Iyengar Yoga Sunday Session with Rachel Lovegrove

We recently had the pleasure of hosting an Iyengar Yoga session led by the highly skilled and insightful Rachel Lovegrove. This session was a reflective journey into the world of standing postures and arm balances, enhanced by the meticulous use of props to ensure proper alignment and accessibility for practitioners of all levels.

From the moment we began, it was clear that Rachel's approach to teaching Iyengar Yoga is both thoughtful and highly effective. We started with a series of standing postures, where Rachel's keen eye for alignment was evident. She guided us through each posture with precision, using brick blocks to help us find stability and correct positioning. This attention to detail made a noticeable difference to many attendees practice, allowing them to experience the full benefits of each pose.

The session then transitioned into preparation work for arm balances, where Rachel introduced various supportive props such as blocks, walls, and straps. This preparatory work was crucial in building the necessary core strength and alignment needed for more advanced poses like Headstand (Sirsasana), Tolasana, and Lolasana. Rachel's clear instructions and demonstrations made these challenging poses more accessible, even for those new to arm balances.

One of the highlights of the session was the exploration of Bakasana (Crow Pose) and Parsva Bakasana (Side Crow Pose). Rachel's expert guidance and the use of props helped us achieve these demanding arm balances with confidence and stability. The detailed alignment checks and supportive props made these poses feel more attainable, particularly for those who might typically find them intimidating

Overall, Rachel Lovegrove's Iyengar Yoga session was a masterclass in alignment, strength, and accessibility. Her use of props to enhance our practice was both innovative and supportive, making even the most challenging poses approachable.

Many left the session feeling invigorated, balanced, and deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an experienced and compassionate teacher.

Thank You Rachel 😊 www.orangetreeyoga.com

Julia SYA Chair