Bonar Hutchison
Yogasarvasya
Class Information
Iyengar Yoga Student FAQ*
What is Iyengar Yoga?
(Click here for information)
I’m new to Iyengar yoga. Where do I start?
Complete beginners are advised to take a Foundation Yoga Course or attend a Level 1 class regularly.
After completing at least, two years of regular Level 1 classes students can then proceed to a Level 2 class .
For students with some experience of other styles of yoga it is usually recommended that they should attend a
Level 1, or General Level yoga class before proceeding to a yoga class more suitable to their level of experience.
What are the benefits of Iyengar 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 of yoga.
How often should I come to yoga classes?
As often as you like. At least once a week is recommended. You will need to attend regularly and consider a home practice to make good progress.
Do I need my own mat?
Students often prefer to bring their own, but please ask if there are any mats or any yoga equipment available for use at the studio.
What should I wear?
Wear clothes that allow you to move freely.
Avoid anything baggy or too long: it’s important you and the yoga teacher can see your knees and feet.
Most people wear shorts or leggings and a t-shirt. Yoga is always practised in bare feet.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, please make sure there is a space available for you when booking your place at the studio.
To avoid overcrowding, we like to limit numbers.
Classes are suitable for students over 16 years of age, unless stated otherwise.
Can I eat before yoga classes or drink water?
Yoga should be practiced on an empty stomach, therefore leave 3 - 4 hours after a main meal, 1 or 2 hours after a light snack. Please do not bring a water bottle into class; you should not need a drink during the class. Drinking water in a yoga class will interfere with the natural digestion process.
I’m pregnant. Can I still practise yoga?
Yes, but if you have not done any yoga before, you should wait until your 14th week and attend a specialised pregnancy yoga class which you may join at any time from the 14th up to the 28th week. Please check the website for suitable pregnancy classes. Only students with Iyengar yoga experience may stay with their normal class after the 28th week. Always make sure you inform your teacher that you are pregnant before you attend any classes.
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. Please advise your teacher about any injuries or health problems before booking your studio or online class or workshops. If there are any recent issues it is best to inform your teacher before the class begins.
Will I need corrections?
In Iyengar Yoga classes appropriate physical corrections may be made in class by qualified and experienced teachers to benefit the yoga student, help develop their practice and awareness and make the posture safer for them. Please discuss with your teacher before booking your class if you have any reservations about this.
If you have sight, hearing or any communication difficulties please also make sure you inform your teacher before booking your class
What else do I need to know?
• Leave shoes in the racks outside the studio and switch off mobile phones.
• Food, chewing gum and drinks are not allowed in the studios.
• You may take your valuables into class with you.
• Please keep jewellery to a minimum, and avoid wearing strong perfumes.
• The studio will not be held responsible for any lost or damaged property.
Yoga equipment to bring with you (if not already available at the studio) and to help aid your home practice:
Level 1: A yoga mat
General Level: 2 yoga bricks (*cork or wooden yoga bricks are usually more preferable), a 2m yoga belt and a yoga mat
Level 2: 2 yoga bricks*, a 2m yoga belts, 4 yoga blocks, a cotton yoga blanket and a yoga mat
Level 3: 2 yoga bricks*, 2x 2m yoga belts, 4 yoga blocks, a cotton yoga blanket and a yoga mat (a bolster and yoga chair for home practice if available)
Recommended Iyengar Yoga Reference & Practice Books:

‘Light on Yoga’ by BKS Iyengar,

‘Yoga Wisdom and Practice’ by BKS Iyengar,

‘Yoga: a Gem for Women’ by Geeta Iyengar,

‘Yoga the Path to Holistic Health’ by BKS Iyengar,

'Yoga for Sports' by BKS Iyengar,

‘Light on Life’ by BKS Iyengar,

‘The Tree of Yoga’ by BKS Iyengar
​
Recommended Practice Books for Beginners, Level 1 and 2:

‘Yoga in Action: Preliminary Course’ by Geeta Iyengar

‘Iyengar Yoga’ by Judy Smith
Recommended Practice Books for Level 2 and 3: 

‘Yoga in Action: Intermediate Course 1’ by Geeta Iyengar
‘Light on Yoga’ by BKS Iyengar,

