You do not need to seek freedom in a different land, for it exists with your own body, heart, mind, and soul. -B.K.S. Iyengar

WHO ARE WE?

We are a community of individuals,
Old, young, fat, thin,
Black, brown, white, red, yellow, mixed,
Hairy...or not,
Queer, straight, women, men, genderqueer,
Tired, energetic, courageous, scared,
Always learning, always changing,
Learning to open our heart,
Handmade,
And always here to walk with you.

MISSION DRIVEN

​Riverwest Yogashala, a nonprofit yoga center, brings yoga to a diverse population, promoting strength, clarity, and overall well-being through the practice of Iyengar yoga.

As the only nonprofit community-run yoga center in our region, we provide excellent instruction from certified yoga teachers. In addition to weekly classes for all levels, we provide gift classes each month to the community, affordable classes to reduce the barrier of money, as well as yoga programs and services in the community.

Riverwest Yogashala is a 501(c)3 organization.

IYENGAR YOGA

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Our practice is inspired by the work of the internationally renowned B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, India. Through a lifetime of intense personal practice and teaching, Iyengar has developed a unique and accessible method of the ancient art of yoga for the modern practitioner that is sophisticated, scientifically founded, and rooted in history and tradition.

Among the innovations Iyengar established are:
  • standing poses to develop strength, flexibility, stamina and concentration in mind and body
  • use of props so that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can benefit from the practice
  • focus on alignment for therapeutic benefits including injury prevention and recovery
The Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States (IYNAUS) oversees a rigorous and comprehensive certification program and is an excellent resource for continued personal studies and information. Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers (CIYT) have been studying and teaching for years, and must actively continue their training to maintain certification. A deep-seated knowledge of the asanas (postures) and great attention to detail allow our teachers to provide individualized instruction to engage the Yoga in every student and awaken the body’s intelligence.

Many teachers at Riverwest Yogashala are CIYT's certified by IYNAUS to teach Iyengar Yoga.

Check out this totally cool photographic historical montage from Google that gives you the story of Mr. Iyengar: his practice, his family, his travels, and some lighter moments in the life of a yogi.