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Questions frequently asked by beginners

Will everyone else be young and fit?

Iyengar Yoga is for anyone irrespective of age, gender, health, religion and circumstances in life. Iyengar Yoga is not competitive. You will not be judged against other people. A distinctive feature of Iyengar Yoga is the use of equipment, called props, to enable a student to develop strength, flexibility and control in a posture in order to achieve their full potential. In this way a student works to his or her maximum ability within a general mixed class. The teacher is trained to select the correct prop and to supervise the individual student.

If you haven't attended the Institute before, please could you download and fill in the Medical Declaration form and bring it with you.

What shall I wear?

Wear clothes that don't restrict your movement in any way. Most people wear shorts or leggings (it helps if the teacher can see your knees!) and a t-shirt or vest. Yoga is always practised in bare feet; please leave your shoes in the racks provided. There are changing rooms and toilets available.

"Yoga aims for complete awareness in whatever you do."

BKS Iyengar

Can I eat before class?

Yoga should be practised on an empty stomach, so please leave 3-4 hours after a main meal or 2 hours after a light snack.

What about equipment?

All equipment is provided by the institute, making it unnecessary to bring any to class (and useful if you come by public transport/straight from work).

Will the classes be all women?

No. More men are beginning to realise the benefits of yoga and many attend regular classes at MDIIY. The postures are a challenge to both sexes.

What can I expect in a class?

You will be introduced to the basic asanas (postures), which will include standing, sitting and recuperative poses. All the asanas have Sanskrit names. The teacher will show you how to use yoga props such as belts and blocks to help you achieve the postures to the best of your ability.

All the asanas have different effects on the body and mind. The basic postures build strength and stamina, improve muscular tone, flexibility and alignment. Practising them will reduce tiredness and soothe the nerves. It also trains and disciplines the mind so concentration is improved.

If you are menstruating there are certain postures that are not suitable, so please consult the teacher before the class starts.

I have a medical condition and am not sure whether doing yoga will be helpful or not?

Regular practice of yoga can be extremely beneficial for a wide range of conditions, but we also offer a specific Remedial Class where students follow an individually tailored and supervised programme. If you have not attended the Institute before we request that you fill in and sign a Medical Declaration form and bring it to your first class. If you have any of the conditions detailed on the form your teacher will advise you.

We would be very grateful if you could bear a few points in mind which will help ensure that everyone enjoys the full benefits of the Institute:

Please switch off your mobile phone before you enter the building.

Please don't bring any food or drink into the yoga studios.

Please don't wear strong smelling perfumes, deodorants or aftershave.

Please treat any infectious foot conditions such as verrucas and athletes' foot.

Please keep jewellery to a minimum.

Please don't come into the studio during the invocation at the start of class if you arrive late.

Please DO return any equipment used during a class neatly and safely to the storage area.

Thank you