NEW TO YOGA?

We've compiled some information for new students. If you've got a question that isn't covered contact us.

We now offer: 4-week Introductory courses for beginners, Gentle Yoga, Prenatal, Teen Yoga, Kids Yoga, Scoliosis, Pranayama, Restorative, Special Workshops and Private Classes. See our schedule for details.

Photo ©2008 Karen Lee Fisher (all rights reserved)

NEW STUDENT SPECIAL

2 weeks of unlimited yoga for only $27. Take as many classes as you like for 2 weeks - unlimited passes are available now at the Institute. This offer is for new students only.

Don't forget to read through our information for new students and as always feel free to contact us with any questions.


From Earth to Air: The Evolution of the Stages of Asana

A Weekend Workshop with Carrie Owerko

In this three-day workshop we will explore our body’s center of gravity and its sense of direction in various asanas. This exploration will take us through elemental investigation of the earthy foundational or grounded version of a pose towards its spacious, airy or ethereal counterpart. All Levels; one year Iyengar yoga experience required.

Friday, September 10, 6 – 8pm
CORE STABILITY – From Earth to Air
Saturday, September 11, 1 – 4pm
GRAVITY PLAY - On Our Arms and Other Things
Sunday, September 12, 1 – 4pm
SPACE AND GRACE – Freedom in Extension

IYILA is excited to welcome Carrie Owerko - a teacher whose grace, humor, and spirit inspires so many students of Iyengar yoga on the east coast. Carrie’s profound knowledge of the physical and philosophical aspects of yoga shine through in her classes, as she guides students through challenging and imaginative sequences that lead them to discover new depths in their practice and in themselves.

Carrie Owerko has been practicing yoga for many years and is a core faculty member of the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York. She holds an Intermediate Senior One teaching credential and serves as an assessor for the Iyengar National Association. She travels regularly to India to study with the Iyengar family and has had the honor of co-choreographing and performing in “Live-Light on Life,” a tribute to the life and works of B.K.S. Iyengar at New York City Center during his 2005 National Book Tour. Before devoting herself to the art and science of yoga, Carrie earned a BFA in Dance and Theater from Loretto Heights College and became a Certified Movement Analyst from the Laban Institute. She has spent years dancing, performing and exploring movement for communication and expression.


Introductory Courses

For students new to yoga or new to the Iyengar method, this course introduces the basic poses, principles of movement and posture, yoga philosophy and simple relaxation techniques.

Four Sundays, September 19 – October 10
1:30 - 3:00pm with Koren Paalman

In Iyengar yoga, weak parts are strengthened and stiff parts are stretched, thus awakening and realigning the whole body. Benefits include increased vitality and the reduction of stress and anxiety.

These are four-session courses, a cumulative experience with each class building on the one before it. Each course is limited to 15 students and the needs of each individual are addressed. Although not required before entering Level 1 classes at IYILA, this course is a great way to begin your study of Iyengar yoga or to refresh your understanding of the basics of the method.

All props, including yoga mats, are provided. Wear shorts or tights & come with an empty stomach. Yoga is practiced with bare feet.

Check back soon for sign-up forms or contact the Institute for more information.


Parivrtta Sthiti: Twists

A 4-Week Course with Garth McLean

Tuesdays, 6 – 7:30pm
September 7, 14, 21, 28
Course Fee: $78 ($68 on or before 8/31)
– With a Monthly or Annual Series: $18 ($8 on or before 8/31)
Series must be active for the duration of the 4 week course
Drop-in fee: $21
Six months Iyengar yoga experience required.

Parivrtta Sthiti. That’s Twisted!!

Challenging at times, twists have the potential to bring the practitioner to a state of neutrality.

On a physical level, the rotational extension of the spine gradually brings the spine to a neutral position from forward as well as backward extensions. On a more philosophical level, the rotational aspect of the central avenue of the body (the spine), offers another opportunity to look in all directions and ultimately deeper into the state where duality begins to subside.

