About Me
Annemarie first began yoga as a teenager in New York where it was incorporated with a martial arts class she was taking. I discovered the Iyengar method in 1997 and noticed the intelligence, precision and clarity that came with it and the benefits: a feeling of well-being, calm and challenge. I love its connections and the worldwide community that comes from its lineage and rigorous methodology.
I was inspired to become a teacher after the 2009 UK convention taught by Geeta Iyengar. I remember being astounded by how Geeta taught - with remarkable depth and eagle eyes – no matter how many of us were in the room! I became a teacher in 2014 and now hold a Level 3 certification. I like to teach with care for the yoga as well as the people in the room and when appropriate with a sprinkling of humour too. With over 20 years of experience facilitating self-awareness and team development I feel yoga offers those connections to self and therefore others as well.
BKS Iyengar in Mayurasana
About Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar yoga is about the awareness and understanding you have and develop of yoga, and not ‘how flexible you are – or not’.
It is methodical and progressive, emphasising detailed correctness and safety while practicing. The key elements are attention to alignment, specific sequencing of postures, the use of props, and modifications and timings. It is like a toolbox for life - depending on what issues are at hand, you can take out various tools to help support you.
Students can expect to be given verbal and occasionally physical corrections as well as props which can either support, intensify or give direction to their understanding of poses and pranayama.
What kind of training does an Iyengar yoga teacher have?
All Iyengar yoga teachers are trained to rigorously high standards. After training regularly with a qualified teacher for a minimum of three consecutive years, candidates undertake a three year teacher mentoring programme followed by the Level 1 assessment. After Level 1, teachers have the option to study for further levels. Teachers must continue to practice regularly and complete professional development each year in order to maintain their membership of the Association. In this way the care and precision that characterises Iyengar yoga is maintained.
These high teaching standards are part of the reason Iyengar Yoga is the most widely performed method of yoga worldwide. Our Certification Mark is the guarantee of this quality
Who was BKS Iyengar?
BKS Iyengar devoted his life (1918-2014) to the practice and understanding of yoga and the study of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. During more than seventy years of teaching, he developed the innovative and inspired method of yoga, which is taught under his name. Iyengar Yoga is not only one of the world’s most widely practiced methods of yoga; its principles are now incorporated into the teaching of yoga under many names as well as into many other forms of exercise, therapy and movement.
The tradition of further developing this art and science continues through the teachings of his family Prashant and other senior teachers at the Ramamani Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune, India.
In 1966 his book ‘Light on Yoga’ was published, and is known as the definitive guide to the philosophy and practice of yoga. It is regularly used by Iyengar practitioners and teachers to further their understanding and refinement of yoga asanas.
