Inversions Challenge for the Bellur Trust

Sunday 28nd January

13:30 - 15:30

We are running an Inversions fundraiser for the Bellur Trust. Choose the inversion(s) you are confident doing and a duration that is most appropriate for your practice;

Preparing for the Fundraiser

We recommend practicing daily to build up your technique and time. Make sure you understand the alignment and weight distribution of your inversion. This is an Iyengar Yoga challenge, so take time to practice the Iyengar yoga method for each pose (or come to our Iyengar yoga class on Monday's 7:15pm at The Lodge). Bring the appropriate props to support you in your chosen asana(s).

If you are new to head stand and shoulder stand then aim for 3 minutes. Take your time learning the poses and building up to 3 minutes. Only increase your time when you have found a sense of ease in holding the pose. If you already have an established head or shoulder stand practice, then start increasing by a minute every 3-4 days.

Top tips:

Considerations

Do not proceed if you experience pain in the neck. Please note that ladies on their period should not go into head or shoulder stand. They can do the alternative poses suggested below preferably with props (except legs up with a belt pose) as their energy levels drop during this time of their cycle.

Recommended Inversions

Head stand (Sirsasana) - Please note: whenever you practice head stand you must practice shoulder stand by minimum the same amount of time or longer duration than head stand.

Shoulder stand (Salamba Sarvangasana) - to be practised on a platform (made of 4-8 foam blocks or 12 bricks, as advised by BKS Iyengar) where the shoulders and arms are higher than the head. This will allow the pose to be straighter and will protect the neck spine.

Alternative Inversions

Wide spread legs pose (Prasarita Padottanasana)

Wide spread legs pose (Prasarita Padottanasana) and Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)

Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana), Intense stretch pose (Uttanasana), downward facing hero pose (Adho Mukha Virasana)

Alternative poses for the people who can not perform shoulder stands are: Bridge Pose - Chatush Padasana or Setubandha Sarvangasana or Legs Up with a belt, but if you are on your period do (Supta Padangusthasana 2).

Please note: The Lodge provides some equipment (mats, bolsters, belts, and bricks) but if you can bring your own (make sure you label it with your initials to avoid confusion). Bring the appropriate props for your inversions:

Blankets and/or your own mat for Sirsasana and/or other poses.

4-8 foam blocks - for shoulder stand (Salamba Sarvangasana) (unless you use bolsters or blankets)

Location

The Lodge Space (120a Lower Road London SE16 2UB). The event starts at 13:30 until 15:30 pm. We shall meet there at 13:00. You will need to sign a waiver prior to joining the event.

The Lodge Space offers delicious food and drinks for the participants who wish to chill out after the event.

Book on

Book your spot on The Lodge Space app or Eventbrite.

Suggested donation of £10 or pay what you can :)

About the Bellur Trust and Yoga Centre

B.K.S. Iyengar was born in the small rural village of Bellur in Southern India. He left as a teenager; however, the residents' poverty and ill health always weighed on his mind. In 1967, he financed the first-ever primary school in the community. In 2002, Mr. Iyengar learned that the school was in very poor condition, and the local children did not continue with education beyond the age of seven. He continued his efforts to provide health, education, and economic reform for the people of Bellur and to further the practice of yoga.

About Bellur Trust

In 2004, the Bellur Trust erected a water tank to provide a clean water supply for the village. Following the completion of the initial project, other landmark accomplishments were achieved: a free hospital, water treatment facilities, free primary, and high schools which supply uniforms and a hot meals, a college, India’s first temple dedicated to Patanjali, and in 2015 the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Center with a practice hall, cafeteria, and dormitory for 40 practitioners.

Mr. Iyengar requested that in lieu of gifts to him, his students could best express their gratitude for his teaching by supporting the transformation of Bellur. IYUK (Iyengar Yoga UK) accepts individual donations to The Bellur Trust and transfers those funds in aggregate to simplify the process for donors and the Trust. For more information about the Trust please see link below:

https://iyengaryoga.org.uk/about/bellur-trust/