| 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, prananyama. Our students develop a yogic approach to stress management, mind-body awareness, wholistic health and fitness. Mr. Iyengar has practiced hatha yoga for over 70 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.
Hence, 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 this level is 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 them 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 thirty 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
Hampshire Yoga, 1702 Riverdale Rd., West Springfield, Ma 01089 413 781 2590 |