Yoga in Morrison Colorado in the Denver Foothills
- What is Iyengar Yoga?
- How does Iyengar Yoga differ from other forms of Yoga?
- What should I wear to class?
- Should I eat before coming to class?
- How long are the classes?
- How much do classes cost?
- How much do private lessons cost?
- What are props and why do we use them?
- What if I’ve never practiced yoga?
What is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar yoga is based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar, an internationally known yoga master who lived in Pune, India. Mr. Iyengar began studying yoga in his youth, and up until the time of his death in 2014 at the age of 95, devoted his life to the practice. He not only helped to bring a knowledge of yoga to the West, he worked to bring a greater understanding of the anatomical principles of the postures. In Iyengar yoga we focus on correct alignment of the body so that the poses work to their greatest potential. Mr. Iyengar was the author of various texts on yoga, including the classic, Light On Yoga. In 2004, Time Magazine identified Mr. Iyengar as one of the world’s most influential people. In 2005, Diane was fortunate to meet Mr. Iyengar and study with him briefly during the Yoga Journal Convention in Estes Park, Colorado. To read about this experience go to the blog post “Meeting Mr. Iyengar”. In 2007, Diane studied with Mr. Iyengar’s daughter, Geeta Iyengar, at the IYNAUS convention in Las Vegas. In India in 2014 she studied with Prashant and Abijata (Iynegar) and again with Abijata in 2016 at the IYNAUS convention in Boca Raton. Certified Iyengar Yoga instructors have an ongoing obligation of continuing education.
How does Iyengar Yoga differ from other forms of Yoga?
Iyengar yoga focuses on correct musculoskeletal alignment often with the use of props, such as blocks, straps, and blankets, to create alignment and help the practitioner receive the greatest benefit from the pose. For this reason, Iyengar yoga can be used therapeutically and can be practiced by people with injuries or chronic physical problems such as scoliosis, joint replacement, spondylolisthesis, disc and other skeletal issues. A big difference between Iyengar yoga and other forms is the qualifications required of certified teachers. The assessment process for certification in Iyengar yoga is rigorous and includes countless years of study, practice under mentors, performance and evaluations by senior certified instructors, and continuing education requirements to maintain the certification once finished. In other forms of yoga one can become “certified” after attending a weekend workshop or by finishing 200 or 500 hours of study. The bottom line is you can count on your certified Iyengar yoga instructor to be well-trained.
What should I wear to class?
Wear comfortable clothes that are loose or stretchy. Yoga is practiced barefoot. Note: Since some students react to strong odors please refrain from wearing fragrance to class.
Should I eat before coming to class?
It is best to practice yoga on an empty stomach. If you feel you need to eat something before class, have a small snack and give yourself time to digest.
How long are the classes?
Some classes are 90 minutes and some are 75 minutes. This allows enough time to work the body fully and provide restorative poses and relaxation. The price does not change based on the length of class except for workshops. Private lessons are one hour.
How much do classes cost?
Classes are $12-13 each with a punch card. You can purchase a 5-class punch card for $65 or a 10-class punch card for $120. You may also pay $15 per class for a drop-in. Workshops are priced separately and depending on the time and topic run about $20-30. Seniors over 65 pay $60 for a 5-class punch card or $110 for a 10-class punch card.
How much do private lessons cost?
Private yoga lessons can be scheduled to fit your personal needs, and cost $40 for one hour for current students of Peaceful Hills Yoga. Others pay $50 for one hour.
What are props and why do we use them?
In yoga, a prop is any object that helps stretch, strengthen, relax or improve the alignment of the body. Many common props are found in a house such as walls, windowsills, chairs and countertops. Props used in our studio include blankets, blocks, belts, ropes, sandbags, bolsters and chairs. Props are beneficial to students by helping them maintain correct alignment or movement of the body in poses. The additional support allows one to remain in the poses longer thereby increasing the physiological benefits of the pose while allowing the mind and body to relax. Sometimes props are used to help people with physical limitations perform the pose, thus making the pose accessible to all students. As Mr. Iyengar has said, “Ultimately, yoga with props creates a feeling of peace and tranquility culminating in a fresh perspective and renewed strength.”
What if I’ve never practiced yoga?
Not to worry. All classes are designed to incorporate students with various levels of experience, from the new beginner to the dedicated practitioner.
To find out more or to sign up for a free introductory yoga class at our Denver area yoga studio, call us at 303-669-8106 or email Diane today.