Easy like Sunday morning

We've been running a weekend Iyengar yoga class for some time with Maura teaching. To give her some time for family and other life, we're moving this to a rota of Iyengar yoga teachers. Claire will initially be swapping in, and then we'll hopefully soon be joined by Louise Belshaw returning to teach after a break, and perhaps some of our more recently qualified teachers too. 

What can you expect?

Iyengar yoga is "just" yoga - it's a hatha style of asana (poses) and pranayama (breathwork) practice in the tradition of the ancient yoga sutras, incorporating the ethics of practice, mindful awareness, focus and concentration. Each class will be different but follow a similar arc of poses to loosen and mobilise, followed by strengthening (often standing poses), and then whichever family of poses is being looked at that week - forward folds / seated poses / twists / backbends and so on. Iyengar yoga classes will always include some form of inversion appropriate to the class and participants, from adho mukha svanasana (downward facing dog) to sirsasana (headstand) or salamba sarvangasana (shoulderstand). 

At the same time Iyengar yoga is a little different to other styles. Teachers are trained over a minimum of six years (three own practice, three with a mentor) and have a wealth of experience to encompass minor injuries and health conditions in class. The method can be vigorous or gentle, supported on props or not, with flowing sequences (vinyasas) or static poses, heating or cooling accordingly. The teaching can be quite precise and encourages focus. The class finished in savasana and you will leave feeling lighter and taller!

Do I need to have practised yoga before?

No. You can be a complete beginner or have an ongoing practice, whether in the Iyengar yoga method or another style. All welcome. 

Do I need to bring anything?

No. Wear clothes that are comfortable to move in, modest (check see through leggings or loose shorts!) and not too long so you won't trip over. We practice in bare feet unless there is a reason for you to cover your feet in which case non-slip toe socks can be acceptable. All yoga mats and equipment are provided but you're welcome to bring your own mat if you wish. 

Why Sundays?

It's often a day for a slower start and a quieter time. There isn't the rush of traffic, and you can begin your day with dedicated time for you, leaving you refreshed to join in with other plans, family lunches or outings the rest of the day. Often people tell us they sleep best on the day they've been to class, so then you'll be ready for Monday with equanimity too!

How do I join?

Book through the booking page, drop-in or block-booked Iyengar yoga passes valid. There's a concessionary rate which we leave to you to determine if money is tight. If you can't access the internet then do just turn up and you can pay with cash or card on the day. 

This is a little bit of a work in progress as we get the schedule finalised, but we'll keep the calendar up to date. This means there might be the occasional Sunday with no class, so keep any eye on the calendar or ask us by emailing [email protected].