Iyengar Yoga

What’s so special about
Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar Yoga takes its name from B.K.S. Iyengar, for many years he travelled the world, teaching, demonstrating, lecturing and sharing his knowledge and light on the ancient system of Yoga. Iyengar died in 2014 aged 95.

Iyengar regards Yoga as an art, a science and a philosophy which should be accessible to everyone regardless of age or body type so that everyone can enjoy freedom of movement, good health and peace of mind.

 

Iyengar yoga has many methods to its practice, a focus and emphasis on precision, alignment and full awareness. When the body is placed in the correctly aligned posture and the attention is fully engaged the student can begin to experience the harmony of Yoga.

If you’ve practiced other styles of yoga like vinyasa and used a sequence of poses that flow from one to the next, be prepared for something entirely different.  The asana are the same poses although the Iyengar unhurried approach teaches ‘being present’ one pose at a time, you’ll be in them for longer timings often using props to get your body as close to the ideal shape as possible. There are many detailed instructions on how to enter and perform each asana (poses) and at times the teacher may gather the class together to demonstrate and explain the do’s and don’ts, Iyengar teachers are rigorously trained to teach them to you.

The sequence of the postures is extremely important to help students develop strength, flexibility, stamina, concentration, and correct body alignment. In order to bring this transformation, regular attendance will increase body awareness.

The use of props such as blankets, blocks, belts and chairs helps to deepen your learning of a asana, and to support a person individual needs. When necessary individual correction and adjustment to students.

Sanskrit names are used for the asana; however, a beginner student is not expected to know the between Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward-facing dog) or Utthita Trikonasana (triangle pose). Besides naming the poses in Sanskrit, many advanced Iyengar classes begin with an invocation in Sanskrit the chant honours Patanjali who wrote the Yoga Sutra, however at Be Balanced our Foundation, Beginners and Intermediate class begin with only OM chant.

Iyengar studios have special program for people during menstruation, pregnancy or limited physical movement. Once again Iyengar teachers are trained to modify poses to support people living in or recovery from sore backs, achy knees, ankles, headaches or those that are in recovery from serious illness.

The other big benefit of Iyengar is that eventually your practice of yoga becomes meditative. The more you practice and become familiar to the asana you bring your attention to your body and still the rising thought. It becomes as quiet and calm just as it would be if you were meditating by following your breath.

We all have a reason to practice yoga whether it’s for mental or physical health, by enrolling into the terms course not only does it allow me to get to know you personally, it means you are placing value in yourself and into your practice and together we can enjoy the benefits and commitment to yoga.

My intention as a teacher is that you’ll walk away from a term course feeling empowered and inspired to make your classes a force for healing.

 Iyengar Yoga Teachers.

An increasing number of yoga students are coming to the yoga mat to cope with mental and physical health challenges, to learn ways to reconnect with their bodies. As an Iyengar yoga teacher, I am here to help you move closer to your ideal self, whether it’s through physical strength, stamina, flexibility, general fitness, mental clarity, emotional peace or calming down the nervous system enabling you to better deal with stress.

I've seen a lot of trends and styles of yoga come and go over the last 15 years and I've tried many but I always found my way back to an Iyengar practice with its consistency.

To become an Iyengar Teacher you must have a minimum of 3-4 years as a practitioner (student) to Iyengar school/studio before you are accepted in Iyengar teacher training program.

The teacher training program usually runs for three years full time depending on the program, this allows time for knowledge to develop in Iyengar method (techniques, alignment and adjustment, use of props, sequences and timings) asana (poses), remedial (pain therapy, medical conditions, injuries and mental health),  pranayama (breathing) and philosophy (Yoga Sutras of Patanjali). On that note you must have 6 years of Iyengar experience (practice and training) before being allowed to sit for assessments.

Which Class Level Is Right For You.

Students are often unsure about which level is the most appropriate for them, or what period of time they should stay in a particular level. Here’s an overall guide to help you.

At Be Balanced we teach the Iyengar Yoga method. I encourage all students to join the course at the beginning of each term, with a curriculum that builds week by week, term by term year by year. Each class will lead you through a sequence of yoga poses, typically starting with the more physical standing poses before leading into seated poses.  During each term we have themes asana (postures) and yoga philosophy in which will be learnt, studied and practiced.

Foundation

Class Length: 1 hour

Suitable For:

The foundation class is the starting point of yoga, designed for all ages and fitness that have never done yoga before or very little yoga experience. Also good for people with injuries or living with physical conditions e.g. arthritis, neck, shoulder or back pain.

A strong and intelligent practice that encourages you to learn proper alignment that develops a deeper awareness in your body. Emphasis on building strength, flexibility, improving balance and endurance, you will be introduced to the basic foundation of yoga asana including standing poses, seated twists, forward bends and preparation for shoulder-stand with chair support.

The Foundation class allows you to feel safe and move at your own pace.

Recommended to attend at least two full courses before progress to Beginners.

Please download and complete a health form and submit back before class.

Want to try a class before you commit to our Foundation Course?

Come and experience all that I have to offer over the space of 1 week for just $25,  I encourage you to come as much as possible to try all of our different classes.

 Intro Pass: Due to Covid Intro Pass is not available - No casual.

Iyengar Beginners (Level 1)

Class Length: 1 hour and 30 mins

Suitable For:

Design for students who have attended and practise Iyengar foundation courses, returning Iyengar students that have taken a break due to work commitment, illness or having children, students who have a background or experienced in other yoga styles but are keen to try Iyengar yoga.

