If you are new to Iyengar Yoga then you might like to know what to expect from a class. Here is some practical information to answer your questions and details of about what to expect in the class itself.
What to wear
The best thing to wear for a regular class are comfortably fitting shorts and t-shirt - not too tight, not too baggy. Leggings are ok if they are short enough to show your knees, but anything longer and too loose gets in the way. It is fine to wear something warmer for a restorative class. Your shoes are left in the cubby-holes just inside the entrance as yoga is done in bare feet.
When to arrive
Try to arrive no more than 15 minutes before a class is due to start.
Booking classes
All classes are now booked and paid in advance online via our timetable page.
Changing for your class
We have changing rooms available. You should leave everything in the changing rooms apart from valuables which are stored in the studio space.
Eating before the class
You should leave a gap of 2-3 hours between a meal and a yoga class, longer if it’s a heavy meal. It is a good idea to have a light snack 1-2 hours before class. Basically you shouldn’t be too full or hungry. If your class is in the morning don’t skip breakfast. You need energy to do a yoga class!
Medical conditions
You should only come to class if you are completely well.
You need to tell us about any medical conditions, injuries or operations so that we can assess whether yoga will be suitable for you. This applies if you are a new or existing student. You will be asked to fill in a medical declaration form before starting classes at the Institute. If you have an injury or other health issue, either long standing or new, let the teacher know before the class starts.
Studio classes
Our studio is a very peaceful space. We provide high quality mats and a very wide range of yoga equipment used in classes. It is fine to bring your own mat if you prefer.
Most of our classes are mixed level - suitable for people who have a few months (beginner) up to three years Iyengar yoga experience (general). We also run an introductory yoga course for complete beginners and a continuing beginners class for people progressing from the introductory course. There are a few classes for more experienced students who have done Iyengar yoga for three years or more (intermediate). We also run a gentle yoga class.
You can book all our classes through the IYISL timetable page, IYISL class timetable.
About our regular classes
In the class you will learn a number of poses (called asana) and the teacher will show and explain how to do them. The teacher will give instructions while you are in the pose to help you. In Iyengar Yoga we try and develop students understanding of how to do the pose and how they can improve.
You can expect a class to be of varied pace – covering some poses in more detail and moving more quickly through other poses. Some poses are used in many classes and others covered less frequently. If you go once a week for a month you will cover a full range of poses that will use a wide range of muscles and movements so that you are getting balanced use of your body.
At the end of every class there will be one or more restful poses. This quiet resting after the physical work and concentration of the class is an important part of the class.
Restorative yoga
A restorative yoga class is a different type of class where certain poses are held for a longer period using the support of props like bolsters and blankets. When you are supported in poses in this way – without using your physical strength to hold yourself - you get a chance to feel the beneficial effects and this makes this sort of class one that leaves you feeling physically and mentally restored.