‘Light on Pranayama’ by B.K.S. Iyengar
​
(*Most of this information has been adapted from the Iyengar Yoga Maida Vale, London)
Testimonials
“I would highly recommend Bonar’s classes. He is a dedicated iyengar teacher and his students benefit from learning yoga in its purist form. He offers a range of classes to suit all levels so something for everyone.”
Joanne
“It would be very difficult for me to go to another yoga studio now. Bonar's teachings have changed the way that I practice yoga and the way that I perceive yoga. There are yoga asanas that I avoided practising a year ago due to fear of injury or discomfort. With Bonar's patience, persistence and intuition I have become stronger and more grounded in every asana. One of my (non-Iyengar) yoga teachers in Sydney once told me that you will learn more about the practice of yoga asanas from a good Iyengar teacher than from any other yoga teacher. I am very grateful to have found not just a good Iyengar teacher but a truly great one.”
Megan
“Bonar has been a really good teacher whom I really found to be very disciplined and follows the original teachings of Yoga from Mr Iyengar, whom had given us the greatest gift of all to humanity.”
Maren
“I have been learning Iyengar Yoga with Bonar at Yogasarvasya Studio for the past 4 years. It has quite transformative for me on many levels: I am so much more aware of my body and mind and am really enjoying the journey. Bonar is a fantastic teacher: deeply knowledgeable, highly sensitive and extremely precise. I would encourage anyone thinking about trying Yoga to give Bonar a try."
David
“I thought I’d been doing yoga on and off in various classes for twenty years until I went to Yogasarvasya studio and met Bonar. The Iyengar method taught here finally feels like “proper” yoga. The teaching is accurate, safe, and inspiring and Bonar is highly knowledgeable and passionate about his teaching. Under his guidance my practice is blossoming into everything I always hoped it could be and become an essential part of my wellbeing.”
Heidi
“Exemplary, safe and supportive teaching. A superb venue to learn and improve your yoga practice.”
Janice
“Great classes and workshops with Bonar. I highly recommend coming along to try them for yourself! This studio has been a great place to enjoy and develop my yoga practice. Bonar brings a real depth of knowledge and experience to his teaching.”
Joan
"Bonar's class allows me to focus on my postures and stretches rather than just the breath, which comes in due course. Hard work but very beneficial. Bonar is an experienced and excellent teacher who practices what he teaches.”
Mary
“I’ve been coming to Bonar’s classes at Yogasarvasya for more than 5 years. Learning Iyengar yoga has helped me manage my hip problem and get a much better understanding of yoga and Bonar’s teaching is accessible and clear to follow, even if like me you don’t have much background in yoga before you start. It’s also great to be able to go to workshops with senior teachers from all over the world through the studio.
Beth
“I can’t recommend Bonar enough! He has helped me with my yoga from been a beginner, and is very knowledgable! I loved this yoga place from day one and I am so glad I can practice yoga with him at Yogasarvasya.”
Jordan
“Not only is Iyengar Yoga a thorough and safe form of yoga that every body can do without fear of injury; Yogasarvasya is also a warm and welcoming studio for beginners and advanced practitioners. There is a living link with the Ramamani Memorial Institute and Guruji's legacy. And all the teachers really know their stuff!”
Tina
“I’ve been attending Bonar’s classes for many years now. I love his style of teaching and love that he pushes me to my limits, understanding where work needs done. With regular sessions, I learned and achieved more than I have done at any other yoga studio. And no matter what, I always leave Bonar’s studio feeling 100 x better than when I arrived! I’ve been missing his classes since the beginning of lockdown in March/April 2020 and would jump at the chance to attend virtually too.”
Jo
“Bonar is an excellent teacher of Iyenger Yoga ...especially helpful for those new to that style. I found 1:1 particularly helpful when ‘getting back into yoga’ after a break of several years.”
Alison
“An Inclusive and friendly class! The Instructor was very knowledgeable and helped me progress throughout the class block. Best yoga studio I have been to. I would highly recommend.”
Clare
“I started with Bonar as a complete beginner and consider myself very lucky that I happened to come to this studio first. Iyengar yoga has helped me in every aspect of my life and the combination of strict and funny make Bonar a great teacher who I'd recommend
to everyone!“
Ali
