BKS Iyengar’s Speech at the Opening of the Maida Vale Institute, 12th May 1984
18 April 2024|
Below are extracts from a speech given by BKS Iyengar in 1984 at the opening of what was then called the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Maida Vale, known today as Iyengar Yoga London. BKS Iyengar's words convey how important it was to him to have established a yoga centre in London as a hub from which the benefits of the practice could be spread far and wide. He also describes his expectations of his students and the profound and practical wisdom of the yoga sutras of Patanjali. "As you are all aware, today’s function is just a formal one since [...]
2024 Convention – Group Livestream Event
7 March 2024|
Abhijata Iyengar is teaching the UK Iyengar Yoga Convention this year in London from 4-6 May. We will be livestreaming the convention to a large screen at the studio for people who would like to practice together as a group and have purchased a livestream convention place. This event is free of charge and open to students and teachers together. A minimum of two years’ regular attendance at Iyengar yoga classes is required. It is free to attend the Studio Livestream event but all attendees must be members of the UK Iyengar Yoga Association (non-teacher membership £24) and must have [...]
NEW Hybrid Classes
5 September 2023|
NEW Hybrid Classes We are introducing hybrid classes to the timetable this month. Hybrid classes are studio classes that are simultaneously livestreamed and made available to students remotely. Initially we are offering two weekly hybrid classes: Monday General Level with Judy Smith 10.30AM – 12.00PM Tuesday General Level with Megan 9.30 – 11.00AM These classes are listed on the timetable as Livestream (Hybrid) to differentiate them from pure Livestream classes. Hybrid Class Prices The price to attend a Hybrid Class in the studio is the same as a regular studio class, £14.25 for members and £18.50 for visitors. However, [...]
7 Day Visitor’s Pass
26 June 2023|
7 Day Visitor's Pass £36 We’ve been welcoming visiting students from around the UK and around the world since B.K.S. Iyengar opened our centre forty years ago. To make it easy to keep up your practice while you’re in town, we offer a 7 Day Pass for visiting students. 7 classes over 7 days Covers all class levels. Choose from Beginners, General and Intermediate classes. See class level information below. Buy your pass in advance so you can book ahead Click to buy the pass and set up your account. You will have credit for seven classes added to your [...]
Geeta Iyengar on Why We Practise Difficult Asanas
26 June 2023|
Why practise difficult asanas? Light on Yoga can be considered as one of the classical texts on yoga in the modern era, having inspired and continuing to enthuse millions. But there is a group of readers who get nervous and overwhelmed by seeing the advanced asanas like the Eka Pada Sirsasana cycles and balancing asanas. The sceptical mind questions whether we need to practise these advanced asanas to enable a higher level of consciousness. Geeta lyengar answered this question during the New Zealand lyengar Yoga Convention in 2003. A transcript of her answer is reproduced here. In fact, this [...]
Research Article – Yoga for People living with Multiple Sclerosis
13 February 2023|
Research Article - Yoga for People living with Multiple Sclerosis Yoga therapy teacher, Korinna Pilafidis-Williams, runs a class for neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis and parkinsons at Iyengar Yoga London. MS is an incurable neurodegenerative and chronic inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. In Europe and North America, it is the most common cause of neurological disability in young adults, with diagnosis normally between 20-40 years. Symptoms of MS vary but can include depression, fatigue, chronic pain, muscle weakness, spasticity, decreased strength, balance and gait problems. All of these can lead to reduced physical activity and increased risk [...]
IYL House Photographer – Cassian Gray
2 February 2023|
IYL House Photographer – Cassian Gray We are excited to let you know that we have appointed our first House Photographer. Cassian Gray holds a BA in Photography and his work featured has featured in the British Journal of Photography, The Telegraph, and Creative Review. He describes his approach as, “a study of people and human nature, often exploring how we inhabit space and our effect on the landscape. Throughout his practice, Cassian uses the camera as a tool to instigate encounters - documenting individuals, places and communities that would otherwise pass unnoticed." Cassian has been appointed for one year during which time [...]
STUDIO EVENT Saturday 4 February – Jaki Nett Discussion and Q&A
30 January 2023|
Embedding an inclusive, diverse and equitable Iyengar yoga teaching culture Jaki Nett, the first African American Iyengar yoga teacher to be awarded senior certification, is leading this year's Iyengar Yoga (UK) Convention. As part of the programme, there will be a livestream discussion and Q&A on inclusion, diversity and equity on 4th February. Please see details below We invite you to join us at the IYL studios where we will be livestreaming the discussion. The talk will be projected in the studio and there will be tea and cake afterwards. This is an informal event for us to come together to [...]
The Iyengar Yoga Long Covid Pilot Study – A teacher’s & a student’s perspectives
15 December 2022|
The IYUK Long Covid pilot study was conducted from October to December 2021. It was initiated by Gerda Bayliss, an Iyengar Yoga teacher, who contracted Covid and was left with severe Long Covid (LC). Her parents, Alan Brown and Diana Bayliss, also Iyengar Yoga teachers, helped with her recovery. She also received advice from Lois Steinberg in the US, attending her online classes. Together with the therapy committee of IYUK, they devised a suggested Iyengar yoga programme for those with Long Covid. This programme is based on Lois Steinberg’s respiratory system practice. The study is being evaluated by an independent researcher [...]
The Iyengar Yoga London Annual House Photographer Competition
22 July 2022|
Iyengar Yoga London is looking for a talented individual to act as House Photographer for one year. Photography has been central to the popularisation of Iyengar yoga with the extraordinary images in Light On Yoga. This competition poses the creative challenge of capturing our much-loved building, our diverse community and the ethos of Iyengar yoga with its focus on precision, alignment and study. Open to photography students and aspiring professional photographers in the UK. The prize The winner will be the House Photographer for Iyengar Yoga London for one year from the date of the award In addition the winner [...]
3 Cooling yoga poses
19 July 2022|
Did you know that some yoga poses can help lower the temperature of the body? Try the three postures below, recommended by IYL teacher Korinna Pilafidis-Williams and demonstrated here by our Judy Smith, to stay cool and calm in the hot weather this week. Please work to your own capacity for a healthy heatwave! 1. Supta Padangusthasana The leg extended to the side is supported on a bolster and the foot of the leg on the floor is pressed firmly into the wall. Keep both heels strong and legs straight. Lengthen the sides of your trunk. 2. Adho Mukha Upavistha Konasana Forward [...]
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