Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles

IYILA is literally your one stop for all things Iyengar. If you are like I used be and wanted nothing to do with all the flow-​y hot mess that made yoga a turn off, then you want start here to experience a good foundation that can open your eyes to the many wonderful things that a yoga practice can provide. It helped me get over myself and really learn to appreciate yoga. The instructors here practice what they preach in a wonderful blend of old school and new school without being new age-​y. Amazing instructors certified at all levels (not just teachers in training like what you might encounter at other studios) instructors like Marla and Lisa (senior level,) Keri, Lori, Vladimir, Larry, Monica, Yvonne, Koren, Jennifer and Chris (intermediate level,) to younger certified instructors like Barbara, Wendy, Laura and Jeff. Their instructors teach at other studios but here you have the opportunity to work with all of them in on place. Clean facilities with a well rounded schedule (that has room for improvement!) and all the equipment that B.K.S. Iyengar developed to make practicing yoga possible for yogis of any experience and age level. The staff that works there are great Say hello to Polina, Kristen, Erica, Christina and Becca and they will have all the information you need to start your journey on the path of your own yoga practice.

Have been an Iyengar Yoga student for 19 years. Just moved 2 weeks ago from Bethesda, MD where Was fortunate to have world class Iyengar studio owned by John Shumacker, a hi level Iyengar teacher. Attended my 3^rd level 1 – 2 today (less standing poses than I’m used to in a 1 – 2 or level 2 class, but all 3 classes (3 different teachers) were really great. The teachers are so highly trained, compared to regular yoga instructors, & with focus on strength, balance, alignment, flexibility, Iyengar Yoga is for me, the best. Each class is different, but I’m never bored becaus pe despite many yrs. of practice, there’s always something new to learn.
The space is lovely, clean, light, welcoming, though the mall where it’s located is jarring oy ugly! Nonetheless, I can’t recommend IYILA too highly for anyone serious about learning yoga from highly trained teachers who are committed to sharing their expertise & wisdom w/​their students.

If you have any physical pain or ailment, this is the yoga studio for you. All the teachers are super knowledgeable. My personal favorite is keri lee. She learns and retains all her students injuries and ailments and takes great care to modify/​personalize poses for each student. She truly cares for the well being of her students. I highly recommend her!

I tried their two week introductory course recently. Location is great and so is parking.
I tried to do as many classes with as many different instructors. I found some classes to be really boring… spent a lot of time with blankets, ropes, and chairs. BUT all the instructors were focused on safety and proper alignment. I had one or two instructors who made the class very challenging and fun. Thanks Jennifer.
As headquarters for Iyengar Yoga in the U.S. it would have been nice if they had showers.

I have been regularly going for IYILA Level 1 classes since the Sept ’14. So far, I absolutely love these classes! My friends have already been telling me about visible improvements in my posture and gait while I am certainly noticing a positive effect on my energy levels and general focus at work. The instructors/​teachers here are awesome and each has their own style. Lori, Keri and Allen are my favorite! They are extremely patient, help customize postures/​exercises for me based on my physical limitations/​condition. They have always shown earnestness to understand my expectations/​medical history at a personal level and that is what makes this place special

