What is Yoga?
...an ancient and timeless art, science and philosophy.
...the union of body, mind and soul.

Common Misconceptions about Yoga
You must be young or physically fit to learn yoga.
Actually yoga is for all ages and physical condition. Do not be put off from trying a class because you feel that you are too old, too stiff, too fat, too thin, too tired, etc. Yoga is a process-orientated activity with something to offer everyone.

Yoga is a religion.
Yoga is the study and observation of one's Self.

What Is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar yoga is based on the teachings of living yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar, author of the classic treatise Light on Yoga. His daughter, Geeta and son Prashant, are also accomplished teachers and authors of yoga texts. The Iyengar family's teachings are deeply grounded in the yoga sutras of Patanjali, an ancient summation of the path of yoga considered to be at least 2500 years old. B.K.S. Iyengar's intense practice and over 65 years of teaching have produced significant innovations in the teachings of this art.

Among the most noteworthy are:

• A complete approach to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual transformation, bringing the practitioner to physical health and vitality, mental clarity and wisdom, and emotional serenity and poise.
• Emphasis on standing poses to develop strength, stamina, concentration and body alignment.
• A safe, orderly, systematic progression of poses to develop the student's ability both within a class and from class to class
• Use of props, such as blankets, blocks and straps to facilitate learning and adjust poses to each individuals needs.
• Highly developed teaching methodology including the precise use of language, demonstration and teaching of specific points of action in a pose, individual correction and adjustment of students.
• Ways to use yoga to ease various ailments and stress.
• Complete integration of the yoga philosophy with the practice of asana.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Iyengar yoga differ from other styles of yoga?
The Iyengar method places special focus on developing strength, endurance and correct body alignment in addition to flexibility and relaxation. Standing poses are emphasized in this system of yoga. They build strong legs, increase general vitality and improve circulation, coordination and balance.

Iyengar yoga is meditation in action. As students do yoga postures the mind is focused on the actions of the posture and the movements of the breath. As the mind unites with the body and the breath, students move into a meditative state. Self-exploration occurs through discovery and release of physical tension patterns and psychological resistance. As practice continues, a students ability to concentrate and to relax improves and inner awareness is enhanced.

Iyengar yoga teachers emphasize improving precision of alignment in the yoga poses? Why is this so important?
People tend to stretch from their more flexible areas and rely on their better-developed muscles for strength, thus reinforcing the misalignment. Iyengar yoga encourages weak parts to strengthen and stiff areas to stretch, thus awakening and re-aligning the whole body. As the body moves into better alignment, less muscular work is required and relaxation increases naturally

What can I expect in a class at Santosha Yoga Center?
Beginners to yoga will be introduced to the basic asanas (poses or postures) which will include standing poses, sitting poses and recuperative poses. Students who have been practicing for a while will be introduced to inversions and backbends. You will be introduced how to use the props such as belts and blocks to help you achieve the postures to the best of our ability. All the yoga equipment is provided by the Center including yoga mats. If you have a mat and like to use it please feel free to bring it.

At Santosha Yoga Center you can be assured of highly qualified teachers who will teach you to your particular level. Class size never exceeds 14 students which maximizes the teachers ability to give individual attention and modify poses for each student as needed.

Can I come to a yoga class if I have health concerns or limitations?
Yoga teaches you about yourself. And in learning about yourself, you learn to deal with difficulties. Let your teacher know about your concerns before the class starts. Your teacher is trained to modify, eliminate, and suggest alternate poses to enable you to practice safely. Regular practice of Iyengar Yoga has a reputation for helping people recover from all kinds of health problems.

How do I begin practicing Iyengar Yoga?
If you have never practiced yoga before an ideal way to get started is to take the 4 week intro series. This series requires pre-registration This however not a prerequisite to taking any beginning level class in the weekly schedule. These classes do not require pre-registration.

Yoga should always be practiced on an empty stomach, so leave 3-4 hours after a main meal or 2 hours after a light snack. Wear clothes that do not restrict your movement in any way. Most people wear shorts or leggings and a t-shirt. Yoga is always practiced in bare feet.

If you are menstruating, there are certain poses that are not suitable so please consult your teacher before the class begins. Your teacher may give you some alternative postures to perform during the class.