Frequently Asked Questions about Yoga

Here are some words from B.K.S. Iyengar:

"Yoga is the method by which the restless mind is calmed and the energy directed into constructive channels."

yoga pose "Yoga is derived from the [Sanskrit] root "Yuj" which means to join, to bind, attach, to yoke, to direct and concentrate one's attention on, to use and apply. The union of the Individual self with the Universal Self is Yoga."

yoga pose "The word hatha is composed of two letters, ha and tha. Ha is the sun or positive electricity, and tha is the negative electricity or the moon. The union of the two generates bioenergy. That science is hatha Yoga."

yoga pose "Yoga aims for complete awareness in everything you do."

yoga pose "Yoga is nothing if it is not perfect harmony of the body, senses, mind and intellect, reason, consciousness and self. When all these are integrated that is true Yoga."

yoga pose "How can you have peace of mind, when there is no peace in the body?"

yoga pose
Quotes from Light on Yoga and Iyengar, His Life and Work.

Namasté!

Answers to
Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions about Yoga
What does Yoga have to offer me?
Can I start yoga if I'm stiff/overweight/out-of-shape/old?
What if I'm pregnant?
What if I've had a recent surgery or injury?
How can I find a yoga class in some city other than Denver?
Where can I buy yoga props or clothing?
Where can I get general information about yoga?
Will yoga conflict with my religion?
How does yoga relieve stress?

Questions about Iyengar Yoga
Who is B.K.S. Iyengar?
What distinguishes Iyengar Yoga from other traditions?
What does "Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor" mean?
Should I avoid classes with teachers who are not certified?
What books do you recommend on Iyengar Yoga?

Questions about Colorado School of Iyengar Yoga
Where are you located?
What do you charge for classes?
Do I need to pre-register before coming to class?
Do you a offer teacher training program?
Why should I study yoga at the Colorado School of Iyengar Yoga?

General Questions about Yoga
What does yoga have to offer me?
Yoga builds useable strength, increases flexibility, teaches how to focus your attention, and relieves stress.

Can I start yoga if I'm stiff/overweight/out-of-shape/old?
Yes. Yoga is a process. You begin wherever you are.

What if I'm pregnant?
CSIY offers yoga instruction specifically for prenatal women (please see current class listings). In addition, feel free to come to any level 1 class. Some poses should not be done while pregnant, but our teachers have all received training on working with pregnant women. If you have a high risk pregnancy, please consult your physician before starting yoga and discuss your condition and doctor's advice with each yoga teacher before the beginning of each class.

What if I've had a recent surgery or injury?
Depending on how serious it is, you may want to consult with your physician before starting yoga. Be sure to tell your yoga teacher about your condition, and he/she will adapt the yoga poses to your abilities. Many people find that yoga helps relieve lingering symptoms of surgery or injury.

How can I find a yoga class in a city outside Denver?
Here are three sites you can check: B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga National Association of the U.S. (includes listing of certified Iyengar yoga teachers); Iyengar Yoga Institute, London "links and addresses" page listing Iyengar yoga centers around the world); Yoga Finder (locate yoga teachers, facilities, and retreats)

Where can I buy yoga props or clothing?
If you live in Denver, stop by Colorado School of Iyengar Yoga just before or after any class, and a teacher can help you. If you live outside of Denver, try one of these companies: Hugger-Mugger Yoga Products call (800) 473-4888 for a catalog; Yoga Zone; Fish Crane, (800) 959-6116.

Where can I get general information about yoga?
Try some of the books on Iyengar yoga listed below, or visit Yahoo - Arts/Humanities/Philosophy/Eastern/Yoga/.

Will yoga conflict with my religion?
Absolutely not! Our students are of all faiths, and yoga can help you deepen your spiritual life no matter what your religion. There is Divinity in all people and things. We just encourage you to share in this.

How does yoga relieve stress?
Yoga channels the energy causing the stress in your body into healthy ways of release. While you focus full awareness on doing the postures, stressful thoughts disappear. You then decide what to allow back into your consciousness.

Questions about Iyengar Yoga
Who is B.K.S. Iyengar?
Mr. Iyengar is a living yoga master from Pune, India. He is author of several authoritative books on the subject of yoga, and his method of hatha yoga is the most widely practised in the West. Mr. Iyengar turned 84 in December of 2002.

What distinguishes Iyengar Yoga from other traditions?
Iyengar Yoga is characterized by an emphasis on precision of alignment in the yoga postures, the use of props to help students of all ability levels achieve correct alignment, and an understanding of the therapeutic potential of yoga. We begin with the body: muscles, bones, and breath. Through asanas (postures), we explore the work of art that is this gift we receive at birth. Mr. Iyengar calls the body a temple, and asanas our prayers.

What does "Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor" mean?
Certification in this country is governed by the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States (IYNAUS). Candidates for introductory level certification must have at least three years experience teaching Iyengar yoga and be nominated by two or more senior certified teachers. Certification requires passing a rigorous review consisting of a written exam, demonstrated ability to perform 59 basic yoga poses, and an observed teaching session. Certification must be renewed every two years, which requires continued study with more senior Iyengar yoga teachers.

Should I avoid classes with teachers who are not certified?
Many skilled yoga teachers have not yet had the opportunity to test for certification. All of the Colorado School of Iyengar Yoga's teachers are very capable. If you are taking classes outside of an established yoga studio, you may want to consider the qualifications of your teacher.

What books do you recommend on Iyengar Yoga?
Light on Yoga, the complete reference book by Mr. Iyengar; Light on Pranayama, Mr. Iyengar's book on yogic breathing practice; Yoga the Iyengar Way, by Silva, Mira & Shyam Mehta, a terrific book for beginners; How To Use Yoga, by Mira Mehta, a newly published book that includes some of the most recent teachings of Iyengar yoga. (links are to Amazon.com book summaries)

Questions about Colorado School of Iyengar Yoga
Where are you located?
You will find a map on the Location page.

What do you charge for classes?
Please see our Fee Schedule.

Do I need to pre-register before coming to class?
Please pre-register by phone for Fundamentals Classes (see Beginners Page for details). It is not necessary to pre-register for any of our other scheduled ongoing classes. Just come to our studio about 10 minutes before class starts, and a teacher will help you. Pre-registration is recommended for our workshops (and you get a discount if you register and pay at least a week in advance!).

Do you a offer teacher training program?
We occasionally offer weekend workshops to help aspiring teachers learn how to teach yoga. Check our workshops page to see if any are scheduled this quarter. If you live outside of Denver or are looking for a formal, intensive teacher training program, try Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco.

Why should I study yoga at the Colorado School of Iyengar Yoga?
We hold our teachers to the highest standards. Most are certified and the rest are working toward that goal. They are all vigilant about continuing study and have strong home practices. We also offer a large schedule of classes and our studios are fully equipped with all necessary yoga props.

If you have any questions that aren't answered here, please feel free to contact us!

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