«It was written»
UNDISPUTABLE is the fact that the instruction given here at the IYILA produces an improved yoga practice for all. I might mirror the other Unilocalers on here and spout glories upon the IYILA, but it is not needed.
Below I lay down the go get ‘em timber to fuel the truth.
First topic: Some yogis have been misguided and ought to be realigned toward the truth so as not detract from inspired practitioners. Hopefully, they too will free themselves from weariness. With kindness…
–Nearly all the Hatha yoga schools, including every single corporate institution (such as Yogaworks) uses alignment points from Iyengar, whether they have been modified or not.
–Nearly all the yoga schools administer Iyengar books into their syllabi.
–Even the schools that do not use direct Iyengar material, use material that can be linked to Iyengar.
Why is it then that the yogis who have approached me with misinterpretations, and sometimes unkind slander about the Institute, almost always come from a school where Iyengar material was set at the foundation? It is likely that they have not practiced here.
These points are not to boost the ego of the institute, nor are they placed to create conspiracy. They are simply «truths» to buttress this multifaceted review.
Second Topic: The further I commit to an Iyengar practice, the more strange the rumors become. This is quite biblical (like Jesus being tempted), and can be quite challenging. Thankfully at this point they just make me like Iyengar more. Humility, as it has been in all time, will always face the scrutiny of the twisted.
For the sake of this platform, I think that I should take the opportunity to address some of the odd things I have heard about Iyengar Institute. Most of these random rumors are really fun to address.
– No, you will not be required, nor will it even be suggested that you dismiss your other yoga practices (Flow, Kundalini, Shivananda, Hatha, Mysore, Yin… etc). No worries. Your outside practice will only improve.
– Yes, there is a devotion to the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar here, as that is what is meant to be taught. No, it is not a spooky sect, or a cult. It is a actually a science that has been progressing for decades, and continues. The progression is quite aligned to how any intelligent society progresses any science that works well. For instance, Physical Therapy was originally propagated as gymnastics to make people feel better, and now look at what it has become.
– No, the Pranayama at the institute is not purposefully set up to restrict your Kundalini. LOL. Rather, Pranayama, in its powerful nature can really stir up fluctuations in the mind if not practiced properly. That is why they teach «A» before they teach «B» and «C» at the institute. This practice will actually help you better connect with deep energy releases. Bliss is often fleeting, but it does not have to be such a wild ride… of course, if that is what someone wants, then that is up to them.
– No, you will not be asked to become Hindu or become a Bramacharya. Geeze o’ man. If B.K.S. Iyengar is bramacharya in his own practice, that does not mean he will impose it on you. That is his culture.
–Yes, you will find that most of the teachers here are straight shooters. All teach differently but with similarity, as would of course be the case with individuals who teach the same art form. The instructors go through a very thorough training in order to teach you in the best way that is known how. The truth is straight, and getting everyone to find the correct action requires tremendous knowledge, practice, and focus from the teacher. Again, they don’t ask you to become straight shooters too. That is who they are.
Know yourself and you have nothing to fear. What is the worst that could happen? So you are not going to hear a teacher say «good job» or give you a phoney happy voice tone when you are performing a posture in an incorrect and dangerous way… rather, they will teach you.
No, B.K.S. Iyengar was not 9 feet tall, and no, he did not free Scotland from the British. ;-)
Reading an Iyengar book can help free one from the stream of Avidya (ignorance/​delusion). I suggest «Light on Life» and «Light on Yoga» to start.
What a blessing it is to have been directed to the attention of this institute. I thank God.
Everyone should make it a point to try a class here. additionally, I encourage ALL INJURED to come to the Iyengar Institute and sign up for the Yoga Therapeutics courses.
Go get ‘em!

Today was my first time trying Iyengar yoga in order to relieve my back and neck pain that I’ve had for over a year now. Also, I love that I can fix my back and get a workout in! I was impressed with this studio and got a great deal for one month unlimited yoga classes through Groupon– I will try going 3 – 4 times a week!
Pros:
–great instructor
–lots of props and mats for everyone to use
–friendly staff
Cons:
–slightly cramped space but it was my first time and it was a level 1 class

I really like this studio. The instructors are all great. Alan is my favorite level one instructor. He has a good balance of workouts in his class. It’s very important for me as a beginner.
Make sure to park in the upper level, behind the mall. The parking lot takes you right to the studio. There’s always parking spots available. Plus, you avoid the rush of people going shopping.

Easily the best yoga in Los Angeles.

beautiful yoga studio~!! clean place. and super nice and experienced yoga teachers. cannot get better than this~ and no LA pretentious attitudes thank goodness!!! namaste!!!

The best instruction!

