Yoga Classes Cheltenham - Iyengar Yoga

General information

WHAT IS IYENGAR YOGA?

The postures are very precise and you will be guided through them by an experienced teacher, who is fully trained to make appropriate adjustments for different physiques and for people with specific problems. The classes can be hard work, as the poses involve intense stretching; however you will leave the class feeling lighter and calmer. The immediate benefits of yoga are greater flexibility, strength, and better physical health. As you continue with your practice, psychological and spiritual benefits begin to appear.

The Iyengar method of yoga is named after our teacher, Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar. The teaching helps you focus on correct alignment of the body in poses ensuring you are working safely, with maximum benefit to your flexibility, strength and wellbeing.

Classes generally start with simple poses and gradually move towards more advanced, ending with a period of relaxation and sometimes incorporating breathing techniques.

Props, such as blocks and belts are occasionally used in class to allow those with less strength or flexibility to work correctly and achieve their full potential.

WHY PRACTICE YOGA?

Physical Benefits

• Eases back pain
• Corrects balance and posture
• Strengthens the spine
• Improves flexibility and helps
build muscle tissue
• Increases stamina

Medical Benefits

• Boosts immune responses
• Improves heart conditions
• Decreases cholesterol and
blood sugar levels
• Encourages weight loss
• Improves breathing ailments

Mental Benefits

• Relieves stress patterns
• Relaxes and calms the mind

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the difference between Iyengar and other forms of yoga?

Iyengar yoga tends to focus more on the quality of the postures (or asanas) being undertaken rather than on the quantity achieved in one class. It is therefore essential to attend classes with a fully qualified teacher who can ensure you get the maximum benefit to your body.

I’m not flexible, will I still be OK to try yoga?

It’s a myth that you have to be flexible to do yoga. The way Iyengar yoga is taught with the aid of props, means that all students can quickly make progress and feel the benefits.

How can I get the most out of a class?

Listen to your teacher and always ask if you are unsure about any instruction. Your teacher will be keen for you to understand as much as possible about what you are doing and won’t mind being interrupted. Practicing at home will also speed your progress.

My friend leaves for yoga with a bag of foam blocks, belts and wooden bricks. Do I need these and what are they for?

Classes in Iyengar Yoga are held at my studio in 9 Suffolk Square, Cheltenham, GL50 2DR
and in the function room at The Wheatsheaf Pub, 283 Old Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 9AJ

I was given a yoga video for Christmas. Why do I need to go to a class?

WHAT IS IYENGAR YOGA?

The postures are very precise and you will be guided through them by an experienced teacher, who is fully trained to make appropriate adjustments for different physiques and for people with specific problems. The classes can be hard work, as the poses involve intense stretching; however you will leave the class feeling lighter and calmer. The immediate benefits of yoga are greater flexibility, strength, and better physical health. As you continue with your practice, psychological and spiritual benefits begin to appear.

The Iyengar method of yoga is named after our teacher, Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar. The teaching helps you focus on correct alignment of the body in poses ensuring you are working safely, with maximum benefit to your flexibility, strength and wellbeing.

Classes generally start with simple poses and gradually move towards more advanced, ending with a period of relaxation and sometimes incorporating breathing techniques.

Props, such as blocks and belts are occasionally used in class to allow those with less strength or flexibility to work correctly and achieve their full potential.

The positions are complex and you are unlikely to be able to achieve the correct postures at home alone. Indeed, by trying to copy a video you might actually end up doing more harm than good.

I’ve got a long-standing back injury, how can yoga help aid my recover?

Yoga can help bad backs in many ways. It strengthens, supports, realigns, nurtures and nourishes all parts of your body. So it won’t just help you back, it will also ensure all your muscle groups are exercised and conditioned too.

I’m interested in giving yoga a try. Will I be able to keep up in a class even though I have never done it before?

Yes. Classes are designed to cater for all levels of ability, but it would be best to come to an introductory class before progressing to the beginners’ course.

I can only attend class once a week. Will I still see some benefits?

Yes you will see immediate results, although yoga is a discipline that does require commitment. As with most types of exercise, you really do get out what you put in.

Is it OK to eat before attending a yoga class?

Students should allow at least four hours after a heavy meal or two hours after a light meal before practicing yoga. Easily digestible drinks and snacks can be consumed closer to the start of a class.

How long before I can wrap my legs around the back of my head?

It is never more true than in yoga, that you get out what you put in!

I enjoy challenging physical exercise. Will I find Iyengar yoga too tame?

Yoga is not, as some people believe, lying around on the floor deep breathing. The postures in Iyengar yoga are extremely challenging to achieve and many will raise your heartbeat even though you are completely stationary.