What to expect in an Iyengar Yoga class
Your safety and well-being are our first priority. Class may begin with a few minutes of sitting to help you step out of the busyness of daily life. In the upper level classes, class will begin with a chant, the invocation to Patanjali. Every class will end with savasana or a restorative pose to relax the body.
Our instructors are trained and experienced to know how to modify the poses if you have challenges with your knees, shoulders, back, etc. Please contact or speak to the instructor before class if you have concerns.
Your class may focus on a different area of the body each week or a different category of postures but the principles remain the same. The class will not be the same every week. In the level I and Level I-2 classes, standing poses are introduced and emphasized to build a foundation.
In an Iyengar yoga class, classical yoga postures are taught with an emphasis on alignment so that strength and flexibility develop concurrently. This has tremendous benefit in our daily life. When we can stand and sit well, pain free, we are better able to enjoy life.


Here is a visual snapshot of what an Iyengar Yoga Class may look like:
This is the previous version of the slide show:
Students in Adho Mukha Virasana -head facing down hero’s pose.
“Your body is your child-look after it.” B.K.S. Iyengar
The Mountain’s Foundation
“In each asana, if the part of the body in contact with the floor is good, the asana is performed well.” B.K.S. Iyengar
Arms to Uplift the Mountain- urdhva hastasana
“If you open the armpits the brain becomes light. You cannot brood or become depressed.” B.K.S. Iyengar
Creating and Maintaining a Triangle, Utthita Trikonasana
“Unless freedom is gained in the body, freedom of the mind is a far cry.” B.K.S. Iyengar
Opening the body with a Prop
“If your brain is silent but attentive while performing asanas, your practice is non-violent.” B.K.S. Iyengar
Opening the body with a Prop
“If your brain is silent but attentive while performing asanas, your practice is non-violent.” B.K.S. Iyengar
Opening the body with a Prop
“If your brain is silent but attentive while performing asanas, your practice is non-violent.” B.K.S. Iyengar
Opening the body with a Prop
“If your brain is silent but attentive while performing asanas, your practice is non-violent.” B.K.S. Iyengar
To extend, to lengthen out=Uttanasana
”Activity and passivity must go together in asana.” B.K.S. Iyengar
Inverting the body, Variations of Viparita Karrani
“Words fail to convey the total value of yoga. It has to be experienced.” B.K.S. Iyengar
Inverting the body, Variations of Viparita Karrani
“Words fail to convey the total value of yoga. It has to be experienced.” B.K.S. Iyengar
Yoga for Seniors and Healthy Aging
Even as the body ages, yoga can be practiced to maintain as long as possible, one’s strength and stability to function better in daily life. It is never too late to start. In our Yoga for Seniors and Level 1 and Level 1-2 classes all are welcome. Our instructors know how to modify the poses if you require more support. In an Iyengar yoga class, you will often see students doing the same pose, but with different supports as required.
Yoga helps cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.”
BKS Iyengar
Yoga for Adults
Starting yoga as an adult is one of the best practices to maintain one’s health. Regular practice can prevent future problems as practice improves the functioning of all the systems of the body. When you feel better, you can better handle the stresses of life.
”The body is your child. Look after it.”
“Health is that state where one becomes carefree of the body.”BKS Iyengar
Registration Process
- Create a new account here. (This is a one-time step)
- Purchase a class pass once your account is set up.
- Register for classes from the class schedule.
Questions? Contact studio@iyogasouthbay.com
Masks are optional! IYSB Studio Is Open For In-Person Classes!
- Masks are optional! But in compliance with Santa Clara County Health Department requirements, vaccinations are still required for all in-person classes.
- Physical distancing will not be required. Depending on the size of the class, you may be able to distance your mat, however it may not always be possible.
- We will be sharing our studio props. Of course you are welcome to bring your own props if you like.
Our classes are all in person unless listed as online. However, a few of our classes are offered online at the instructor’s discretion. If you need this option, please speak to the instructor.
For online only classes you must email the instructor to get the Zoom invitation (URL) and password. Email addresses are listed on our Instructors page
If you have any questions please email studio@iyogasouthbay.com

Instructor Amanda using the wall for support during her pregnancy