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The iyengar method develops strength, endurance, and optimal body alignment, in addition to flexibility and relaxation.  The Iyengar method develops self-awareness, intelligent evaluation, and profound inward reflection.
 
Standing poses are emphasized at the beginning to build strength and ease of movement, increase general vitality, and improve circulation, coordination, and balance.  Postures for deep relaxation are introduced from the beginning. Gradually, sitting and reclining postures, forward bends, inversions, backbends, twists, arm balance, and flowing sequences are introduced. 

People tend to stretch from their more flexible areas and rely on their better-developed muscles for strength, thus reinforcing postural habits. Iyengar Yoga encourages weak parts to strengthen and stiff areas to release, thus awakening and realigning the whole body. As the body moves into better alignment, less muscular work is required and relaxation increases naturally.  

If you have not done yoga before, please attend a Level I class.  Students who have done other types of yoga but who have never experienced Iyengar Yoga are also encouraged to take Level I classes for a time to absorb the basic principles and apply them to the fundamental postures.

During your first classes with an Iyengar yoga teacher you will be introduced to the basic asanas (poses or postures), which include standing poses, sitting poses, and inverted poses. All the asanas have Sanskrit names that the teacher will use don't worry, you are not expected to pick it all up right away. The teacher will orient you to the fundamental shapes and actions of the postures and repeat them, so that you learn to know them. Gradually, you will learn more about the postures and about yourself, and this will allow you to do and understand them better and receive more benefit.
 
The various asanas have different effects on the body. The basic postures taught at the beginning will build strength and stamina, and improve muscular tone, flexibility, and alignment. Practicing the postures reduces tiredness and soothes the nerves. It also trains and disciplines the mind so that concentration is improved.
 
If you have particular physical conditions or are menstruating or pregnant, certain poses are not suitable for practice. Please consult with the teacher before the class begins, so that he or she can give you alternative postures to some that may be performed during the class.
 
It is courteous to be on time and a good idea to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before class is scheduled.
 
Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach. We suggest waiting a few hours after a heavy meal and at least one hour after a light snack before taking class.

All equipment is provided as part of the class.  Students who prefer to use their own yoga mat can bring it to their class.  
 
Wear shorts or footless tights and clothes that allow you to move easily and that enable the teacher to observe you well. Yoga is always practiced in bare feet.  Please do not wear perfume, perfumed soaps, or heavy jewelry.

B.K.S. Iyengar introduced props into the modern practice of yoga to allow all practitioners access to the benefits of the postures regardless of physical condition, age, or length of study.  Props help all practitioners (including the most advanced) gain sensitivity to the use of effort and receive the deep benefits of postures held over significant time periods.  Props are introduced from the beginning for students with specific physical limitations and gradually in regular classes to enhance personal understanding of a posture and its effects and to develop skill and confidence.
 
Props include sticky mats, blankets, belts, blocks, benches, wall ropes, sandbags, chairs, and other objects that help students experience the various yoga poses more profoundly. Props may be used in class to encourage students, bolster confidence, and create optimal body alignment.
 
Allowing students to practice asanas (yoga postures) and pranayamas (breathing patterns) with greater effectiveness, ease, and stability, props provide support for the body and allow the mind to relax and more profoundly receive the benefits of the yoga asanas. 

We offer flexibility for our students by pro-rating their lessons when they know they will be away.  Pro-rated registration may be made for 3 or more missed classes per term. Also, students can make-up classes by attending other classes offered during the registered term.

• Refunds will be made in the case of medical reasons or family emergency.
• Administration fee: $25.00 will be charged.
• Any refund will be prorated from the date of notification less the administration fee within the registration term.

Regular attendance is the key to a successful yoga practice. We highly recommend regular attendance.  
 
We do offer new students one free class.  It's valid for one Level I, 55+ class.  We do offer drop-in by permission of instructor and providing the class is not full.  Drop-in fees:  $20.00 per hour and a half class and $25.00 per two hour class.
 
It is recommended to then speak with the instructor about what class and level would be the right fit for class registration.

Please contact our registrar and check if there is availability of classes.  If there is availability, the registrar will pro-rate for the rest of lessons in the term.

Iyengar yoga is taught in over 70 countries worldwide, and in the UK alone we have over 1000 registered teachers. 
 
PenYoga is fortunate to have highly qualified and experienced teachers.  We have one of the most senior instructors in Canada, Marlene Miller, leading the PenYoga teaching team.
 
All teachers are trained to rigorously high standards.  After training regularly with a qualified teacher for a minimum of three consecutive years, candidates undertake a two year teacher training programme followed by the Level 1 assessment.  Once qualified, teachers must continue training regularly and complete professional development training each year in order to maintain their membership of the Association.  In this way, the care and precision that characterises Iyengar yoga is maintained.
 
Each Certification Level requires years of training and development.  There are 5 Levels of certification.
 
These high teaching standards are part of the reason Iyengar Yoga is the most widely performed method of Yoga worldwide.  Our Certification Mark is the guarantee of this quality.

People from many religious traditions can and do practise Iyengar yoga. Teachers will not promote a religious view point however, yoga is based in the Hindu tradition and some references may be made to the source of ideas or names of postures in order to clarify background detail.
 
The classes often start with a chant to Patanjali who wrote the ancient yoga.  What is the meaning and translation?  Do I need to do the chant?
 
Students are not required to do the chant.  Click here If you would like to learn the words to Patanjali and hear the audio.