La Hasta - Iyengar Yoga in the Ariege Pyrenees Mountains.

Yoga is one of the oldest systems of personal development in the world. This system of balancing the body, mind and spirit was formulated by ancient yogis, who understood man's essential nature and realised a way to utilise all of man's inner resources to live in harmony with himself and the environment.

Pupils learn through a carefully graded and systematic programme of asana (posture). Pranayama (breath control) is gradually introduced once students have a firm foundation of yoga practise. Yoga practice both relaxes and energizes the body and mind and brings vitality, flexibility, strength, concentration,self-confidence and mental calm. Yoga is suitable for all types of people and all levels of fitness.

Practicing Yoga helps you overcome and prevent many stresses, strains, aches and pains. It promotes a firm foundation for health and well-being.

The world's most widely practised method of Yoga is that taught by Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, India. Born on December 14, 1918, in Bellur, India, he has studied and practised Yoga continuously for over 70 years.

Iyengar's thorough study, understanding and mastery of Yoga are unrivalled in modern times. Having taught in all five continents, he has won worldwide respect and recognition for his achievements and has made Yoga accessible and relevant to people everywhere, no matter what their physical or mental ability.

He continues to set the standard for his teachers and students while his textbooks on Yoga have become classics. There are over 2000 qualified Iyengar Yoga teachers in the world in over 40 countries with over 180 Iyengar Yoga Associations worldwide.

The system of teaching is methodical and progressive,emphasising detailed correctness and absolute safety. When necessary,it uses supports called "props" that allow students to progress in their practice of postures safely at their own pace, to suit their body. Beginners work in a basic way on simple postures according to their capabilities. As they develop they then move on to more refined ways of working as well as to more complex postures.

Sam took up Iyengar Yoga more than 15 years ago and has been a full qualified Iyengar Yoga teacher since 2005.

© La Hasta 2012