Join us as we explore this challenging and contemplative family of asanas (postures).


Lower Back Care

An Iyengar Yoga Therapeutics workshop with Anna Delury

Sunday, October 3, 12:30 – 2:30pm.

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints in modern life. Anna used Iyengar yoga to treat and cure her own back condition and will bring her learning to bear in this class.

Techniques using a variety of props will be examined and performed to show how to prevent, alleviate, manage, and ultimately eliminate the pain associated with this disorder. The workshop will take place at the Iyengar Yoga Institute.


Manouso Manos

Weekend Workshop - October 15, 16, and 17

Manouso Manos is one of the most capable and experienced of the Senior Iyengar Yoga Teachers. He holds one of only two Advanced Senior certificates granted worldwide by B.K.S. Iyengar.

He began his studies with Sri B.K.S. Iyengar in 1976, and served as chairperson of the First International Iyengar Yoga Convention in 1984. After numerous trips to Pune, India and over 3 decades of personal practice, his understanding of and insights into Iyengar yoga are conveyed with authenticity and precision.

Methodical in his teaching, Manouso lays a solid foundation and progressively refines each of the asanas. His sense of humor and sensitivity shine through as his dynamic and challenging teaching style moves his students beyond their perceived limits.

  • Friday (All levels) 6 - 8pm
  • Saturday (All levels) 9 - 11am
  • Saturday (All levels) 12 - 2pm
  • Sunday (All Levels w/ 1 year Iyengar Yoga experience) 8am - 12pm
  • NO ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
  • 6 MONTHS IYENGAR YOGA REQUIRED

 

Photo ©2006 Karen Lee Fisher (all rights reserved)


Prenatal Yoga

A continuing series at the Institute

with Diane Gysbers

“The child in the womb is the product of the living thought of the mother throughout her pregnancy. The healthy body and the healthy mind of the would-be mother provide the fertile soil for the physical, mental and spiritual growth of the child.

It is my conviction that Yoga helps a mother in delivering a robust and healthy child. It keeps her body trim and lessens the tension in her nerves and mind by teaching her the art of relaxation.”
- BKS Iyengar

In this course you will learn simple asanas (yoga poses) that are designed to keep the mother healthy during pregnancy as well as increase sensitivity to the baby and its growth. These asanas aid digestion, circulation, ease breathing and ensure maximum room for the growth and motion of the fetus. Additionally the practice of the asanas is calming and provides stress relief for the mother. It is best to join the class no later than the 28th week of pregnancy if you have not been doing Iyengar Yoga on a regular basis during your pregnancy.

Tuesdays, 12:30 - 2:00pm
Series of six prenatal classes: $108.
Drop-ins are welcome and the fee is $21 per class.
No previous yoga experience is necessary.


Yoga for Teens, ages 13-19

a continuing course with Koren Paalman

Tuesdays, 4:30 - 5:30pm
Single Class    $10
5 Class Series    $45
10 Class Series    $80

 

  • Yoga reduces stress & anxiety & improves your mood!
  • Yoga makes you feel better about your body!
  • Bring a friend along or come alone!

 

Come stretch, strengthen & balance your body & mind with other teens!

Find out how yoga can help you with grades, tests, homework, teachers, parents & friends.

Take this class to get more flexibility and strength for athletics or just for fun.

You may get credit for this class, ask your counselor. How cool is that?

Koren is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher with a BA in Psychology from UCLA and an MS in Education from USC. In 1998 Koren created the first yoga program for credit in the Los Angeles Unified School District where she also taught psychology and health to at-risk inner city teens.

Since 2002 Koren has visited India every other year to study with BKS Iyengar and his daughter Geeta Iyengar.

The LA Weekly described Koren as: “strict but funny and soothingly coaxing”(9/4/03-Considerable People). She teaches yoga throughout Los Angeles and at her own yoga studio in Venice. For more information about Koren, check the back-side of the flyer.

