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FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Yoga increases flexibility, stamina and improves posture. Most people find increased levels of energy and an enhanced feeling of well-being. Regular practice of yoga increases awareness and brings emotional stability and inner peace.
Yoga can help strengthen a weak back however you should consult your doctor first and speak to the teacher before attending classes.
Pranayama may be loosely translated as breath control. It is used in yoga as a separate practice to help clear and cleanse the body and mind. Pranayama is taught in Wednesday Intermediate class at the end of each month. Basic “breath awareness” exercises are introduced and restorative postures are taught at the end of each month in our Tuesday and Wednesday Introductory/General classes.
Before being accepted to train as a teacher, a student must have completed a minimum of three years’ regular study with an approved Iyengar Yoga teacher. Training to be a teacher in the Iyengar system is done via a mentoring system in regular classes. Please speak to your teacher and have a look at the IYA UK teachers’ site for further information.
Iyengar Yoga is taught in a systematic way building on foundation asanas or postures with inverted asanas (headstand and shoulder stand) introduced over time and according to the student’s ability. Teachers are trained to adjust students and will recommend the use of certain props or equipment where necessary. The teaching of yoga postures in an Iyengar yoga class is essentially similar wherever you go; each teacher will teach the postures which he/she has selected for the class for a specific reason, but the manner of teaching postures is the same worldwide. This means a student can go to any teacher and fit into the class immediately.
Classes usually begin in a similar manner, starting with a few moments of quiet, then working with gentle stretches before commencing on the main work of the class. This may comprise standing postures, twists, forward bends, back bends, finishing with a relaxation.
Before class – please do not eat heavily before a class – allow two hours to pass after a light meal, four hours to pass after a heavy meal. Fluids may be drunk up to 30 minutes before a class. Please do not bring water bottles to class, but rather wait until after the class for refreshments.
Health – Please let the teacher know in advance of any medical conditions, such as post-opeative conditions, hypertension, heart problems, high or low blood pressure, back, neck or knee problems, enstrual disorders.
Clothing – wear clothing which allows you to move easily (e.g. t-shirt, shorts or leggings) and be prepared to work in bare feet.
Please turn off mobile phones or set to do not disturb. Let the teacher know if you need to have your phone on for any specific reason.
If you have a Yoga mat please bring to class. Teachers usually have belts and blocks at class which may be used and may have spare mats. Students may wish to purchase their own equipment to bring to class. Please speak to your teacher regarding recommended suppliers.
Yoga is beneficial to pregnancy and can help with labour. Current students who become pregnant are encouraged to continue at classes and it is important to let your teacher know as soon as possible (do not attend between weeks 9-15).
For those new to Yoga who wish to start during pregnancy it is possible to join the Introductory classes run at The Ledge in Inverness on a Monday evening or in Beauly on a Tuesday evening (see our classes page for further information).
For those with a history of repeated miscarriage, spotting etc. please contact us for further information.
You should try to attend as many classes as possible at an appropriate level. We run a number of workshops with visiting Iyengar teachers and these are strongly recommended for those wishing to work a bit more intensively.