Here are some helpful points for those who are new to yoga:
Iyengar Yoga is for anyone, regardless of age, health, gender, physical ability or other life circumstances; you just need to find the right class for you. The benefits of yoga are: builds strength and stamina, improves flexibility, muscle tone and posture and calms the mind. Regular practice develops awareness and concentration and promotes general wellbeing. There are numerous documented health benefits of yoga.
An Iyengar Yoga class involves yoga postures (called Asanas), which are designed to move the body in a variety of ways to bring mobility, stability and awareness. The poses are demonstrated, observed and adjusted by the teacher for correct alignment of the body, which also brings better functioning of the internal systems. One of my teachers always said ‘it was a massage on the inside’.
You can come to class as often in a week as you like, but at least once a week is recommended. You need to attend regularly to make progress.
Yoga props are a feature of Iyengar Yoga lessons. These are items of equipment that enable a student to achieve their full potential and work to the best of their ability in the lesson. If you decide to continue to practice you will need, 1x mat, 1x blanket, 4x foam blocks, 2x belts and (optional) bolsters which are useful in Pranayama classes.
Your clothing should allow you to move freely. Avoid anything baggy or too long: it’s important you and the yoga teacher can see your knees and feet. Shorts or leggings and a T-shirt, are the most popular attire. You should be prepared to work in bare feet on the yoga mat.
Please do not eat just prior to attending a yoga class. Yoga should be practised on an empty stomach, leave two hours after a light meal, or three hours to four after a heavy meal.
What else will you need to know?
Please leave shoes and out door things on the racks in HebdenTherapy Centre, at The Town Hall, Hebden Bridge leave your shoes and coats inside the entrance to the The Space Room, The Yoga and Creativity Space please your shoes outside the room and switch off mobile phones.
At your first lesson you will be asked to complete a questionnaire, which will inform the teacher of any physical or medical conditions you may have so that we can take the best care of you during the lessons.
I’m pregnant. Can I still practise yoga?
Yes, if you have already been practicing Iyengar yoga.
I have an injury, a bad back, or other health problems. Can yoga help?
Many students start practising with back pain, or other common ailments, and they find yoga helps. Tell your yoga teacher about any injuries or health problems before the class starts. For more serious conditions specialised remedial yoga class may be more appropriate.
The class descriptions should help you to decide which class is best suited for you. For further information contact Debbie.
Pupils learn through a carefully graded and systematic programme of asana (posture). Teachers gradually introduce Pranayama (breath control) once students have a firm foundation of yoga practise. Yoga practice relaxes and energizes the body and mind and brings vitality, flexibility, strength, concentration, self-confidence and mental calm.
Iyengar yoga is suitable for all types of people and all levels of fitness.
Practicing yoga can help you overcome and prevent many stresses, strains, aches and pains. It promotes a firm foundation for health and wellbeing.