Putney Iyengar Yoga Centre
Putney Yoga Centre offers a welcoming and friendly atmosphere providing excellent tuition in Iyengar yoga. There are 2 light, airy, dedicated and fully equipped yoga studios with a calm and perfect environment in which to practice yoga. There are 2 small changing areas with lockers. The Centre is a mobile free zone, so please turn them off whilst inside.
About Yoga
The word ‘yoga’ from the Sanskrit root ‘yui' means ‘to join', in philosophical terms, ‘the joining of the individual with the universe’ ie To be at one, with oneself and the world. It is an ancient discipline that has been practiced for thousands of years in India to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing. Many of today's popular fitness options owe something to yoga, which has a close connection to other ancient forms of exercise. Each yoga posture has a direct effect on the mind and on the entire external and internal body. When yoga asanas are practiced with instinct, humility and an awareness of the history inspired by animals, plants and mythical heros, there is a natural, lyrical flow to the body.
Iyengar Yoga
Based on the principles of the sage Patanjali, BKS IYENGAR (1918 - 2014) through arduous and rigorous practise, evolved the asanas and pranayamas into a methodical, progressive and inclusive form of yoga which is the most widely practised in the world today.
His unique and holistic approach is characterized by correct, precise and detailed alignment. To assist in this endeavour, his innovative development and use of props , allows those with differing ages and capabilities to obtain maximum benefits and aid a deepening understanding, in a safe manner.
The UK Iyengar Yoga Association promotes and teaches his method and is responsible for ensuring high and safe teaching standards. It is the oldest association amongst 50 in the world.
The Iyengar Certification Mark is recognition of a qualified Iyengar yoga teacher who has undertaken many years of training and rigorous assessments to promote and maintain the purity and excellence of Iyengar yoga.
Further information about Iyengar Yoga visit one of the following sites; Official BKS Iyengar, The UK Iyengar Yoga Association, Yoga Matters (for Yoga Equipment and books).
Benefits of Iyengar Yoga
Regular practice of yoga can help you face the turmoil of life with steadiness and stability.
The basic human postures of standing, sitting and lying are encompassed in the asanas. These, when practised with correct, precise positioning of the body in vertical, horizontal and cyclical movements and with full awareness of the mind have a beneficial impact on the entire being, balancing and removing toxics from the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, hormonal and nervous systems. The equilibrium of the body brings a mental stillness to the mind.
Each individual's specific physical and mental condition and ability is catered for in Iyengar yoga, stimulating emotional changes bringing courage and positivity where there is doubt and instability.
The practice of asanas purges the body of its impurities, bringing strength, firmness, calm and clarity of mind
Congratulations on creating a warm, wonderful, beautiful Shala - a joy to come to.
Diana
Thank you for the continued support, care, and inspiration, from which I have benefited so much all these years.
Suzanne
Teachers at Putney Yoga Centre
Julie Hodges
Julie is a certified Iyengar teacher.
Cath Barnes-Holt
Cath discovered yoga in 1988 whilst looking for a way to combat persistent headaches. She immediately started a daily asana practice and being intrigued by the yoga philosophy began to delve deeper into the roots of yoga. She qualified to teach Iyengar Yoga in 2006 and was certified by the IY (UK) to Junior Intermediate Level 3 in 2012. She is a fully qualified and experienced massage therapist and brings her knowledge of anatomy into her asana teaching. Her passion for yoga means that she continues to study and learn from some of the most senior teachers in the UK and overseas and has been taught by Geeta Iyengar in both India and the UK, as well as by Prashant and Abhijata Iyengar and senior students of Guruji. Her most recent visit to RIMYI in Pune was in Dec 2019. Her yoga and meditation practice give her a sense of stability and wholeness together with an optimistic outlook.
Cath’s teaching style is one of patience and encouragement so people of all levels of ability may achieve their full potential in a supportive, relaxed and enjoyable environment.
Karen
I am a family woman & a grandmother to 5 boys!
Teaching yoga has become my vocation.
Yoga has been in my life since I was a teen.
My yoga path began more seriously in my mid 30’s when I found Iyengar yoga and eventually led to my training to teach.
My practice led to a healthier lifestyle aswell as improving my strength & stamina - not just physically but emotionally, mentally & therefore in life.
My teaching style involves warming & preparing the body to practice a variety & balanced sequence of poses. Students attending my class can expect to feel well stretched leading to a relaxed mental state in an atmosphere of friendliness.
I hold an Intermediate Junior Level 3 certificate & have been teaching Iyengar yoga for 15 years.