At Unity Woods we teach only Iyengar Yoga.

Iyengar Yoga, based on the teachings of Yoga Master B.K.S. Iyengar, is rooted in the 2,500 year old classical yoga tradition of the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. One of the world’s most widely practiced forms of yoga, Iyengar Yoga cultivates Self-awareness by emphasizing alignment and integration of body, breath, mind, and spirit through postures (asanas) and yogic breathing (pranayama). Precise alignment and attention to detail inherent in this method build strength and stamina, balance and flexibility, avoid injury, maximize benefits, and instill a profound sense of well-being.

B.K.S. Iyengar developed his innovative and inspired approach to yoga through intense practice and self-study. His classic text, Light on Yoga, often described as the bible of yoga, has been continuously in print since originally published in 1966. It has been translated into at least 23 different languages and has sold over 3 million copies. 

When B.K.S. Iyengar brought his pioneering approach to yoga to the west in the 1960’s and 70’s, he ushered in today’s explosive growth in the popularity of yoga. For his seminal role in making yoga a ubiquitous element of mainstream culture, Time magazine declared Mr. Iyengar to be one of the 100 “most powerful and influential people” in the world.

Another of the many reasons for this recognition is Mr. Iyengar’s development of yoga props, which revolutionized yoga teaching and practice. Now in yoga classes of all styles, the skillful use of equipment such as mats, chairs, straps, blocks, etc. enables everyone regardless of age, strength, or flexibility to benefit from the practice of yoga.

Iyengar Yoga is differentiated from other methods by a world-wide, standardized system of instruction. A Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) must train for years and pass rigorous evaluations to earn their certifications. This is unusual and significant at a time when teachers can be certified in a month in many other programs. Iyengar Yoga teachers are thoroughly grounded in anatomy, philosophy, pedagogy, and the various aspects of the art and science of yoga. Only CIYTs are permitted to describe their method of instruction as "Iyengar Yoga."

Iyengar Yoga is far more than simply exercise. It is a wake-up call for your entire being. Iyengar Yoga elevates the practice of asana from physical exercise to yoga by intelligent, conscious action and the refinement of awareness. When you infuse what might otherwise be mechanical movement with intelligent action, you transform your practice into a meditation in motion that illuminates the unconscious areas of your body and mind with the light of awareness.