by Uppereast.com Staff
| Most forms of Yoga, a most necessary discipline these days, are well represented on the Upper East Side and can be learned and practiced at many venues. That was not the case when Norma Colon started learning and teaching yoga on the Upper East Side nearly 30 years ago. Then, there were few teachers and fewer places to study and practice. Thankfully, today every aspect of classical yoga, and many new adaptations are thriving in our section of the city.
In spite of the wide variety of yoga styles available on the Upper East Side, there are still very few places to find authentic Iyengar Yoga, and few certified Iyengar instructors teaching this classical, intricate, therapeutic and transformative method. |  | At MonQi Fitness, a growing fitness oasis on East 67 Street at 3rd Avenue, Norma Colon, a certified Iyengar yoga instructor with nearly 30 years experience, teaches seven Iyengar classes a week, including two gentle versions. Her company is called Yorkville Yoga and she’s taught all over Yorkville since 1978, from 57 Street to 86 Street and the 92nd St. Y - the only other venue for Iyengar Yoga on the Upper East Side.
Whether you are new to Iyengar Yoga or Yoga in general, or you are a seasoned practitioner, young or old, fit or injured, you might benefit from Norma’s classes. She offers a special 1st class for only $10. Can’t make it to a class at MonQi Fitness? Perhaps you would prefer private lessons at home or in Norma's fully equipped, home studio. Norma specializes in one-on-one private instruction and continues to teach many clients, some for over 10 years. Private lessons are $90 for an hour anywhere on the Upper East Side. See the bottom of her schedule page for details.
 May 2007 Vanity Fair
What is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar Yoga is based on the teachings of the living yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar, author of the seminal yoga treatise Light on Yoga, who began teaching in Pune, India, in 1936 at the age of 18. The Oxford dictionary defines Iyengar as: A type of hatha yoga focusing on the correct alignment of the body, making use of straps, wooden blocks, and other objects as aids to achieving the correct postures. Named after B.K.S. Iyengar (born 1918), the Indian yoga teacher who devised this method, the method offers:
- A safe and systematic progression of yoga asanas (postures) to develop each student’s ability and skill, both within each class and from class to class
- Sequencing that develops strength, flexibility, stamina, concentration, and body alignment
- Highly developed teaching methodology, including precise use of language; and demonstration and teaching of specific points to develop understanding and intelligent action
- Individual correction and adjustment of students, when necessary
- Integration of the yoga philosophy with the practice of asana
- Relevance of practice and incorporation into daily life
- Ways to use yoga to ease various ailments and stress
- Use of props, such as blankets, blocks, and straps, to facilitate learning and adjust yoga postures to individual needs
- Qualified and rigorously trained instructors committed to excellence in teaching
Read more at www.yorkvilleyogabreak.com/iyengar or www.iyengarnyc.org/method.html
Internationally acknowledged as a modern master of yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar is universally honored for his understanding and teaching of the art and science of yoga. At the age of 88, B.K.S. Iyengar is seen by many to be yoga's most proficient and knowledgeable practitioner—an inspiration to countless students and yoga practitioners around the globe.
He was named one of the 100 most influential people in world by Time Magazine (2004) and can be seen in The Yoga Portfolio in the May 2007 Vanity Fair.
Upcoming Iyengar Yoga Event
A new yoga book for women, The Woman's Yoga Book: Asana and Pranayama for All Phases of the Menstrual Cycle, written and illustrated by a senior NYC Iyengar yoga teacher, Bobby Clennell, has just been published by Rodmell press. Norma Colon is hosting two special classes with a question and answer session, taught by the author, Bobby, followed by a book signing at MonQi Fitness. Norma will assist Bobby in the classes. See details at:
Monqi Fitness.com and Bobby Clennel.com
What Students are saying about Norma
“She is a clear and infinitely knowledgeable teacher, challenging yet able to tailor each pose to the individual student's needs, taking into account everything from that day's level of ability to an old injury - and she always manages to surprise us with some new twist. No pun intended.” - Fran Willing
“Although I have taken yoga classes before, this is my first experience with Iyengar Yoga and the first time I truly feel that I am doing the poses correctly. Norma Colon is an exceptional teacher. She has an excellent understanding of the body and is able to tailor and modify her instruction to address all fitness levels. Her seemingly limitless knowledge of posture variations keeps her class routines fresh and just challenging enough.” - Etel Edelman
“She is a sensitive and caring teacher who somehow picks up on your particular needs and takes care to address them, and then gives you tips you can take away.” - Linda Plevin
“As someone new to yoga, I've gotten completely hooked after taking Iyengar yoga with Norma Colon at MonQi. Her classes allow you to work at your own pace and level, and challenge you as you improve and achieve poses. She is quick to help you and offer suggestions to make sure that you are having the best yoga experience possible.” - Meghan Corrigan
“Norma Colon’s classes are challenging yet so rewarding. Norma is a wonderful instructor, al-ways quick with additional suggestions of ways to make a particular pose work better for you.” - David Orcutt |
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