Graham Williams Yoga Class Levels:

Introduction to Iyengar Yoga: This class is for absolute beginners who have never done Iyengar yoga before and/or it has been a while since you have had a class. In this class you will become familiar to the Iyengar method with the fundamentals of yoga postures.

Beginners I: This class is not for absolute beginners. One must have at least 6 months Iyengar Yoga experience. We will continue to learn the foundational standing poses, forward bends, twists and simple back bends. One will learn Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) and Halasana (plow pose) or a modification that is appropriate for your body..  Beginners I is similar to a Level I class, however it is not at such a strong, active pace. If you have a current injury that prevents you from doing poses this would be a better class for you!

Level I: This class is for continuing students that have taken my Introductory and/or Beginners I class or have at least 6 months to one year of yoga experience (preferably Iyengar yoga). If you would like to be challenged a little more this class is the one for you!  We will continue to learn the foundational standing poses, forward bends, twists and simple back bends, as well as some inversions: Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) , Halasana (plow pose) , preparation for Salamba Sirsasana and learning how to kick up into Adho Mukha Vrksasana (hand stand). Modifications will be taught for those that have medical/physical conditions and are unable to work with the full inversions.

Level  I/II: Deeper and expanded study of the foundation learned in Level  I. One will learn how to kick up and stay in Salamba Sirsasana(headstand) at the wall,  and refine the practice of Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) with variations. Intermediate backbends will be introduced with and without props. Students should be well practiced in the Level I postures, including Salamba Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) and Halasana (plow pose). Modifications will be taught for those that have medical/physical conditions and are unable to work with the full inversions.

Level  II: This class is for students who are developing a home practice from an understanding of the postures and willing to go more deeply. 2 years experience of weekly Iyengar classes are a must! One must be strong in standing poses, can do Salamba Sirsasana (headstand) at the wall with a willingness to move away, Salamba Sarvanagasana (shoulder stand), Halasana(plow),  Adho Mukha Vrksasana(handstand), and push up into Urdhva Dhanurasana( Upward Bow Pose) without assistance. One must know modifications if any of these are not able to be done without assistance.

Gentle Yoga: For continuing students who because they are stiff, not very strong or have certain limitations would prefer and/or benefit from this one hour more moderately paced and less intense class. Many supine(lying down) Restorative poses will be taught. **6 months of yoga experience required.**