What is yoga?
What kind of yoga is taught at Yogasana Center?
I’m new to yoga. How do I get started?
Can I do yoga if I have health concerns or limitations?
What do I wear and what do I have to bring?
I’ve been doing another form of yoga. What level class should I go to?

The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means to yoke, bind, or unite. Yoga implies uniting the mind, body and spirit, and it implies the disciplines and actions that are required to achieve this goal.

Throughout yoga’s rich and varied history, dating back 3500 years, the means by which a practitioner sought this union changed according to the culture and the time. Yoga has encompassed such activities as singing devotional songs, intense meditation practices, purification rituals, selfless community service, and practicing non-violence and compassion.
Here in the West, the yoga of today is primarily hatha yoga (the yoga of physical action). It focuses on a system of physical postures, breathing exercises, and practices designed to purify, balance, and deepen awareness. Practitioners experience a stronger more flexible body, a calmer nervous system, a quieter mind and a connection to one’s true nature.
Yoga, in whatever form it takes, has been and continues to be a process of transformation.

The instruction given at Yogasana Center is deeply rooted in the tradition of BKS Iyengar, a living yoga master from Pune, India.

Widely recognized as one of the yogis responsible for bringing yoga to the West, he is author of the seminal book Light on Yoga, as well as countless books on yoga philosophy and pranayama (breathing exercises). In 2004, TIME magazine recognized BKS Iyengar as one of the most influential people of the 20th century for his development of yoga and his work promoting it globally. His institute, the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, in Pune, India, is thriving, with regular classes conducted by his daughter and son, Geeta and Prashant Iyengar.
Iyengar yoga is a form of hatha yoga, and is based on the eight-limbed (astanga) path of yoga outlined by the Indian sage Patanjali over 2500 years ago. The style is characterized by a precise and systematic approach to over 200 postures and 14 breathing exercises. This methodology allows beginners to progress steadily and safely from basic to advanced postures as they gain more flexibility, strength and sensitivity.

Our instruction emphasizes:

Correct anatomical alignment and right actions
These coordinate the body and mind, developing strength, flexibility, stamina and focus. Initially the postures are taught from a structural level, aligning the muscles and bones so that undue stress can be released. Props are used to ensure that each student is working within their effective range of motion. As the student becomes more proficient, attention is brought to deeper layers of the body: the position and quality of the organs and the movement of energy and breath (prana).

Sequence of postures
There is no set routine, but rather the teacher gives detailed instructions, providing a balanced class through the correct ordering of postures. Each class shines a light on certain aspects or directions in a given number of poses in order to help the student gain a deeper understanding of how the poses relate to each other and affect the body and mind.

Holding poses
Students will work gradually to hold poses for considerable lengths of time, letting the effects of each pose penetrate more deeply—physically and mentally. Along with correct alignment, right action and proper sequencing, holding the poses becomes a form of meditation in action. Through the framework of the dynamic physical body, the student begins to harness the fluctuations of the mind, thereby bringing change to the mind and spirit, as well as the body.

There are two ways for beginners to take classes at Yogasana Center:

1. Come in and take a drop-in beginner class—perfect for people who need a variety of schedule options but still want the consistency of step-by-step instruction regardless of the teacher. Beginner classes are marked “Level I” on the schedule. You don’t need to sign up for multiple classes or pre-register. There’s no commitment. Simply show up, sign in and pay. Your first class is only $10. Single classes are $15 pay-as-you-go, and discounts are available for multiple classes.

2. Kick start a new yoga habit with a 6-week Beginner Series—ideal for people who want to make a commitment to a new yoga practice and grow with a single teacher and a group of like-minded beginners. We regularly offer a 6-week introduction to Iyengar-style yoga. When offered, it meets Sunday evenings from 6-7:30pm. Cost is $75, payable in advance when you register for the series.

In many cases, yes.

In fact, for certain conditions, Iyengar-style yoga may be therapeutic. Inform your teacher of your concerns and limitations before the class begins. All of Yogasana’s teachers are highly trained and experienced in modifying poses to meet each student’s needs. The teacher is there to help you find your way in the yoga practice so that you are always practicing safely and comfortably within a range that is most appropriate for you.

Our goal is to teach you a system of yoga that is flexible and adaptable, able to be adjusted to meet your needs on any given day, at any point in your life.

Just bring yourself.

Yoga is done in bare feet; you will leave shoes and socks under the bench when you enter. We provide sticky mats free of charge (although you are welcome to bring your own) and we provide all of the necessary props. Wear comfortable clothing that allows free, uninhibited movement. Shorts or fitted clothing are preferable because they allow the teacher to easily see alignment. Avoid wearing heavy jewelry and perfume. You may bring a water bottle, but we ask that you leave it in the cubbies and we suggest that you drink only before and after the class, so that the body is able to work in the poses unencumbered by the process of absorbing water.

Probably Level 1.

Different forms of yoga may share ideas and perspectives but there are differences as well. Iyengar-style yoga is a distinct methodology with unique directions on alignment, muscular action, mental focus, the use of props, and more. To truly learn the technique you should begin with Level 1, regardless of your level in another methodology.