Iyengar Yoga Centre Iyengar Yoga Centre
Classes

Asana

APPROACH: The IYENGAR YOGA CENTRE SOCIETY offers classes based on the teaching of B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the foremost exponents of yoga in the world today and author of the classic text, Light on Yoga. Our approach creates a dynamic balance between flexibility, strength and endurance with an emphasis on precision of movement and correct body alignment. The practice of yoga promotes health, vitality, concentration and relaxation through the integration of body, mind and spirit. The majority of our teachers have studied with Mr. Iyengar in India, thirteen of which have been certified by the Canadian Iyengar Yoga Teachers Association.

Information for Students:

FINDING THE RIGHT CLASS FOR YOU: Take a moment to read over the following class descriptions and determine which class is suited to your individual requirements. For chronic conditions, consider the Back Care class and for more acute problems please consider the Special Needs Class. Healthy pregnant women that are new to yoga should register in the Pre Natal class or in Level 1 classes. Please inform the teacher.

REGISTRATION: We accept Debit, Visa and Mastercard. You can mail us a cheque or drop in between 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Monday through Friday; 4:00 pm - 7:15 pm, Monday to Thursday; and 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm on Fridays. For your convenience, we also have a telephone answering machine and will accept credit card registrations over the phone (assuming the class is not full).

DROP-INS OR VISITORS: If you are a visiting Iyengar Yoga student, we have individual drop-ins or week-long passes.

NO SCENTS make perfect sense. Many people react adversely to scents. Please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, strong essential oil or any other scented products during class.

KEEP YOUR VOICE LOW in the lobby. When a class is finishing, students may be in Savasana. (relaxation).

IF YOU ARE SICK or fighting a virus, please focus on your healing at home. You are welcome to make up classes during the term.

CELL PHONES: Please make sure your phone is turned off.

LEAVE NO TRACE: Please use the cubbies and hooks provided in change rooms to store belongings. Take wallets and purses into the studios.

PUT AWAY PROPS, neatly place tissues in garbage receptacles and take all belongings home with you.

PRICES: Class prices will vary when workshops, special events, or holidays affect the number of classes or length of the class within the term. Please note: some classes are one hour in length.

DRESS: Please wear shorts or tights that show the knees clearly. Bare feet are essential.

SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES: Member's scholarships are available for all long workshops and intensives. Please apply in writing at least one month prior to the workshop you are interested in. Student bursaries are available to all students presently enrolled in classes. To subsidize your term fees, please apply three weeks prior to the term. Applications and details for both are available at the reception desk.

MISSED CLASSES: If you miss a class, come to any class at your level during the same term. If possible, please attend a make up class in Arbutus Studio. (check that class is not full)

REFUND POLICY: Once the term has begun, there are no refunds for classes missed and credits will only be given before classes begin. With a doctor's note, credit may be given for future classes. A $15 service fee applies.

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Take a moment to read over the following descriptions and determine which class is suited to your individual requirements.

Level 1 Learn a yogic approach to the body/mind with an introduction to the foundation asanas (postures). These classes are for all students with no previous experience of Iyengar Yoga. It is recommended that students take a minimum of 2 or 3 terms.

Level 1/2 A combination class of Level 1 and 2 asanas (postures).

Level 2 There will be a continued practice of the introductory asanas with more emphasis on exploring the first inversions.

Level 2/3 A combination of Level 2 and 3 asanas.

Level 3 The ability to be in headstand for 3 minutes (at wall if necessary) and shoulderstand for 5 minutes. Intermediate and advanced asanas for those who have Level 2 experience.

Advanced Intermediate and advanced students with a regular personal practice are welcome to attend this class with long-time student of Mr. Iyengar and senior Canadian teacher, Shirley Daventry French. New students require the teachers permission. When Shirley is absent, senior teachers will lead this class.

All Levels Timed Practice Add to your regular yoga classes by quietly practicing a sequence of asanas, each held for a specific time. This is not a class where students will receive detailed teaching or individual attention.

55 & Better Iyengar Yoga can be adapted for all ages and fitness levels. Practice of yoga postures creates strength, increased range of movement, and stability. Students must be able to carry their own props and to get up and down from the floor. Friday class is for beginners, Wednesday class is for continuing students.

Back Care This is a preventative program for people who want to maintain a healthy back. Designed for people of different fitness levels.

Gentle Supported yoga postures to heal, not only your body, but your life.  Practical help to prevent stress, and live more fully in the present moment.

Special Needs Yoga A program designed to address health challenges that require more special care and attention. Class size is limited. Access to the yoga studio involves climbing stairs.

Special Needs Muscles & Joints This class will focus on knees, hips, backs, and shoulders. Students must be able to carry their own props and to get up and down from the floor.

Pre-Natal Yoga Build up strength, stamina, good posture, and flexibility. Learn to take time for yourself and relax. Please consult with your midwife or doctor before starting any exercise program.

Post Natal For moms and babies 2 months+ (until mobile).

Family Yoga You and your child (4-9) will have fun learning to stand tall like a mountain, jump like a frog and stretch like a dog. No experience necessary.

Kids Yoga Asanas to learn, to grow, to have fun. (9-13 years old).

Teen Yoga Are you in high school? Play Sports? Spend a lot of time on the computer? Watching TV? Doing home work? Just stressed out? Yoga could be for you! (14 and up).

Noon Drop-ins:

Ropes & Balance Balancing asanas bring alertness and improve stamina. In this class, you will also explore standing poses, forward extensions, backbends, shoulder openers and inversions with the help of ropes. Now open to all levels. Beginners are welcome!

Restorative Yoga The practice of restorative asanas can be a gateway to deep relaxation and the cultivation of mindfulness. Conclude your work week with a class to ease stress and facilitate recuperation. Drop-in with teacher's permission.

Level 1 Curious? The practice of yoga brings physical health and general well-being. Begin your journey in this class.

All Levels Get out the kinks and balance your body, mind and spirit with a led asana practice. Not recommended for beginners.

Intro Pranayama  The aim of this course is to help the student build a solid foundation for a pranayama practice. BKS Iyengar emphasizes that a good foundation in the asanas is necessary in order to begin pranayama. This course is open to students in Level 2 and above. Please commit to four sessions over a four month period to build a basic pranayama practice.

Pranayama These classes instruct experienced students in the expansion, regulation, and restraint of the breath. Level 3/4 students may attend the class with Shirley Daventry French, with her permission.  Students must be familiar with basic Ujjayi and Viloma pranayama.

Philosophy  Explore Yoga Philosophy with Shirley Daventry French.  Discover the ancient wisdom of Yoga and its application to practice and daily life.  Open to all students and teachers.