Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga has helped me to investigate an ache or sense of imbalance and to relieve it through the practise. I try to pass on this knowledge to provide tools for my students, as yoga is really about self-awareness on various levels.

IYENGAR YOGA BENEFITS

•  improved posture and alignment

•  increased stamina and flexibility

•  coordination and balance

•  relieve tension and stress

•  promoted sleep

•  improved digestion

•  reduces back and joint pain

•  improves heart and lung function

•  emotional stability

•  focus and concentration

•  bring greater peace of mind

•  reinforces the immune system

The creative choice of sequencing asanas can energise, stabilise or relax the senses when needed, so we develop far more control over a own sense of physical and emotional well-being. We learn essential life skills such as concentration and focus. Its philosophy helps us to observe events in our lives in perspective. In the realm of the spiritual, the practise of Yoga asana and Pranayama (breath control and meditation) bring the ability to be still.

Most of all practising yoga can be enormously liberating and provide a sense of adventure as we experience our embodiment and develop more profound self-awareness and confidence. It is non-competitive and each individual progresses in their own unique journey.

7 Key Questions about Iyengar Yoga

What is Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar Yoga is named after and developed by BKS Iyengar. He described Iyengar Yoga in his bestselling book Light on Yoga, as a form of yoga that has an emphasis on detail, precision and alignment in the performance of yoga postures (asanas). Iyengar Yoga is about learning, experiencing and integrating - it’s distinctive in it’s sequencing and choice of postures.

 How is Iyengar Yoga different to other styles of yoga?

The detail, precision and alignment is key to understanding the posture. You also hold the postures longer than other styles of yoga to explore the actions. Props such as belts, bricks, blocks, bolsters and blankets, are used, if required, to help students get into the asanas. The props enable beginners of Iyengar Yoga, the elderly, or those with physical limitations to perform the asanas correctly, minimising the risk of injury or strain. Props also are used for students at any level to explore the poses in more detail, as well as enabling restorative yoga.

What are the benefits of Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar Yoga has many benefits - from increasing your stamina and flexibility, coordination and balance, improve digestion, reducing back, shoulder and hip pain, improves heart and lung function. It can improve physical and psychological wellbeing and increase your focus and concentration. Research has shown that Iyengar Yoga therapy can also help with anxiety and depression, stress, asthma, autoimmune diseases, back pain, cancer, cardiac, carpal tunnel syndrome, hypertension, IBS, neck pain and spinal cord injury. Only Iyengar Yoga teachers with a high level of experience can undertake Iyengar Yoga therapy classes. There are specific sequences to practise throughout the menstrual cycle, menopause and for  pregnancy.

Are Iyengar Yoga teachers qualified?

Yes, Iyengar Yoga Teachers are immensely qualified. They study and practise for many years to achieve a range of levels within the Iyengar Yoga System. You cannot be an Iyengar Yoga Teacher without undergoing rigorous assessments and mentorship for progressive levels of teaching certifications. 

What age can I do Iyengar Yoga?

You can start Iyengar Yoga from an early age and continue into your 60’s 70’s and even 90’s. The best approach is to ensure you undertake a regular Iyengar Yoga Practise.

Can I do Iyengar Yoga if injured?

Yes, depending on the injury -  you can have sequences for back pain, knee issues, shoulder problems and much much more. 

What type of Iyengar Yoga classes are there?

There are a range of classes you can attend from beginners, general, intermediate, 60+,  one-to-ones, small private groups, corporate classes both online and in person. 

Who is Judy Waldman?

Judy Waldman is a certified level three Iyengar Yoga teacher, and teaches Iyengar Yoga in London from Maida Vale to Islington to Lower Clapton and Hackney. Judy specialises in a range of Iyengar Yoga classes: from beginners to advanced students, 60 year old+ students; Iyengar Yoga for Small private groups to Iyengar Yoga corporate classes. If you are injured or have health problems Judy designs specific sequences to aid recovery for back pain; menopause, knee and shoulder issues and much more. She has a full equipped studio in her home in Hackney for private one to one classes to help you improve your practise.