Short answer: Iyengar yoga is taught with precise, step by step instruction, demonstrations of each pose, and props such as belts, blocks and chairs so every student can work safely at their own level. At Flametree it is taught by certified Iyengar teachers in LIVE interactive online classes across Australia, and in Flametree’s Darwin studios. If you are new, your first class is free. In addition, many other on-demand Iyengar yoga style classes are then available in its library of video classes. So read on to also see more about our accredited Iyengar yoga instructor classes.
The Iyengar yoga style is a highly respected method of doing and learning all yoga poses.
Some benefits of Iyengar Yoga online or in-studio
One key focus of Iyengar yoga is getting into poses with careful alignment (the placing of the feet, limbs and spine), so you get the most from each position. In the Iyengar tradition, a pose done with good alignment has a different effect from the same pose done carelessly.
Over 75 years ago, Mr. BKS Iyengar (1918 to 2014) developed what became known as Iyengar yoga. It is a method of yoga rooted in the traditional 8 limbs of yoga described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, which are thought to be around 2,000 years old. Yoga is a practice that seeks to quieten the minds of all who practice it.
Because of being rooted in traditional yoga, Iyengar is sometimes also called modern, classical yoga.
Through the practice of asanas (physical postures) and pranayama (breath meditation), Iyengar yoga seeks to deepen the practitioner’s awareness of their body and their mind. The objective is unlock the full potential of the individual. It also aims to restore the mind to a state of peace and balance.
How Iyengar Yoga style classes are taught
In an Iyengar yoga class you can expect detailed instructions from the teacher. Poses are demonstrated and instructions given on how to work in the pose. Both verbal and visual instructions help students gain a greater understanding of the postures and of themselves.
Props are used, like belts, blocks, bolsters sandbags, benches, chairs. Props bring greater understanding of the postures and improve self-awareness. The props help everyone, no matter their physical capability.
In an Iyengar yoga class, students are encouraged to work to their own capacity, whatever that may be.
The Iyengar method teaches the asana (postures) and Pranayama in a very systematic manner. Gradually your body is strengthened, and made more flexible. Plus your mind is opened to new ways of being. Your mind is also quietened and helped to concentrate.
So, try Iyengar yoga online classes, or in-studio.
Beginner Iyengar yoga
When new to yoga you would start in an Iyengar Beginner class. Beginners first learn to practise by doing standing poses. These are the poses that help to build strength, flexibility and stability. They work to tone and strengthen the whole body. An experienced teacher would guide you week by week through the beginner syllabus. When ready to move the teacher will usually suggest that it is time to move onto the next level.
In all Iyengar yoga classes you will find all movement made by the body, is connected to your breath. The breath helps focus and settle the mind, and it allows you to go deeper into each pose. You will also be made aware of alignment of your limbs and spine.
Iyengar teaching holds that placing your limbs correctly helps the flow of energy through the whole body, quietens the nervous system and calms the mind.
In Iyengar Yoga classes you will also find that the sequence of poses that are taught in each class, changes from class to class. The sequences depend on the teacher’s intent, on the time of day of each class, and on the weather.
Get 2 FREE beginner yoga classes, and 10 at HALF Price (New & Lapsed)
Non-beginner HALF price 10 pack plus 2 FREE, $104.50 (new & lapsed)
Iyengar yoga style poses
The length of time that each pose is held also varies, depending on the experience of the students, and the type of class. Beginner level students hold poses for shorter timings.
Within each class there will be a mix of active poses designed to strengthen and stimulate the nervous system and passive poses. The passive poses will be held for longer timings (using supports like bolsters and chairs), to help rejuvenate the body and quieten the nervous system.
Many students find regular practice has positive effects in many parts of their life. Yoga is a journey towards self- awareness. Slowly the body becomes stronger, the mind and your emotions become calm, and feelings of peace and happiness grow within.
Chris Lalor teaching beginner Iyengar yoga online. Try Iyengar yoga online classes, or in-studio.
Flametree Yoga Darwin
Because Flametree teaches in the Iyengar style, it includes some form of inverted poses in most of its classes. This includes the Iyengar Darwin in-studio classes, as well as the Iyengar online and on-demand classes.
