Discussion Forum: General Discussion: Iyengar Yoga: Shorter sequences?

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Discussion Forum: General Discussion: Iyengar Yoga:
Shorter sequences?

kristinmichele
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Mar 18, 2003, 1:28 PM

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Shorter sequences?	Can't Post

Hi all,

Can anyone help? I find myself getting discouraged and starting to fall away from the Iyengar method, primarily because of the time factor. I do make time for yoga, but I can only carve out an hour at most for each session. The sequences in the standard Iyengar books take me longer than an hour to complete.

Does anyone have ideas or sources for shorter Iyengar sequences? I hesitate to simply split-up longer sequences, because I want to keep the practice safe and do a balanced selection of poses in each session. Also, I am interested in practicing a variety of poses, including Level 2 poses, rather than staying at the introductory level.

Any clues, or offerings of moral support? I know that sometimes posts go unanswered in this forum, but anything would be much appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

Kristin

Bryan Alexander
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Mar 19, 2003, 5:23 AM

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Re: Shorter sequences? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Dear Kristin,

I have used the book "Yoga the Iyengar Way" by Mehta for a long time. It has courses of sequences in the back. The beginning sequences are shorter. I remember when I started doing them, they took a longer session to accomplish. I practiced regularly and went to class, and began to accomplish sequences in shorter time.

I agree that you want to do a balanced selection of poses in each session. It's okay to skip one here and there. I try not to skimp on inversions, though. My own teacher points out how inversions affect so many parts of the body for the better. I believe I get in a very good session within an hour most of the time.

I think that to move on to Level 2 poses takes persistent, steady practice. Going to class every week is very important.

Are classes available where you are?

BryanA

ppaiva
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Mar 22, 2003, 1:54 PM

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Plan Tailored to oneself at home complementary to Yoga Center [In reply to]	Can't Post

You speak abut level 2 poses and recommended sequences from the book “Yoga the Iyengar Way" by Mehta. My question is about the following: I assist regularly to an Iyengar Center, but the classes are obviously massive classes that are suitable to the quantity and proficiency of participants. So, I think it should be a good idea to complement them at home with a plan of Iyengar sequences tailored to oneself, based on a good book
I will appreciate comments on this idea and recommendations on books suitable for this objective.

Pedro

kristinmichele
Novice

Mar 26, 2003, 10:45 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1966 views)
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Re: Shorter sequences? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Dear Bryan,

Thanks for the advice. I went out and got the Mehta book - the sequences at the end are fascinating - I like the way she groups them. Tried a few from course II this weekend, and they only took me an hour each (but what a strenous hour it was - they are nicely challenging!)

One question is how you transition between standing poses - do you jump in and out of each, or do you keep the feet spread and move, vinyasa-like, between them? Couldn't see any clear indication of this in the book.

Like Pedro, I'd be interested to hear any other recommendations for practical at-home sequences.

peace,
Kristin

Bryan Alexander
Enthusiast / Moderator

Mar 27, 2003, 9:50 AM

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About the transition between standing poses: "Yoga the Iyengar Way" may say something about that in the front part of the book, where there are tips for practice. I think if you have been practicing for a year or so regularly, you can connect the poses vinyasa-style, but it's also useful to pause for reflection between poses, and to be more gentle during menstruation and periods of low energy.

We must not forget that Iyengar's "Light On Yoga" contains a wealth of information about how to practice, hints about sequencing, and many sequences. For individualized sequences, it's necessary to keep studying, and to keep asking your teacher questions about the reasoning behind sequences and how to work on your own issues.

Luhmann
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Sep 8, 2003, 10:15 AM

Post #6 of 6 (1638 views)
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Re: Shorter sequences? [In reply to]	Can't Post

After going to classes for a while, I've learned that each class tends to follow a pretty simple pattern:

standing poses
head stand
sitting or supported poses
shoulder stand
corpse pose

I started by doing simple standing and seated poses from level 1 and found I could do about three of each and finish in under an hour. Over time I slowly added other poses, and even came up with variations that emphasize back-bends/ forward bends/ balance poses/ etc. so that I now have a few sequences I can do on my own.

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