What is Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar yoga is a form of Hatha yoga that has evolved the use of props to support and enable asana (the yoga postures).

Yoga makes us aware of how to move safely in our own body, to learn its challenges and limitations and find ways to move with them and beyond them.

All I want when any student enters Loft Studio, is for them to leave feeling better than when they came in. All of us have different requirements because of the jobs we do and the exercise and hobbies we enjoy. The amount of much time we spend seated, posture when we stand and our genetics will influence our bodies, which of course, also change over time.

Some people arrive in class with limited mobility and so we could work together to develop flexibility. Equally, a very flexible student may need to develop strength.

Students recovering from illness and injury need to find ways to work that aid recovery. Fearful students need encouragement to get used to moving their bodies in ways they may not have moved since childhood. Intermediate students need help approaching ever more challenging postures. There is, as I am very fond of saying, always more.

Many of us are aware of needing to find better balance in our lives, and yet, do not look for that in our bodies.

For example, as we stand, are we balanced left and right? Do we over lift the front of the body and compress the back of the body? Are both feet facing forward? Does one arm extend better than the other? Is one knee turning inwards? Any postural imbalance or compression, may lead to chronic pain or injury. A balanced body is a healthy body, which in turn, helps us to maintain a healthy mind. How do we begin to
learn these differences?

Iyengar Yoga has occasionally been dubbed ‘yoga with furniture’. But the importance of the use of the furniture, or props as we like to call them, cannot be overstated. Using the right piece of equipment can help balance, understanding of posture, enable longer stays in poses and sometimes just open the door on understanding.

It is an endlessly fascinating subject and one I feel passionate about.

I hope to welcome you Loft Studio soon, and, have you leave feeling better than you did when you arrived.

Classes

Monday

10:30-12:00 | Over 50’s (Karen)

18:30-19:30 | Beginners/General (Karen)

Tuesday

18:30-20:00 | General (Karen)

Wednesday

10:30-12:30 | Intermediate (Karen)

17:45-18:45 | Intermediate Pilates

19:00-20:00 | General Pilates (Nicky) – Please contact 07518 161606

Thursday

10:00-11:30 | General (Karen)

12:00-13:00 | Restorative (Karen)

18:30-20:00 | General (Karen)

Friday

10:00-11:00 | Zoom Room


During lockdown I was reluctantly dragged into the ‘Zoom Room’ I surprised myself (and many students) to find that Zoom is actually a great format for teaching. Students are more comfortable in their own space and I get a really good overview of postures. So much so I have continued Friday morning class 10am. Click here for the details.

Upcoming Events

August 2 | Therapy Class

10:00-13:00 | The Hips

Moving the hips safely. This session will be suitable for students with stiff hips as well as for those with hip problems. Cost £40

September 11-15 | Weekend intensive La Roane, South of France

Set in 20 acres of woodland, guests are housed in two beautiful buildings set around a large oval-shaped pool in a lovely sunny spot in the centre of the garden. Classes take place either in a restored former barn or in the outdoor yoga studio.

During your free time there will be the option to explore the local area, visit the Sunday market, borrow a bicycle or simply relax.

Thursday

  • Arrival and welcome
  • Afternoon restorative class

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

  • Morning Class – 2.5 hours
  • Evening Class – 1.5 hours

Monday

  • Morning Class
  • Breakfast
  • Depature

Click here to learn more or email Karen to make a booking.

2025 September | La Roane Weekend Intensive

September 16-23 | Week long holiday La Roane, South of France

This event is currently fully booked. Contact me if you wish to be placed on a waitlist.

October 4 | Yoga Day – Workshop

10:00-16:00 | Full day of Iyengar Yoga including lunch. Cost £60

November 1 | Therapy Seesions

10:00-13:00 | The Knees

How to look after good ones and find ways to help damaged ones. For practice and for maintenance. Cost £40.


For details of any of these events, please ask Karen.