Level II May 14, 2008

This live audio features a Level II class led by Iyengar-trained yoga instructor John Schumacher. The 90-minute session is designed for experienced yoga students who are familiar with the practice of inversions. In addition, Schumacher uses only Sanskrit terminology to cue the poses, so a solid knowledge of Sanskrit is necessary in order to follow along with this class.Schumacher opens the practice in a seated position, taking time to instruct his students on proper form even in this simplest of postures. Starting with half standing forward bend, he then leads the class through a series of basic standing poses, gently admonishing the participants at times regarding appropriate alignment. This segment also includes more challenging standing postures such as revolved triangle pose. An inversions/arm balance sequence follows, beginning with headstand (reclined hero’s pose is offered as an alternative). This posture is held 3 ½ minutes for those practicing against the wall, longer for those practicing in the middle of the room. For the arm balances, Schumacher again lightheartedly chides the class, reminding them all that they should have been practicing these postures at home. The final postures in this sequence include shoulderstand and plow pose. Schumacher concludes the practice with a 10-minute savasana and closing meditation in a seated position.Consistent with the Iyengar school, Schumacher has his participants incorporate props as needed to make the postures more accessible. Throughout the practice, he walks around the class, interacting with his students on a one-to-one basis. This audio would be a nice choice for experienced students looking to gain further exposure to the Iyengar tradition and the emphasis on form and alignment which this style of yoga provides.