inform him about the health issues that affect your yoga practice.
Yoga Ethics
- Please come early to the class, so you have time to prepare, dress up, relax before the start.
- If the class has started, have respect for your colleagues and keep quiet. (If the invocation is in progress, sit by the side and wait for it to finish and only then prepare your mat and all you need for the class).
- Please take off your shoes and leave them on the stairs.
- Please turn off your mobile phone or put on airplane (silent) mode before the class starts.
- Please do not bring water bottles into the room and avoid drinking water during the class. (There are exceptions, ask the teacher)
- Please do not chew chewing gum during the class.
- Please do not use perfumes.
- Please tidy up all the props you have used during the class and wipe your yoga mat with the cloth designed for that purpose and available in the room.
- If you need to leave earlier, please inform the teacher before the begin of the lesson
