Class Guide

In-person and Online Classes

IYISF offers 30+ in-person and online live-streaming Iyengar Yoga classes every week. Online classes are delivered virtually through zoom.us. These classes are offered in real time with a live teacher and other students connecting virtually through video conferencing software. We are using zoom which is free to download and can be accessed through your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. A laptop works best for both you and the teacher to view each other.

How Do I Register For Classes?

• You can register online through our class schedule HERE. Please make sure to register at least 1 hour before class starts.
• For online classes, you will get your unique Zoom link 60-minutes before class if you are registered in advance. If you register within one-hour of the class start time, you should receive an email within minutes after you sign up.
• Please add no-reply@apiant.com and no-reply@zoom.us to your email contacts to avoid emails being sent to spam.
• All you need to do to join class is click on the orange button in the email labeled “Click Here to Join”
• Each student is sent a unique link, please do not share your Zoom link with others. 
• If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@iyisf.org. 

View this video for the email format with the Zoom link to your class.

What do I need to bring for my in-person class?

An empty stomach – allow at least three hours after a heavy meal and 1 ½ hours after a light meal. You can bring your own mat if you like and we also have complimentary mats and props for you to use in each studio. We provide filtered water in the lobby – please enjoy it there because water bottles are not permitted in the practice area of the studios.

What should I wear?

Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Shorts or tights/leggings are recommended so that teachers can better observe your alignment. Bare feet allow better sensitivity to the floor and are best to ensure traction on the mat. Please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or any other strongly scented products as they can trigger headaches etc. in others.

What if I have an injury or special condition?

Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes before your first class. This will allow you time to get registered and introduce yourself to your teacher. Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers are trained to help people with common injuries and ailments like lower back, knee and neck pain. More senior teachers may have experience and training in dealing with more complex issues. Please, do not hesitate to talk to your teacher, as your teacher is here to help!

What will I need for my online class?

Spending time prior to the start of your class may make the class experience richer. This preparation can include creating a clean and inviting space with good lighting and having your props and device ready. See details below.

1. Props – The props listed will be used in most classes. Have them ready for easy access.

• Sticky mat
• 1-2 blocks
• 1 bolster (or something that you could use as a bolster)
• 3 blankets, or enough for Shoulder Stand
• 1 belt

2. Device and physical set-up information

• Download zoom to your device (phone, tablet or laptop)
• Set your device up horizontal to your mat, about 2-3 feet from the floor, not at an angle.
• If possible, set up your mat about 12 feet away from your screen.
• Adjust the lighting in your room – please don’t put yourself in front of a window or you will be backlit and difficult to see.
• Sit quietly to prepare for class.

3. Joining the live online class

• Please join the meeting 5-15 minutes before the start time to check in with the teacher, arrange your camera, and test your volume
• Once you’ve checked in, please click on mute (lower left of your zoom screen).
• In Zoom you can toggle between two modes – Gallery View and Speaker View. You may want to start in Gallery View to get a sense of class community and for the invocation. Afterward, switch to Speaker View to follow the class – this view makes the picture of the teacher larger.
• If you prefer not to be seen you can turn off your video and only see the teacher.
• At any time if you have a question please unmute and ask your question.

Liability Release

Students attending classes at IYISF must sign a liability waiver. This may be accessed online during registration or in person prior to beginning class. If you have any physical or medical conditions, or if you are not in overall good health, please consult your physician before starting a new yoga program and please inform your instructor before the start of class.

Privacy Policy

The Iyengar Institute of San Francisco safeguards all client information with the utmost care. Our online system, Mind Body Online is the #1 system used by yoga studios all over the country. It uses high-level encryption to protect all data, including credit card information. If you have any concerns regarding privacy, please don’t hesitate to contact the IYISF office at (415) 753-0909.