Iyengar Yoga Level 1
What is Iyengar Yoga?
The main principle of Iyengar yoga according to B.K.S. Iyengar is alignment of the body in asana.
Correct alignment:
minimizes the risk of injury,
enables deeper and safer stretching and strengthening,
develops stability, balance, and control of movement,
promotes conscious awareness of the body and connection between the body and breath.
Level L1 (L1) is the introductory level of Iyengar Yoga, designed for beginners and those who want to gain a solid technical foundation. At this level, we focus on the correct execution of basic asanas, safe alignment, and body awareness. With the help of props such as blocks, straps, blankets, or the wall, the practice is accessible to everyone, regardless of experience or physical ability.
L1 asanas mainly include basic standing poses, stable seated poses, gentle forward and back bends, simple rotations, and preparatory inverted poses. Their goal is to develop proper body alignment, leg strength, shoulder opening, spinal lengthening, and the connection between breath and movement. Poses are held for shorter periods of time, and the emphasis is on understanding the principles rather than performance.
Level L1 provides a solid structure that helps to gradually build stability, flexibility, balance, and body awareness. It is an ideal place for a safe and conscious start to Iyengar Yoga and provides the foundation on which further levels of practice are built.
Goals and benefits of L1:
Learn basic asanas and how to perform them safely
Develop strength, flexibility, and stability
Connect movement with breath and improve body awareness
Build a solid foundation for more advanced practice
Examples of L1 asanas:
Tadasana, Virabhadrasana I, Virabhadrasana II, Utthita Trikonasana, Vrksasana (easier), Sukhasana, Janu Sirsasana, Paschimottanasana, Bhujangasana, Setu Bandhasana (basic), Adho Mukha Svanasana (easier), Savasana, basic pranayama
Instructors:
Tereza, Livie, Andrea, Mlada
