Level II May 21, 2008

In this live audio, Iyengar-trained yoga instructor John Schumacher leads a 78-minute class designed for experienced yoga students. Schumacher’s Level II practices include introductory exposure to inverted postures; this particular session incorporates a full inversions sequence of handstand, headstand, shoulderstand, and plow pose. Also note that Schumacher uses Sanskrit terminology almost exclusively to cue the poses, so a solid familiarity with Sanskrit is needed in order to follow along with all of his Level II and above classes.Schumacher has his students begin seated, where he provides them with instruction on good form for a proper upright posture. As he brings the group into a half standing forward bend, he allows plenty of time for those participating to slowly release and open to the practice. The main part of this class is the standing pose sequence. Consistent with the Iyengar tradition, Schumacher places a strong emphasis on form and alignment, constantly cueing his students even during the most basic of postures. He also takes time simply to teach, pausing the practice here and there to ask his students just to listen and to observe. The standing postures—which include some more challenging poses such as revolved triangle—are followed by the inversions series as described above (alternative pose options are offered). Schumacher concludes the practice with a reclined twist, a long (8 minute) savasana, and about six minutes of silent seated meditation.This is an excellent foundational practice in the Iyengar style; it is an ideal intermediate-level class as well as a perfect refresher session for more advanced students.