B.K.S. Iyengar lived his life as a study of Patanjali and the Yoga Sutras, and developed what became known throughout the world as Iyengar Yoga. This method is well known for its focus on alignment and emphasizes the importance of sequencing and use of props in performing asanas. The method appeals to my own analytical tendencies, and provides an excellent framework for understanding body, mind, and spirit.

At USC, you can find Iyengar Yoga classes through Yoga.USC and the Office of Religious Life.  Classes are taught by Laura Baker who is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers(CIYT) and follows BKS Iyengar in her teaching (iynaus.org/iyengar-yoga/about). This approach favors the gradual, progressive understanding of the yoga asanas in a manner fitting everybody and every body to further physical, mental, and spiritual health, and well-being.

Please email lbaker@usc.edu to register and obtain links for online classes.  These classes are free to the USC community–faculty, students, staff and alumni are welcome to attend.  Please have a yoga mat at a wall and, ideally, 2 blocks, 2 blankets, and a strap at hand. Don’t worry if you are missing some or any of these props, we can make suggestions.

Subscribe to the Instagram account #iyengaryoga_usc for news, update, and helpful hints.

  • Day / Time Class Instructor
    M / 12-1 pm Iyengar Yoga Laura Baker
    M 4-5 pm Restorative Yoga and Pranayama Laura Baker

  • Yoga Philosophy classes – Summer 2021: Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Iyengar Yoga

    Course description:  Introduces the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and how to approach their study. Will include an overview of the four padas (chapters), creating a sacred space to study, and suggested commentaries for in-depth study. The eight-limbed path of yoga will be discussed, and how this forms the basis of Iyengar Yoga. The meaning and importance of alignment in yoga, as well as guna theory as discussed in the sutras and the Bhagavad Gita will also be covered. Will also include some chanting in Sanskrit.

    Instructor:  Laura Baker, PhD; USC Professor of Psychology and Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT)

    Meeting times:  July 10, 17, 24, 31 (Saturdays) 2-4 pm

    Topics:

    • Week 1 – Introduction to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and How to Approach Their Study
    • Week 2 –  Yoga and Alignment
    • Week 3 – The Eight-Limbed Path of Iyengar Yoga
    • Week 4 – Guna Theory and How to Incorporate into Yoga Practice

    Suggested materials:  Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, by B.K.S. Iyengar (1993)

    For more details and to register, contact Dr. Laura Baker at lbaker@usc.edu

For more details and to register, contact Dr. Laura Baker at lbaker@usc.edu