What is Yoga?

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Yoga is a universal and practical philosophy that can be adopted by any person, regardless of capabilities, age, sex, race, or religious belief. It is a means of deep connection with the self and involves all aspect of one's being. Yoga cannot be practiced mechanically but with integrity, awareness, and heart. The student of yoga evolves through the development of self-discipline and self-awareness through practice.

 

Yoga provides the vitality to experience life fully. The time we spend with ourselves in practice is a time of reflection and self-study; life's mundane issues are put into perspective, and one builds courage and inner strength. Our life as a whole benefits from this practice.

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Benefits of a regular yoga practice: ​

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• Reduces stress

• Increases mobility and strength

• Strengthens bones

• Improves balance and coordination

• Improves breathing

• Supports and strengthens the immune system

• Balances the nervous system

• Supports proper functions of organs

• Improves circulation

• Helps digestion

• Increases vitality 

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Postural groups you will practice in our yoga classes

 

• Standing poses for flexibility, strength and stamina (emphasized at the beginning to ensure a strong foundation)

• Seated poses for reflection; to remove fatigue, and maintain a healthy spine

• Forward bends for cooling the body and mind, and to soothe the nervous system

• Twists for improving digestion and organ health; to increase mobility of the spine and remove stiffness

• Backbends for increasing vitality and space; to strengthen the back and improve posture

• Inverted poses to improve circulation, revitalize the whole system, and reduce stress

• Breathing awareness and deep relaxation for energy and renewal; to bring peace to the body and mind

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The classes are presented thematically on a weekly basis, designed to take you through a learning process that explores asana, pranayama (breathing exercises) and restorative practices; a thorough practice that allows a deeper insight into the body. Sequences depend on the level and condition of the students, the hour of the class, the weather or season, amongst other factors.

 

In our yoga classes, the emphasis is on learning, therefore the teacher will offer clear instruction, demonstration or adjustment so that the students can integrate the process and receive a more in-depth understanding of their bodies and of themselves through their practice. A level I introductory class is a great way to start if you are a beginner or if you wish to re-visit the fundamentals.

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Progressing in any physical discipline, including yoga's physical practice, develops gradually. Patience and dedication is required.

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The use of props

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In Iyengar Yoga, props such as chairs, blankets, bolsters, belts, and blocks are often used to modify, prepare or deepen a yoga pose. The school is equipped to provide you with the props necessary. For hygiene purposes, it is required to bring your own mat. Please read our Covid-19 Safety Measures to learn about the use of props at this time.

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