WELCOME TO NORTHLAKE YOGA
IYENGAR YOGA ROOM IN WANAKA
ABOUT IYENGAR YOGA
Yoga is for everyone
Iyengar Yoga is named after B. K. S. Iyengar (1918 - 2014). Mr. Iyengar devoted his life to the evolution of his approach to yoga, based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga taught over 2500 years ago by the sage Patanjali. Mr. Iyengar states that yoga goes beyond being a physical discipline- it is also an art, a science, and a philosophy.
Iyengar Yoga is accessible for all ages and all body types. It is known for its focus on precision and timing and the use of props that help the practitioner achieve perfection in any asana. Different props such as belts, blocks, blankets, bolsters and chairs can be used as aids to explore and learn to perform asanas.
Regular practice of Iyengar Yoga integrates the body, mind, and emotions.The word yoga comes from the root word ‘Yuj’ meaning ‘Union’, the coming together of the body, mind and spirit. Guruji B.K.S Iyengar has said: " Yoga uses the body -the container- to touch the content -the soul".
One of the key factors when practicing Iyengar yoga asanas is to align the muscles and joints so that intelligence and energy can flow through the body and mind freely.
TEACHERS
SIRPA GARDNER
Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher
I have practiced Iyengar Yoga since 2006 and started teaching as a certified Iyengar yoga teacher in 2016. Before I began teaching yoga full time I practiced as a Registered Nurse for over 30 years. Health and wellbeing has been part of my life all my adulthood. I completed masters degree of Health Sciences 2002 at Turku university in Finland. Yoga and teaching yoga is a journey, learning never ends it just deepens. I continue studying yoga with the senior Iyengar yoga teachers in New Zealand, Australia and in U S A via online tutoring and in organised Workshops and I attend to regular teacher development courses. To inspire and to be inspired by others is my goal when teaching yoga. I will always continue being a student of yoga and wish my students to become students of this beautiful art as well.
ABOUT THE TEACHER
" Asana is not just a physical performance.See how your mind goes into asana, how your intelligence goes everywhere and you feel presence everywhere"
B.K.S. Iyengar, 1918 - 2014
KASIA PODGORNI
Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher
I’ve been practicing Iyengar yoga since 2006. I come from Poland, where I got certified and was teaching since 2009. From 2015 I started training and assessing other teachers. Throughout the years I attended countless workshops with European and American Senior Iyengar Yoga teachers and I visited Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, RIMYI in Pune twice. I appreciate the variety and beauty of Iyengar method. I believe that everyone can find in Iyengar a way of practice that will bring joy, tranquillity and light into their lives. In my own practice I combine dynamic sequencing and precise, intricate technical work. Although this reflects in my teaching, I remain considerate of my students’ needs. I have vast experience in teaching yoga therapy (from structural injuries to organic and mental problems), and yoga for athletes (specifically for runners and climbers, also trained a Paralympian long jumper).
