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Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started
- How do I begin to study Iyengar Yoga?
- Where do I found a Iyengar Yoga class?
- What should I wear?
- What about equipment?
- Can I eat before classes?
- How often should I come to classes?
- What else do I need to know before attending a class?
- How much do classes cost? Do you do any drop in classes? Do you have concessions?
- Do I need to book in advance?
Yoga benefits and suitable classes
- What are the benefits of yoga?
- I have an injury, a bad back or other health problems. Can yoga help?
- What if I'm not flexible?
- Is there an age limit to starting Yoga?
- What if I have a physical problem?
- I’m pregnant. Can I still practise yoga?
- What about yoga for the reduction of stress?
More about Yoga
- What is Yoga? What is Iyengar yoga?
- How do I know that my teacher is a certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher?
- Will I be taught meditation?
- Is Yoga a religion? Do you do chanting?
- Where can I find the words of the Invocation to Patangali?
More about SADIYA
If you have any other questions you would like to see in this section please contact us and let us know.
Getting started...
How do I begin to study Iyengar Yoga?
Absolute beginners are advised to start in an Introductory or Beginner class. Those with some experience of other styles of yoga should come to a Beginners class first, where teachers can recommend a more suitable class if appropriate.
Where do I found a Iyengar Yoga class?
All Iyengar yoga teachers in Sheffield are part of SADIYA and are listed on this website (see Iyengar Yoga Teachers page). To find a Iyengar class close to you, at a time taht suit you, with a particular teacher or with the appropriate level or specialistation please check our Yoga Classes page.
To check or look for additional Iyengar Yoga classes in the UK please go to the Iyengar Yoga Association (UK) website where you will be able to search for a class in your area.
What should I wear?
Yoga is always practiced bare feet. You can wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely. Please avoid anything baggy or too long as it is important that you and your teacher can see your feet, ankles and knees to check that there are correctly aligned.
Most people wear shorts or leggings and a T-shirt.
What about equipment?
Some classes are fully equipped, in others you will need to bring your equipment. Do check with the teacher. It is recommended that you acquire a basic set of props (typically mat, 4 blocks, 2 bricks, 1 belt and 1 blanket) to use in class or to practise at home.
We do sell equipment at the Sheffield Yoga Centre for students that are members of SADIYA or attend a Iyengar yoga classes in Sheffield. Details can be found in the Sheffield Yoga Centre page. Please ask your teacher.
Can I eat before classes?
Yoga should be practised on an empty stomach, so try to leave at least three hours after a main meal or two hours after a snack or drink.
How often should I come to classes?
As often as you like. At least once a week is recommended. You need to attend regularly to make progress.
What else do I need to know before attending a class?
Please leave shoes outside the yoga room and switch off mobile phones.
Food, chewing gum and drinks aren’t allowed in the yoga room.
Take all your valuables into class with you.
Please keep jewellery to a minimum and avoid wearing strong perfumes.
How much do classes cost? Do you do any drop in classes? Do you have concessions?
Please check details of the class fees on websites or ask the teacher if unsure.
Most classes welcome visitors but typically do not operate a casual drop-in system as this does not create a good learning environment. However, drop-in classes are often organised during the holiday period.
As k you teacher whether concessions are available.
Do I need to book in advance?
Places are limited in some classes and workshops. Please ask your teacher if unsure.
Yoga benefits and suitable classes
What are the benefits of yoga?
Yoga builds strength and stamina, improves flexibility, muscle tone and posture and calms the mind. Regular practice develops awareness and concentration and promotes general wellbeing. There are numerous documented health benefits.
I have an injury, a bad back or other health problems. Can yoga help?
Many students start practising with back pain, or other common ailments and they find yoga helps. Tell your teacher about any injuries or health problems before the class starts. For certain conditions such as the ones listed below you will be advised to attend a specialised remedial class in which you will shown how to practise in a precise and appropriate way.
1. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
2. Conditions associated with heart disease
3. Cancer or benign tumours
4. Epilepsy including Petit Mal
5. Diabetes
6. Meniere’s Disease
7. Detached retina
8. AIDS
9. MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
10. ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis)
11. Recent post-operative conditions
What if I'm not flexible?
Beginner students are stiff more often than not. The postures are designed to increase flexibility. Equally important benefits of yoga, however, are increased strength and endurance.
Is there an age limit to starting Yoga?
There is no age limit to starting Yoga, but if you have any health problems we advise you to attend a Remedial Class so that we can help you individually.
What if I have a physical problem?
The practice of yoga avoids shocks to the system and abrupt movements. If you have a physical limitation, please inform your teacher of your condition and of any recommendations from your physician.
I’m pregnant. Can I still practise yoga?
Yes, but some teachers are not permitted to teach new students who are pregnant. if you have not done any yoga before, you should wait until your 16th week and attend a specialised pregnancy class. Only students with Iyengar yoga experience may carry on attending a public class during their pregnancy.
What about yoga for the reduction of stress?
Yoga is a recognized tool for stress management. It educates the body to recognize and release stored tension.
More about Yoga
What is Yoga? What is Iyengar yoga?
Yoga is one of the oldest systems of personal development in the world. Yoga practice both relaxes and energizes the body and mind and brings vitality, flexibility, strength, concentration, self-confidence and mental calm.
Iyengar Yoga is a carefully graded and systematic teaching programme that makes yoga very accessible to everyone, even those with injuries or illnesses, and allows yoga students to progress and practice safely.
How do I know that my teacher is a certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher?
All of the teachers listed on this site (see Iyengar Yoga Teachers page) are certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers. 
The Certification Mark is a registered trade mark awarded to teachers who are approved members of the Iyengar Yoga Association (UK).
Only properly trained and certified teachers who have maintained their professional development are legally permitted to use this logo.
To check or look for additional Iyengar Yoga Teachers in the UK please go to the Iyengar Yoga Association (UK) website
where you will be able to search for a teacher in your area.
Will I be taught meditation?
The meditative aspect of Iyengar yoga springs form the complete concentration and participation of body, mind and spirit in a posture. This total involvement in the posture is meditation and is taught in a dynamic, straightforward way.
Is Yoga a religion? Do you do chanting?
Yoga is not a religion; it is a practical philosophy. People of all persuasions use Yoga practice to help them achieve their goals. Chanting is not an essential part of Yoga practice: it is done in some classes, not in others. Ask you teacher if unsure.
Where can I find the words of the Invocation to Patangali?
You can find the Sanskrit text, an English translation and get access to a sound file of the Invocation to Patangali in our page on Iyengar yoga.
More about SADIYA
What is SADIYA?
Sheffield And District Iyengar Yoga Association or SADIYA is an association of Yoga teachers and students in and around Sheffield who work together to support teachers, organise yoga events, publish a regular newsletter and promote Iyengar Yoga. SADIYA is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity that has been in existence since 2001.
For additional details or to join us please check our About SADIYA page. You do not need to be a member to attend the classes or workshops organised by SADIYA but your contribution will help the association grow and better meet the need of the Iyengar yoga communauty in the region. And you will receive our newletters, get access to our library and may get a discount on some yoga events!
What is the relationship between SADIYA and the Sheffield Yoga Centre?
In the About SADIYA page you can find a document summarising the main objectives of SADIYA and clarifying its links with the Sheffield Yoga Centre.
