Iyengar Yoga poses Virginia

Yoga is for everyone. No one is too old or too stiff, too fat or thin or tired. A Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher can guide students of all ages and physical conditions to an experience of yoga, which is safe, accessible and rewarding.

Allied yoga is honored to have 2 of the currently 9 certified Iyengar teachers in the state of Virginia teaching here. Many of our others teachers (not all, please see class descriptions) have a strong Iyengar background as well.

Certified Iyengar Yoga instructors are held to an unusually rigorous standard. Only after years of training and evaluation do they become certified. Iyengar Yoga teachers modify the classic asanas (yoga postures) for individual students with the use of props — such as blocks, blankets and belts. Props allow for a deeper experience of the posture, as well as a longer stay.

Iyengar Yoga teachers use their in-depth knowledge of the asanas to customize adjustments for each student. Students know they are observed and, if necessary, corrected. Clear demonstrations of the posture. Keen observational skills. Specific teaching points which awaken the body’s intelligence — these are the marks of an Iyengar Yoga teacher.

Students of Iyengar Yoga begin with basic or more elementary postures, with an emphasis on the standing asanas (postures). In time, other postures are added, including forward bends and back bends, twists, inversions and restorative poses. Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulder Balance) is introduced as soon as students are ready because of its myriad of therapeutic benefits. Each class ends with Savasana, corpse pose or in-depth relaxation. Students learn to rest in a profound way, completely releasing the body while drawing the mind towards the peace within.

As the student progresses, Pranayama (the control of the breath) is introduced.

Teachers devise sequences of poses, which build skill and understanding, from posture to posture, and from class to class. Students are encouraged to develop their own home practice; without one, the study of yoga is incomplete.