Free yoga classes this weekend at Tree House Iyengar Yoga

Friday through Sunday, April 9 to 11, Tree House Iyengar Yoga is offering free classes to introduce the studio to new students.

The studio is located at 18021 15th Ave NE, between Sunni's pizza and St. Mark's Church. The phone number is 206-361-YOGA (9642).

A new 10-week session of classes for all age groups begins April 12. Schedule, class descriptions, and registration information are on the website.

Tree House Iyengar Yoga Studio is located in the North City area next to St. Mark’s Catholic Church. There is free onsite parking available. The studio has been under the direction of Pat Musburger since 2003 and has a full schedule of classes.

This spring they offer kids and teen yoga along with the other classes. The Senior’s class, for those 70 and over, has students up to age 91. The Gentle classes offer a slower pace for those with chronic problems or recovering from injury. There is Plus Size Yoga and general classes for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students.

Iyengar Yoga is known for its emphasis on body alignment that helps to build strength, flexibility, balance and a sense of calm, clarity, and well being.

B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, India developed this system of yoga over 60 years ago. At age 91, he continues to teach, refine and improve the method and passes this knowledge along to his teachers and students.

THIY is a fully equipped studio, which provides blocks, blankets, belts, bolsters, and chairs for student use. They have a wall rope system.

The teaching staff at THIY consists of 6 Certified Iyengar teachers.  Becoming a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher requires years of practice, study and a rigorous examination of skills. Every Certified Iyengar Teacher has passed at least two rigorous, standardized assessments. Some have passed many more. The candidate begins the application process after three years of study and developing a relationship with a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher who agrees to become a mentoring teacher. Then comes two years teaching, exclusively in the Iyengar Method -- all before the actual testing begins.

Tree House Iyengar Yoga students and teachers are welcoming and friendly. They have community potluck dinners and fundraising events to promote a sense of community. Organizations they have supported include the Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer walk, Northwest Harvest, Evergreen Hospice, and the MS walk.

Information and photos from Pat Musburger