Inverted poses, are taught to a much greater extent than is common in other yoga traditions. The outcome for you, as a student, is that you can steadily build up to the use of headstands and shoulder-stands as part of your regular practise.
Beginners are not taught headstand or shoulder stand.
Only preparatory poses for such positions are taught in beginner Iyengar yoga. The next level of training, after the beginner level, teaches you inversions.
So, try Iyengar yoga online classes, or in-studio.
Chris Lalor, Certified Iyengar Senior Teacher & Iyengar yoga instructor
Chris Lalor, the founder of Flametree, is a certified Senior Iyengar teacher, and accredited Iyengar yoga instructor.
Several other teachers are also certified Iyengar teachers.
Several other teachers are also at advanced levels of their training to be an Iyengar yoga instructor. They are closely mentored by Chris.
Iyengar teacher training is known for being long and thorough, with assessment at each level before a teacher is certified.
Flametree teaches in five levels, so as to ensure an appropriate balance of ease and challenge. Teachers use a compassionate approach, with lots of individual customisation and guidance as needed. The aim is for each student to keep progressing in their practice.
Chris has been teaching Iyengar yoga in Darwin for over 25 years. She now teaches LIVE online Iyengar yoga across Australia and beyond. Here is a link to more about Flametree teachers.
Passes & Deals for Iyengar yoga classes online, & in Darwin, Australia
If you are new, your first class is free. In Darwin, just come along to the studio. Online, click the class time you want and we email you the link to join. Beginners then get the beginner deal: 10 classes at half price plus 2 free, $59.50 in total, no discount code, with a 14-day money-back guarantee. For newcomers and anyone away three months or more.
So, try Iyengar yoga online classes, or in-studio.
Get 2 FREE beginner yoga classes, and 10 at HALF Price (New & Lapsed)
Non-beginner HALF price 10 pack plus 2 FREE, $104.50 (new & lapsed)
Iyengar yoga at Flametree: common questions
How is Iyengar yoga taught?
The teacher demonstrates each pose, then gives clear, detailed instructions on how to work in it, and walks around to adjust students. Props such as belts, blocks, bolsters and chairs help everyone find good alignment, and the sequence of poses changes from class to class.
What happens in a beginner Iyengar yoga class?
Beginners start with standing poses, which build strength, flexibility and steadiness, then move to simple forward bends, twists and relaxation. The teacher guides you through the beginner syllabus week by week and suggests when you are ready to move up a level.
Why does Iyengar yoga use props?
Props such as belts, blocks, bolsters and chairs let you hold a pose with good alignment before you have the strength or flexibility to do it unaided. They make the method suitable for stiff, older or injured bodies, as well as advanced students.
Do beginners do headstands in Iyengar yoga?
No. Beginners learn only preparatory poses. Headstand and shoulder stand are taught at the next level, step by step and with props, once you have built strength and awareness in the standing poses.
How long are poses held in Iyengar yoga?
It depends on the level and the class. Beginners hold poses for shorter times. Active poses are held long enough to work on alignment, and supported, restful poses over bolsters and chairs may be held for several minutes.
How do Flametree’s live online Iyengar classes work?
Flametree teaches LIVE interactive Iyengar yoga classes online, with the same demonstrations and step by step instructions as in the studio. Set up your device so the teacher can see your whole body, and use simple props at home such as a chair, a belt and blankets.
Who was BKS Iyengar?
BKS Iyengar (1918 to 2014) was an Indian yoga teacher who developed Iyengar yoga over more than 75 years. His book Light on Yoga (1966) made yoga poses known worldwide, and his method is taught by certified teachers in many countries.
Where can I do Iyengar yoga in Darwin or online?
Flametree Yoga Studio teaches Iyengar yoga at its Darwin studios and live online across Australia, at levels from beginner to experienced. Your first class is free if you are new, then beginners can get 12 classes for $59.50.
Sources: Iyengar BKS, Light on Yoga (1966); Patanjali, Yoga Sutras. Flametree Yoga Studio, Darwin and live online.
Contact Us
19b Bishop Street, Woolner, NT 0820