I intended to write a review a while ago, but I forgot. Now I hesitate to write because I do not want my classes to be too full.
Needing very gentle help to recover from neck, back, and shoulder issues from the last 11 years, I first attended IYILA in Jeff Perlman’s Introductory class. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up in class, but my Pilates instructor told me it would be a good school of yoga for me. At the get go, I was very impressed by Jeff’s instruction and his sensitivity to the needs of each individual student. I now regularly attend his class and any classes that he substitutes.
Iyengar yoga teaches proper alignment each yoga pose. If you are not strong enough or flexible enough, the use of props is utilized in order to support the body and alignment of each pose. This means that the class does not flow quickly and strongly as in a power yoga class but I definitely still hear the groans and strains of the students working through the poses.
Classes are perfect for those with injuries or years of pain like myself. When I first came here I was so weak that I was sweating in easy poses but saw pain relief by the next day and gained strength by only attending class once a week. This was even after I was getting excellent private Pilates instruction which my budget could no longer keep up with. After my first class I finally understood what «yogic awareness» is about.
The space is a little bit small and can get crowded, but it is clean and neat. IYILA provides all the necessary equipment such as yoga mats, blocks, belts, blankets, bolsters, rope wall which are cleaned regularly.
They regularly have workshops with the most Senior teachers in the US such as Manouso Manos. Instructors here are required to be well t rained and many regularly go to India to study with Mr. Iyengar himself.

Love the classes and instructors. I’ve been to different yoga studios all over L.A. and it you want the real deal (non-​pretentious, over priced, attitude infused studios) this is it.
Personally I think each person needs to find the type of yoga that suits their body and needs. I’ve tried hatha, vinyasa and a few other kinds but Iyengar just does it for me.
They offer a full range of classes, from level 1 on up. Specialty classes like neck & shoulders and restorative are great for targeting areas you want to work on.
They were offering a deal, unlimited classes for 2 weeks at $ 27 which is beyond reasonable to get you acquainted with the classes and instructors.
I must add although the instructors are ALL wonderful and knowledgeable I did find a few to be my favorites.
The only downside to this place is the location. Don’t get me wrong the facility itself is beautiful. Once you are inside the studio its all good, skylights, all the equipment you need and always super clean.
I just don’t like how the studio is located in the back of a huge strip mall and shares the same hallway with the 24 hour fitness (which attracts a motley crew of individuals.) Also although I’ve always been able to find parking, it can get a bit congested as there is also a Toys R Us/​Babies R Us and Staples directly next door, which seem to attract a lot of customers.

This is by far the best yoga class I have been to. I agree with everything that anyone else has said on Unilocal.It is a pristine studio, the use of props is very helpful, and the teachers are the most knowledgeable and capable that I have worked with in my 10+ years of practicing yoga. The introductory rate is $ 27 for two weeks of unlimited yoga and that is a fabulous way to check out the studio and the method and see if you really like it. They are one of the only studios in town that offer student rates, surprisingly. You can buy a package of 10 classes or an unlimited month, year, etc. I highly recommend this studio.

Outstanding Staff and Facilities.
New To Yoga?
1. This place will teach you correctly, from the very beginning so that you don’t get hurt. It doesn’t matter what your age or physical shape is, they are very considerate.
I’ve taken classes with people in their teens up into their 90’s! All different shapes and sizes of people. It doesn’t matter.
2. This is the true yoga… not an LA FAD.
3. Leave your ego and cell phone at the door, come in, relax and enjoy your new you.
4. If you live in LA, or worse, Drive in LA, you owe it to yourself to go and relax here, while learning about your own body. Every class is a lesson learned, inside of you.
5. Thank you to all the students and instructors that I’ve had the pleasure to take classes with here. I look forward to the next class!
Namaste.

There seems to be TWO VERY DIFFERENT definition of what yoga means in LA.
1. a trend guru:
Because Los Angeles Magazine tells you it’s the next «in thing» to do.
Because you «heard» that celebrities do it, so therefore you must
Because anyone who is anyone does it while carrying a yoga mat in
the back seats of their car or trunk.
Because it must be good because there is a wait list to get in.
2. the inner guru to meet your soul:
Because you want to unwind without adding the added stress to
your body.
Because your body is your temple.
Because meditation is of a daily/​weekly importance to you and your
busy schedule.
Because if you’re going to do it, you want to do it right.
Iyengar Yoga Institute is the latter and much more.
If you’re looking for a place to show off your new work out garb, bold bright colors on walls, selling all natural water bottles from the «HImalayas», and not to mention workout DVD’s done by the Founder of the super cool yoga joint, then IYI is not for you.
IYI is the Hogwarts of yoga. It’s a magical experience.
I scream «guilty» to the fact that I started as a «trend guru».
I hated it.
The institute take proper measures to make sure you seriously get your form down. Unlike the ultra-​trendy-​über-​hipster-​modern-​fab locations, you won’t find a place that takes yoga more seriously than here.

