Iyengar Yoga In Kelowna

Discover Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar yoga is based on the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar who created and developed his teachings over 75 years. Recognised as the most widely adopted yoga method in the world, Iyengar Yoga is renowned for its focus on precision, alignment, sequencing, timing and the use of props such as straps, blocks, bolsters and chairs.

In an Iyengar Yoga class, you can expect detailed instructions from the teacher, who will often demonstrate poses to help students deepen their understanding of the postures and develop an overall awareness of body and self. You will be encouraged to work at your own capacity, especially in light of any injuries or health conditions.

All our teachers are certified in the Iyengar method by our national organization Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada (IYAC) and the Ramamani Iyengar Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India, a process of many years of dedicated study and mentorship with a senior teacher.

Unique Features of Iyengar Yoga Classes

Teachers are trained to adapt the classic postures (asanas) for individual students

Attention is given to proper execution and technique

Emphasis on precise alignment and proper sequencing to achieve maximum benefit

Detailed and safe instruction from highly trained teachers

Continuous development from a strong foundation of basic action to refined understanding

Every class is uniquely prepared for and individual movement and learning experience

Our roots are based in Iyengar Yoga

What is
Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar Yoga is named after Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja (BKS) Iyengar of Pune, India. He is one of the best known yoga teachers in the world and was named by Time Magazine in 2004 as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. He is the author of many books including the classic work Light on Yoga originally published in 1966 and still used widely by yoga teachers and practitioners of all styles of yoga. BKS Iyengar and his method are known particularly for precise alignment and the development of the use of props to help students achieve maximum benefits from the asanas no matter the physical condition. Often referred to as “meditation in action”, practicing Iyengar yoga develops a strong focus of awareness which unites the mind with the body and breath. This form of traditional yoga practice is based on the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga, particularly using the tools of asana and pranayama to achieve physical, mental, and emotional stability. BKS Iyengar is also regarded as an expert in the therapeutic applications of asana and pranayama.

Iyengar Yoga teachers must demonstrate knowledge in physical postures (asana), yogic breathing (pranayama), anatomy, Yoga philosophy and precautions for instructing students safely. This certification mark is used worldwide exclusively by Iyengar certified teachers and ensures the highest standards of teaching in the Iyengar method.

Our Teacher

Guruji’s teachings were first published in Light on Yoga in 1966, which has since been translated into 18 languages. He is the author of 14 books, including Light on Pranayama; Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and Light on Life – The Yoga Journey to Wholeness.

In 1975 Guruji established the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India, where he has shared his teachings with thousands of certified teachers and serious students. His legacy of steadfast devotion to the art and science of yoga continues to inspire his students,

“When I practice, I am a philosopher, when I teach I am a scientist, when I demonstrate, I am an artist.” BKS Iyengar

Level Syllabus

As of July 2020, the "mother institute" the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Institute (RIMYI) in India, set out new guidelines for certification including syllabi for levels of certification of teachers.
Our classes are named to reflect the level of syllabus being taught. Your teacher will teach at their level of certification.

If you were taking "Beginner"

That is Level 1

If you were taking "All Levels"

level 1 or a level 1-2

If you were taking "intermediate"

Level 1-2, Level 2, to Level 2-3

If you were taking "advancing" or "2 hour Sadhana"

Equivalent to Level 2-3 and Level 3

You may be surprised to see just how many asanas are on the Level 1 syllabus! There are more than 70! And this includes the inversions we know and love like Sirsasana and Sarvangasana, plus all categories of poses, including abdominals , back bends and more. Lots of variety here.