Welcome to your journey to physical, physiological, psychological and spiritual health! Calgary Iyengar Yoga is here to inspire and support practice, development and community through the highest standards of Iyengar Yoga. Our mission is to honour and share the tradition of B.K.S. Iyengar’s teachings, steeped in Patanjali’s yoga. Our community welcomes new and continuing students of any age, race, religion, gender, fitness level, identity and body type to access an ancient tradition with a contemporary, intelligent, personalized and heartfelt approach.

2 weeks of unlimited classes | begins on the date of first visit after purchase | you’ll receive unlimited access to live online, in-person and on-demand classes!

click here to learn a little more about CIY

This practice helps you take your awareness into areas of the body and revitalize them. We use a specific method of sequencing and accessing the postures that balance the body and mind and develops focus, insight, vitality and deep relaxation. Iyengar yoga helps you develop muscular tone, flexibility, alignment, stamina and precision in action. Concentration is improved as the practice trains and disciplines the mind. Iyengar yoga is often called ‘meditation-in-action’. Regular practice reduces tiredness and soothes the nerves.

Deepen your understanding of how your body works, your strengths and your limitations. You will learn progressively and have access to props and variations so the practice meets you, wherever you’re at. We welcome beginners, experienced practitioners and students of other yoga traditions. Consider your interests and goals and let us know if you’re working with any injuries, limitations and health concerns. Teachers are highly trained and we accommodate and address all special needs and physical limitations you are working with.

Get started! Try a class or contact us. We will help you choose the right class and map your journey. Classes are available in person, live online + on demand.

*Online students: when creating your account in MindBody, please check off the appropriate email subscriptions to ensure you receive the Zoom link to your class.

Check out these free resources to enhance your journey.

Home Practice Tips
+tips and benefits of single postures and mini sequences via our YouTube Channel.

Friday Virtual Chai Lounge
+Continuing our in studio, post-practice ritual of sharing a cup of chai and conversation, join us for this virtual experience of coming together. We invite friends and newcomers from near and far for this informal gathering. The session includes readings and discussion from BKS Iyengar's books. Sign up via the schedule page.

I’m new. What should I expect?

In each class you’ll be guided through a sequence of postures, learning to stretch, strengthen and balance, with attention and awareness. You’ll be introduced to standing poses, seated poses, inversions, back bends, and breathing exercises. The teacher will give instructions, demonstrations and adjustments (for in-person classes) to deepen your understanding of the pose, the practice and yourself. Classes are a combination of shared practice and learning. No two classes are the same. The variation in the content of the class is based on the level and condition of the students, the time of day, the season and many other factors.

Do I need to be flexible to practice Iyengar yoga? What if I have an injury, limitations or a health concern?

You don’t have to be flexible to practice Iyengar yoga. The prerequisites for practice are sincerity and an open mind. Iyengar yoga has many recuperative, therapeutic and rehabilitative effects and applications. Consult with us for further details about how Iyengar yoga can meet your needs.

Why are props used in Iyengar yoga?

Props can be used to create optimal body alignment, make poses or actions accessible to those with physical limitations, help you hold the poses longer, make the poses safe, highlight a particular aspect of a pose and your understanding, enhance the recuperative effects, increase sensitivity and find the balance of effort and relaxation. Props include sticky mats, blankets, belts, blocks, chairs, benches, wall ropes, sandbags, dowels, slant boards, trestles and other objects that help students experience the practice more effectively. If you’re attending virtual classes and don’t have props, check out this video which explains what household items can be used to replace props. If you’d like to purchase props, check out PropShop.

How many times a week should I attend classes?

You will notice benefits attending once per week and we recommend attending 2-3 times per week or more for learning and steady progression, particularly at the beginning of your journey. Home practice is also encouraged, even for a few minutes daily, to integrate learning, for self-study and to amplify the benefits of in-class practice. New students may take some time to develop a home practice and we offer tools to assist you with this. Ask us and check out our resources page for home practice information.

What should I wear? What should I bring?

We recommend wearing shorts or leggings and a t-shirt. Some students like to have an extra layer to wear at the beginning and end of class. Clothing should be freshly laundered, modest and comfortable. For in-person classes, you can bring a yoga mat or borrow one from the Centre. All props are provided for in-person classes and we ask that you please keep all personal belongings including cell phones and water bottles outside of the classroom. Please put your cell phone on silent or leave at home or in your car.

How early should I come for my first class? How should I prepare for practice?

Arrive 10-15 minutes early for in-person classes and 5-10 minutes early for virtual classes to meet the teacher and get acquainted with the Centre (for in-person). Set up your mat and props and settle in a few minutes early to create a quiet, inward focus. Come to class on an empty stomach. Avoid drinking water or chewing gum during class. Come to class with clean hands and feet. Tie hair back and tuck in your t-shirt. Please refrain from wearing any strong scents or perfumes to in-person classes.

What are the invocations and why are they chanted at the beginning of class?

Class begins with a few minutes of sitting quietly followed by chanting three aums and the invocation to Patanjali, sometimes followed by other invocations. The invocations help create an inner atmosphere of receptivity. Through the invocations we offer thanks to our teachers, for our lineage and for the opportunity for practice together. You can access a copy of the invocations via our resources page.

What if I arrive late?

For in-person classes, please wait until the invocations are finished before coming in. Come in quietly, gather your props and join the class. For virtual classes, come in and we recommend turning on your video and sending the teacher a ‘chat’ letting them know if you have any injuries, health concerns and which props you have.