Once you visit Iyengar, you can’t go back.
It’s amazing that this place isn’t mobbed with lines outside the door. They have many of the best trained and most knowledgeable teachers in Los Angeles — and that’s saying a lot!
You can’t become an Iyengar teacher over night, or even over one or two years. It takes three years to join their ranks as a beginner teacher and they are able to guide students through physical healing, physical alignment and how to get the most out of your body.
My favourite teachers include Lisa Walford, Marla Apt, Ida Unger, Allen and Garth.
If you’re looking for an incredible yoga experience that gets deep and to the point, visit Iyengar. If you need some physical healing, go to Iyengar. If you are free at any point today, go to Iyengar…

I moved recently to this side of town– Culver City arts district, so now I am far, far away from my beloved Bikram studio. I have read nightmares about the Bikram College which is nearby so I heeded the warnings and went for another discipline– hey this is something I haven’t really heard of. I love any exercise that is esoteric– not crowded– so why not?
This studio is very neat and clean. It’s hard to find so I’ll make it easy for you if you’re hunting for this place– it’s right next to LA Fitness– yes THAT one on La Cienega– the megaplex of workouts with the less than trustworthy types. Suite 240 so walk a little bit from the LA Fitness entrance and step to your left– voila.
New students can take advantage of the promotional tuition rate which is 2 weeks of unlimited yoga for $ 27– hey not bad. They give you a quick tour of the premises and you’re off to yoga.
The studio is a pretty decent size– not too big nor too small. The skylights add a nice touch. Floors are pristine. All supplies are provided but I brought my own.
Iyengar yoga is different from other methods because it really focuses on the movements and the stretch– no real breathing focus. You employ the use of wooden blocks, bolsters, belts and serape blankets (all provided) to ease you into the deepest stretches you can imagine.
I thought it was going to be a weak sauce old housewives class but I was actually working up a nice sheen of sweat as I tried to follow the demands of this Beginner’s class (I’m new.) At the end of the class there is a long savatsana– great for destressing. I can see this being a godsend after one of my crazy nights at work…
I’m gonna shoot up to Level 2 and see if it gets me going for the next class. I’m pretty excited. I have to say this class was totally a great non-​invasive way to get your body going. I felt so great after class. Yay!

I would give this place Six Stars if it were offered.
This studio is a SERIOUS Iyengar Yoga studio, but it is completely novice-​friendly.
The space is immaculate, serene, and extremely well equipped with all the props you could ever want.
The instructors are experienced, professional and extremely well equipped to deal with students at all levels of experience and dedication to the practice of yoga.
The parking is fantastic, the Institute is in the same building as LA Fitness, (oodles of FREE parking, even a guard at night) so if you happen to be a member of that club you can actually work out, shower, sauna etc., at the LAF facillity and then simply walk across the hall to the Iyengar Institute and do a yoga class, (or vice versa, but after a yoga class, who wants to get on a treadmill???).
I love this place. The pricing is extremely affordable. I love everything about this place.

The name says it all: this is an institute. Not some trendy studio with incense and new age music.
This place is for serious (and not-​so-​serious) Iyengar yoga practitioners. They have classes for all levels from introductory to super advanced yogic wizards.
They have all sorts of pricing packages so if you can’t find something that makes you happy, you’re probably just a miserable person who could really use some yoga.
I wish this were closer to my house so I could go more often. But there’s plenty of (free!) parking in the new location so that’s one less thing to worry about.
Eliza R.‘s review is spot on. This place has props galore. And teachers with widely varying styles so you’ll have to experiment to find your favorites.
And Stephanie R. is right: Iyengar yoga can change your life if you practice it regularly. (Too bad I only make it down there once a week.) The instructors here are superb and my dream is to one day have an instructor give me daily private lessons at my house. Sigh.