A consent waiver card (available at the Institute) must be signed by a parent for all students under 18.


Yoga for Kids! Ages: 6 - 12

 

with Koren Paalman

 

Come Play! We will be learning yoga asanas (postures) for children in a supportive, inclusive, energetic, positive and creative environment. Together we will bring out the natural yogi that exists within each of us! Moving and breathing consciously through asanas helps kids increase self-awareness and self-confidence. Through yoga games, stories and the safe progressive approach of the Iyengar method, participants will explore their own unique moving and thinking bodies.

    Benefits include:
  • Improvement of Motor Skills and Physical Fitness
  • Develop Awareness of the Senses
  • Foster Emotional Growth
  • Build Social Skills
  • Encourage Creativity

Thursdays, 4:30 - 5:30pm
Single Class: $10
5 Class Series:  $45
10 Class Series:  $80

No previous yoga experience is necessary.


Special Schedule
Labor Day – Monday, September 6
9:30-11:00 am – All Levels with Marla Apt
All other classes with be canceled for the holiday
Institute Hours will be 9:00 am–12:00 pm
Normal class schedule will resume Tuesday, September 7

Limited Time Offer
10% Off Annual Unlimited
Purchase No Later than September 7

Upcoming

From Earth to Air
with Carrie Owerko

a weekend workshop
September 10 – 12

Parivrtta Sthiti: Twists
A 4-Week Course with Garth McLean

September 7, 14, 21, 28

Earn Classes at IYILA!

Do you want to earn classes at IYILA? Join our Work Study Program!

For more information and to apply, click here.

Directions to the Institute

We are located in the La Cienega Plaza shopping center at the corner of La Cienega Blvd. and 18th street, just north of the I-10 freeway. Other businesses in the plaza are Staples, Smart & Final, and LA Fitness.

Park in the 3-story structure in the back (entrances off of 18th street or Sawyer) and follow the Iyengar Yoga signs. Or park in the front surface lot and enter the building directly below the giant "Smart & Final" sign. We are on the second floor, directly across the hall from LA Fitness. The street address is 1835 South La Cienega Blvd.

View a map and get directions to the new location.

Props, Books, Yoga Clothes

The Institute now carries a full selection of props & books for your practice: mats, blankets, blocks, straps, chairs, bolsters, sandbags, slanting boards, eye wraps, T-shirts, cotton shorts, women's leggings, yoga pants and many, many books!

Call ahead for availability. 310-558-8212

Institute Office Hours

    Monday
  • 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
    and 3:30 to 7:30 PM
    Tuesday
  • 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
    and 5:30 to 8:00 PM
    Wednesday
  • 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
    and 3:30 to 8:00 PM
    Thursday
  • 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
    and 4:00 to 8:00 PM
    Friday
  • 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
    and 3:30 to 5:30 PM
    Saturday
  • 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM
    Sunday
  • 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
    and 4:00 to 8:00 PM

BKS Iyengar online

CNN's TalkAsia program recently featured an interview with BKS Iyengar and the program's host Anjali Rao.

You can read the transcript and view the video online at the CNN TalkAsia website.

Visit the Official website of BKS Iyengar

Photo Gallery

DSC_5020
 

Teacher Training Program

The B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles (IYILA) and the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Center of La Mesa (IYCLM) are pleased to present a three year comprehensive Yoga Training Program created with direct input and continuous guidance from Sri Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. Established in 1992, this unique program is designed to meet the needs of yoga students who wish to deepen their experience and comprehension of Iyengar Yoga, as well as for those who envision teaching and for those who already teach yoga.

Read more about the teacher training program at the IYASC site.

Newsletter Sign Up

We send out an email newsletter on a semi-regular basis.

It contains news about upcoming events and special opportunities.

If you would like to start receiving the newsletter, sign up here: