Iyengar Yoga Center goes to Rockwell

MANILA, Philippines - The Iyengar Yoga Center Manila (IYCM) marks the opening of its new studio at the Rockwell Center with an Iyengar summer course for children from May 3 to May 28, a 10-class introductory course to Iyengar yoga on May 24 -June 4, and a workshop for beginning and experienced practictioners with visiting senior Iyengar Yoga teacher Devki Desai on May 20-22.

The children’s yoga series, open to children from ages seven to 15, is designed as a fun way to introduce youngsters to the practice and system of yoga. The class will be fast-paced and active to keep children involved and challenged while familiarizing them with basic poses and the movements required for each asana. The classes will be held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9-10 a.m. Course fee is P2,500 for 12 classes.

The introductory course is for beginners, those with no prior experience in yoga, as well as those who have done yoga but are unfamiliar with the Iyengar style or have lapsed in their practice. The course will cover basic asana in detail, as well as information on Iyengar yoga. The classes will be held Monday to Friday at 12 to 1 p.m. Course fee is P2,000 for 10 classes.

One of the senior teachers at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India, where living yoga master BKS Iyengar or “Guriji” lives to this day, Devki Desai has been a student of Guruji and his children Geeta and Prashant for over 30 years, and has traveled all over the world to conduct workshops. Devki will conduct noontime and early evening sessions, five two-hour sessions, and one three-hour session, which are open to students of all levels. Fee is P1,600 per two-hour session, P2,400 for the three-hour session, with discounted rates if the student joins three sessions or more.

Developed by BKS Iyengar, Iyengar yoga emphasizes alignment, precision, and correct form when doing the asana. It is a systematic approach to this 5,000-year-old belief system that uses props and detailed instruction to help improve posture, strengthen muscles and bones, and promote physical and mental well-being.

All classes will be held at the Iyengar Yoga Center Manila, 4th floor, Joya South Tower, Rockwell Center, Makati City. Call 753-4495 or 0917-5359711; e-mail info@iyengaryogamanila.com or log on to www.iyengaryogamanila.com for details.