Classes & Levels
Because of their extensive training, years of practice, and the nature of Iyengar Yoga, our instructors are particularly skilled at accommodating students of different levels within the same class. In fact, it is rare to have students all with the same level experience in any one session! That said, we want you to find a session that works for your interest, body and schedule. If you have any questions about where to start, or the nature of our different classes, please don’t hesitate to be in touch (hello@yhchicago.com). We welcome the opportunity to help students find the right fit!
Fundamentals
If you’re new to yoga, or to Iyengar Yoga, we suggest you begin here. The class focuses on the basic asanas (i.e. poses), actions, and approaches of Iyengar yoga, and helps students understand some of general context and philosophy behind it. For some students, this is the right class for them for an extended period. Yoga Horizons’ instructors can help students assess if they would continue to excel in a Continuing class.
Wednesdays @ 6pm
Fridays @ 9:30am
Saturdays & Sundays @ 9am
Continuing
For students with fundamentals experience who are ready for greater challenge and subtlety. Inversions or their alternatives are practiced.
Tuesdays @ 6pm
Saturdays & Sundays @ 11am
Yoga for Healthy Aging
Intended for students of all ages, participants in this class range from their 40 to 90s! A desire to address issues related to fostering both physical and mental flexibility and agility draw the diverse and lively group together. This session is intended for students who gained a basic understanding of Iyengar Yoga through the Fundamental classes.
Wednesdays @ 10:30am
Fridays @ 11:30am
Yoga for Balance
Balance is essential, dynamic, and sometimes elusive. This class exists to help students cultivate greater steadiness in body and mind. Rather than waiting until balance becomes difficult, it’s important to practice it regularly as a foundation for strength, clarity, and well-being throughout life.
Each class features a thoughtfully designed sequence of yoga poses that challenge stamina, reduce rigidity, and encourage calm, joyful awareness. Sessions focus on balance as more than standing on one leg and rather on discovering equanimity in every pose, learning to meet both strengths and weaknesses with acceptance.
"In my experience, students don't think much about balance until they have trouble with it. One's physical balance and mental resilience are something that you should maintain throughout your life," says class instructor, Rhonda Duffaut.
Students with at least a few months or more of yoga experience will benefit most from this All Levels class. Trained in Iyengar Yoga methods, Yoga Horizons' teachers excel at meeting students where they're at; no particular strength or flexibility is required. With Yoga for Balance students can expect a mix of rigor and renewal that leaves them grounded and refreshed.
Tuesdays @ 10am
Invigorate: Yoga for Strength & Vitality
Feeling sluggish, shaky, or stuck? Invigorate! is your weekly recharge- an energizing yoga practice to awaken strength and vitality. This class is designed to counteract fatigue and stiffness through focused movement and breath. By building strength and mobility together, students develop a sense of grounded energy that carries beyond the mat. Each week features a lively, well-paced sequence to warm the body, build stamina, and open the shoulders and hips. Expect strengthening poses balanced with mindful awareness and a cooling, quiet close. Students will leave class feeling awake, capable, and renewed.
Students with roughly a year or more of yoga experience will benefit most, but modifications are always provided to meet everyone where they are. With regular practice, students can expect increased strength, flexibility, focus, and a lasting sense of energized calm.
Sundays @ 11am
Pranayama for Relaxation & Rejuvenation
Pranayama is a bridge which aids the student of yoga in crossing from the realm of physical development towards Self-realization.
—BKS Iyengar
Developing a regular pranayama practice can require patience and discipline but can provide a host of benefits including mental clarity, improved circulation, and greater physical energy. This practice is considered a powerful tool for generating and harness "prana" and directing the mind.
Prana is not just the breath, but the energy. And breathing (pranayama) is the process by which you apply that energy to find out how deep that energy penetrates and percolates.
—Dr. Geeta Iyengar
Intended for participants with 2-3 years of yoga experience, these sessions will build on Kathleen Wright's previous Yoga Horizons workshops and continue to introduce the fundamental elements for safely preparing for, practicing and realizing the benefits of pranayama. Each class will begin with a savasana and will include both reclining and seated pranayama. The sessions will be taught by Stephanie Fukui, a long-time Iyengar Yoga practitioner and an experienced teacher who has practiced and studied pranayama for many years.
Scheduled Monthly, often on Sundays @ 11am