Western Massachusetts Center for Iyengar  Yoga Instruction

At Hampshire Yoga, we provide hatha yoga instruction for Western Massachusetts using the technique's of B.K.S. Iyengar and his senior teacher Ramanand Patel. In our classes, we are able to teach yoga with individual assessment and adaptation of yoga postures, asanas, and yogic breathing, pranayama.  Our students develop a yogic approach to stress management, mind-body awareness, wholistic health and fitness.  Mr. Iyengar has practiced hatha yoga for over 80 years creating an approach which emphasizes correct body alignment achieved through simple props.  Guided by certified teachers, the student learns at their own pace resulting in a safe and personal yoga practice.  Our Director, Jim Gleason, is certified in the Iyengar method.

At Hampshire Yoga, asanas (postures) are not taught, but guided. Our teachers are trained to lead you in learning yoga without injury or frustration but rather with satisfaction and confidence. Always subject to stress and injury, our bodies change from day to day and from year to year; we teach you to be aware of these changes and alter your practice accordingly. Having completed our program, you can practice yoga comfortably anywhere without further instruction: at home, in a hotel room, at a health club, or in a gym. You will have truly integrated yoga into your daily life.

Beginning students start by learning the elements of 20 core asanas taught at the Introductory Level during a course of eight classes. We recommend that students commence at the beginning of the course but drop-ins are welcomed any time at this level.

The Beginner/Continuing Level allows the student to focus on standing postures and inverted postures before moving on to the Continuing Level. The intent of instruction at this level is to guide the student to a safe home practice.

The Continuing Level introduces 10 more asanas to complete the core asana curriculum. Students continue at this level as long as they feel is necessary for understanding. During this learning process, the teacher adapts and adjusts the asanas as needed for each student. The teacher also addresses questions that arise each week from the student's practice of the asanas at home.

For students interested in moving beyond these 30 fundamental asanas, Hampshire Yoga offers additional courses to guide students through more complicated asanas and pranayama and the study of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Thus, advanced students are guided toward their own meditation practice. During the last twenty-five years, we have taught thousands of students, and we plan to continue as long as the Pioneer Valley seeks highly skilled and experienced yoga instruction.

For further descriptions of the Iyengar approach, click on Iyengar Yoga Resources.