Our Beginners class continue to build and expand the range of asana from the foundation curriculum, introducing more complex standing poses, seated twists, forward bends while you will begin to learn and practice independent  Sarvangasana (shoulder-stand) and introducing backbends to our yoga practice. With a longer sequence that allows students to develop a stronger understanding of the Iyengar Yoga method and principles.

Recommended to have a regular attendance of 6-18 months of beginners before progress to the intermediate class. It’s important to have knowledge in the Iyengar Yoga method and extremely important to be able to practice an independent shoulder-stand for 4-5 minutes.

Please download and complete a health form and submit back before class.

Want to try a class before you commit to our Beginner Course?

Come and experience all that I have to offer over the space of 1 week for just $25,  I encourage you to come as much as possible to try all of our different classes.

 Intro Pass: DUE TO COVID INTRO PASS IS NOT AVAILABLE- NO CASUAL.

Iyengar Intermediate (Level 2)

Class Length: 1 hour and 30 mins

Suitable For:

Appropriate for students with a regular beginner’s attendance. It’s important to gain strength and knowledge in specific poses especially in Salamba Sarvagasana (shoulder-stand) students need to have learnt the basics and feel comfortable for 4-5 minutes.  Also, students should be prepared to start learning more challenging standing poses for example Ardha Chandrasana (half-moon pose) virabhadrasana 3 (warrior 3), seated poses and baby backbends. Be prepared to strengthen the upper body to learn the foundation of Sirsasana and arm balance poses for example Vasisthasana (side plank). Students are encouraged to have a home practice or attend 2 classes per week.

Restorative

Class Length: 1 hour

Suitable For:

A practice emphasizing on slow and quiet, a sequence of sitting postures we utilise yoga props to support the body for longer holding that work deeply into the connective tissue and fascia to release tension while drawing the mind inward to a deeper and meditative state. Restorative classes give you the space to let go of tension, and ease the effects of pressure and anxiety. Leaving feeling calm, clear and refreshed.

This class is appropriate for all ages and fitness.

 

Iyengar Surya Namaskar

Class Length: 1 hour

Suitable For:

This flow style practice links the breath with Surya Namaskar (sun salutation) during each round of sun salutation a standing posture will be included for e.g. triangle pose for round 1, warrior pose round 2 etc.

Can be challenging at first, but with a little practice your breath will become calmer and longer, your movements will be more flexible as you build heat in the body, developing strength and stamina.

Expect a fully balanced class of forward bending, twists and backbends. All levels are welcome.

Not appropriate for students with significant injuries or medical conditions.

 

 

Iyengar Slow Yoga Class

Class Length: 1 hour

Suitable For: 

This class focuses on teaching poses that address that strengthen muscles of the spine and prevent back pain.

This class is currently not on offer.

Iyengar Dynamic Yoga Class

Class Length: 1 hour

Suitable For:

For those busy people who are looking for an active one hour class to develop greater strength and mobility. This dynamic yoga class is not appropriate for students with significant injuries or medical condition.

This class is currently not on offer.

Intensive - School term break

Class Length: 1 hour and 30 mins

Suitable For:

All Levels welcome. Intensives are considered to be one of the most effective means to develop and deepen your yoga practice. We explore a range of postures over the 4 nights intensive, each day focusing on one group of asanas (poses). 

Day 1: Standing poses

Day 2: Forward bending poses

Day 3: Backbends poses

Day 4: Restorative and Pranayama

 

Intensive Prices

Full Price
$86.00

Includes 10% discounts in holistic treatments from Be Balanced- Yoga & Wellness in Relaxation Massage and Bowen Therapy for the months of January and February 2020.

Early Bird Discount
$70.00  

Includes 4 evening classes of Iyengar yoga, Restorative Yoga, Meditation and Pranayama, also receive 15% discounts in holistic treatments from Be Balanced- Yoga & Wellness in Relaxation Massage and Bowen Therapy for the months of January 2020.

SO, ARE YOU WITH ME?

LIVING IN SYNC with your body, finding that intuitive relationship with yourself, and learning to trust your inner voice is all part of the practice to finding your own happiness in health and abundance.

“Calming the waves of emotions and thoughts is the path of yoga” ~Patanjali~.

Private Consultation

Class Length: 1 hour

Suitable For: Private lessons are ideal for those that have specific needs such as pain, injuries or medical conditions. Together we will address and modify a safe  practice to your individual needs that may help and bring some relief to your discomfort. Recommended for those considering joining a full term course that are experiencing certain health problems .

Also, private classes are wonderful for students that would like to go deeper into their practice and understand certain poses, and provide you with more confidence and inspiration.

Please download and complete a private consultation form and submit back before class.

If unsure, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Depending on your age and general level of well-being and yoga experience, you may be ready to move to Level 2 sooner or later than what has been generally described.

Workshops

Fun With Yoga Chair.

The yoga chair is one of Iyengar Yoga's most effective tools. Utilizing the yoga chair can reduce the effort required in poses, guiding us toward that state of perfection in asana described by B.K.S. Iyengar as "effortless effort" (Sutra II.47).

In these workshops, we have time to explore the major joints in the body and the surrounding soft tissue with continuous sequencing and longer holds.

Booking is recommended as there is limited space and equipment, to confirm your mat please email us.

Moving towards effortless in standing & twisting poses

$40

Date: Sunday

Time: 10am-12pm

Moving toward effortless in backbends poses

$40

Date: Sunday

Time: 10am-12pm

Find silence in asana

Rejuvenate the body, calm the mind with forward extension (forward bends).

All levels welcome

$40

Date: Sunday

Time: 10am-12pm

Find silence in asana

Twisting poses cleanse and purify the organic body as well as improve mobility in the shoulders, hips and spine.

All levels welcome

$24

Date: Sunday

Time: 10am-12pm

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