Iyengar Yoga Course

Lesson 1 • Distinguishing Features of the Method

Identifies what separates Iyengar yoga from other styles: props, sequencing, timing, and precision. Students articulate the method's unique pedagogical approach.

Lesson 2 • History and Lineage of Iyengar Yoga

Traces B.K.S. Iyengar's development of this method from classical Hatha yoga roots. Provides context for understanding why precision and alignment are central values.

Lesson 3 • Setting Up a Safe Practice Space

Covers environmental requirements, prop inventory, and safety protocols for a yoga room. Ensures students can prepare a functional, injury-aware practice environment.

Lesson 1 • Contraindications and Injury Awareness

Maps common yoga injuries to their anatomical causes and identifies poses that require modification. Students learn to screen for contraindications before practice.

Lesson 2 • Skeletal Structure and Joint Mechanics

Covers bones, joints, and ranges of motion relevant to standing, seated, and inverted poses. Provides the anatomical vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Alignment Principles and Plumb Lines

Introduces Iyengar's concept of vertical and horizontal alignment planes in the body. Students apply plumb-line assessment to detect and correct misalignment.

Lesson 4 • Common Misalignments and Their Causes

Catalogs frequent postural errors and their anatomical origins, such as tight hip flexors or weak rotator cuffs. Students develop observational skills for self-correction.

Lesson 1 • Anatomy of Breathing

Examines the respiratory system, diaphragmatic mechanics, and lung capacity as foundations for pranayama. Students observe their own breath patterns before attempting regulation.

Lesson 2 • Ujjayi Pranayama Technique

Teaches the victorious breath as the primary pranayama used during asana practice. Students refine the glottal constriction and even breath ratio before applying it in poses.

Lesson 3 • Bandhas and Their Role in Breath

Covers mula, uddiyana, and jalandhara bandha as internal locks that direct prana during pranayama. Students practice engaging bandhas safely without strain.

Lesson 1 • Sequencing and Timing Standing Poses

Applies Iyengar sequencing logic to arrange standing poses for a balanced, progressive class. Students practice holding poses for prescribed durations to build endurance.

Lesson 2 • Tadasana and Mountain Pose Principles

Establishes Tadasana as the blueprint for all standing poses, emphasizing foot grounding and spinal lift. Every subsequent standing pose is understood as a variation of this base.

Lesson 3 • Lateral and Extended Standing Poses

Covers Trikonasana, Parsvakonasana, and Ardha Chandrasana with lateral body lengthening cues. Students learn to maintain spinal integrity while rotating and extending.

Lesson 4 • Warrior Poses and Hip Opening

Teaches Virabhadrasana I, II, and III with emphasis on hip alignment and knee tracking. Students build stamina and learn to stabilize the pelvis under load.

Lesson 1 • Seated Forward Bends

Teaches Paschimottanasana, Janu Sirsasana, and Triang Mukhaikapada Paschimottanasana with progressive hip-hinge depth. Students use belts and bolsters to maintain spinal length.

Lesson 2 • Sequencing Seated and Twisting Poses

Demonstrates how to combine forward bends and twists for a balanced, therapeutic effect. Students build a 45-minute seated sequence with logical pose transitions.

Lesson 3 • Spinal Twists

Introduces Bharadvajasana, Marichyasana III, and Ardha Matsyendrasana as progressive twisting poses. Students learn to initiate rotation from the spine, not the arms.

Lesson 4 • Seated Pose Foundations

Establishes Dandasana as the seated equivalent of Tadasana, emphasizing sit-bone grounding and spinal lift. Students use props to achieve correct pelvic tilt before advancing.

Lesson 1 • Prone Backbends

Teaches Bhujangasana, Salabhasana, and Dhanurasana as foundational prone backbends. Students activate posterior chain muscles to lift rather than compress the spine.

Lesson 2 • Supported and Restorative Backbends

Introduces Setu Bandha Sarvangasana and Viparita Dandasana over a chair as supported backbends. Students experience passive chest opening with minimal spinal risk.

Lesson 3 • Counterposes and Recovery

Covers essential counterposes after backbends, including Apanasana and Paschimottanasana. Students understand the physiological need to neutralize spinal extension.

Lesson 4 • Urdhva Dhanurasana Full Wheel

Builds toward Urdhva Dhanurasana through a structured preparatory sequence. Students develop the wrist, shoulder, and hip strength required for a safe full wheel.

Lesson 1 • Restorative Pose Sequencing

Designs a complete restorative sequence using supported poses to activate the parasympathetic response. Students learn to select and time restorative poses for specific therapeutic goals.

Lesson 2 • Benefits and Contraindications of Inversions

Explains circulatory, lymphatic, and neurological benefits of inverting the body. Students screen for contraindications such as high blood pressure and neck injury.

Lesson 3 • Supported Shoulderstand Sarvangasana

Teaches Salamba Sarvangasana with blanket support as the primary cooling inversion. Students build neck safety awareness and shoulder stability before entering the pose.

Lesson 4 • Headstand Sirsasana Progression

Develops Sirsasana through a wall-supported progression emphasizing forearm and shoulder load. Students build the core and shoulder strength needed before leaving the wall.

Lesson 1 • Iyengar Teaching Methodology

Covers the Iyengar method's emphasis on demonstration, verbal instruction, and hands-on adjustment. Students practice giving clear, anatomically precise verbal cues.

Lesson 2 • Teaching Beginners and Mixed Levels

Addresses how to differentiate instruction for beginners, intermediate, and mixed-level groups. Students develop prop-based modifications for every major pose category.

Lesson 3 • Evaluating and Refining Your Teaching

Provides frameworks for self-assessment, peer feedback, and continuing professional development. Students create a personal development plan aligned with Iyengar certification standards.

Lesson 4 • Class Sequencing Principles

Applies Iyengar's sequencing logic to build classes around a peak pose or therapeutic theme. Students understand how to balance effort and recovery within a single session.