Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What is Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar yoga is named after its founder, B.K.S. Iyengar who was born in 1918 in Pune, India. He continues with an active practice of yoga to this day and his daughter and son are carrying on his teachings in Pune, India. Mr. Iyengar is the author of several books including Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, Light on the Yoga Sutras, and Light on Life. Iyengar yoga is a vigorous form of hatha yoga that teaches correct alignment of the spine and limbs in all the poses. Many common ailments including back and neck pain, poor digestion, tension, fatigue, menstrual problems, and arthritis, to name a few, are prevented or relieved by the regular practice of yoga.

What should I do to prepare for class?

*wear stretchable clothes, have visible knees and elbows and be prepared to work in bare feet (we have changing rooms in the studio).

* it is best not to have eaten a large meal for at least 4 hours or a small meal for 2 hours prior to class.

* come to the first class 10-15 minutes early to fill out a student information form.

*always avoid being late for class or having to leave early.

Do you have to be flexible and "in shape" to begin yoga classes?

You do not have to be "in shape", young and flexible to join a yoga class. Yoga can be done by flexible or stiff people, strong or weak, elderly or young, and also by some people with disabilities. The yoga poses are a unique form of exercise in that the same pose can benefit all body types. They build strength where strength is needed; they build flexibility where flexibility is needed; they help release tension where it is unwanted.

Do I need to bring my own mat or anything else to class?

All props are provided at The Yoga Place. If you prefer, you can bring your own mat.

What if I have a medical concern or am pregnant - can I still participate in class?

All of the instructors at The Yoga Place have experience in working with students with special needs such as people with common orthopedic problems, pregnant women, older people etc. Within a class structure, participants are given individual assistance according to their needs. If you have been inactive for a long period of time or have a more serious medical concern, consider signing up for the Ageless Class which is a less strenuous class.

Do you teach breathing exercises or meditation?

In all classes students are taught to be aware of their breath but concentrated work on breath control is only taught in the higher level classes. We do not teach seated meditation or deep breathing to beginners. Yoga is "meditation in action" or the ability to concenrate and focus on just what you are doing at any given moment. We teach all students how to work with awareness and how to pay attention to the functioning of the breath.

Is yoga based on a religion?

Yoga does come out of the Hindu culture. However, it is a philosophical study that teaches us to be more aware and considerate humans and does not conflict with any religious beliefs. It teaches that the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life are all connected and interwoven.

What training do the teachers have? Are they certified?

To be an instructor at The Yoga Place, one has to be a dedicated student for many years and demonstrate that he or she has developed a personal practice. Junior instructors have also observed the more senior instructors teach and worked with them in a student-mentor relationship for teacher training. They have studied and showed proficiency in how to demonstrate, instruct, sequence, modify, and adjust poses. They all have experience in working with students with a variety of abilities and needs. Chris and Francie are senior certified teachers while Elizabeth Hynes and Carol Anne are introductory certified teachers.

I've been taking classes in other forms of yoga but have never taken Iyengar yoga classes. In what level should I enroll?

All students who have never taken Iyengar yoga before, regardless of their experience, should enroll in Level I. Systems of yoga can be very different and the work in Iyengar yoga is sequential. If the teacher suggests that you move to a different level within a session of our classes, that can be done in the middle of a session.

Do you ever teach private or group lessons?

Private and small group sessions can be arranged on request. We have even taught restorative classes to complete wedding parties the day before the event!

What if I can't come to my regular class sometimes? Can I make-up classes?

You may make up in a class of the same level that you are enrolled in or in any lower level class during the session. You must make up classes during the same session but you may make up in advance of an anticipated absence as well as after the absence. Please inform the teacher of your name, any special needs, and your regular class.