Teacher Feature
Each month we're featuring our fantastic teachers, their incredible attributes as well as raising money for a non-profit that is near and dear to them.
August : Off the Mat Series
w. Liz Little
Liz started practicing Ashtanga-style yoga in 2004, and was drawn to yoga’s ability to calm the mind while strengthening the physical body. She’s also inspired by B.K.S. Iyengar and his holistic approach that uses asana (postures) with support of props and pranayama (breathwork) to heal trauma, chronic illness, and other physical ailments. She teaches Vinyasa Flow and Yin Yoga with a goal of helping students understand how to engage their bodies to build strength around the joints, release tension, and create a sense of inner peace. Liz has an MBA and BS in Exercise Science from the Ohio State University. She’s a certified yoga instructor with over 750 hours of training under master teachers Jennifer Elliott, Joan Hyman, and Judith Hanson Lasater, PT.
Get to know Liz:
Instagram: @lizzylitt
Website: lizlittleyoga.com (coming soon)
All Regular Class Times/Days:
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Mon 8:00am Ventura YMCA - All Levels Yoga
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Mon 9:30am The Pharm - All Levels Yoga
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Tues 9:30am Ventura Pop Up Yoga - Align + Flow (register here)
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Tues 2:30pm Pierpont Racquet Club - All Levels Yoga
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Wed 5:30pm Mavericks Gym - Deep Stretch for Fascia Release
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Thurs 2:30pm Pierpont Racquet Club - Deep Stretch for Fascia Release
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Fri noon Pierpont Racquet Club - Gentle Yoga & Guided Meditation
Liz's August Non-Profit:
B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles
“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.”
– B.K.S. Iyengar
The Early Days
Iyengar Yoga came to California in the mid-1970s. The Southern California Iyengar Yoga Association was founded in 1977 to promote the teachings of BKS Iyengar. Teachers from around the world, traveled here monthly and taught a group of dedicated students at locations throughout Los Angles. The Center for Yoga on Larchmont became a de facto Iyengar studio in the late 70’s where classes were offered daily. In 1982, the director of the Center for Yoga shifted towards other styles of yoga and it became clear to Iyengar students that they needed a space to call their own. The Association leadership became focused on opening an Institute in Los Angeles.
BKS Iyengar visited our city in 1984 and miraculously, a storefront at 8233 West 3rd street became available during his stay. With the blessings of Guruji, the BKS Iyengar Yoga Center of Los Angeles was born. Over a period of several years, with a lot of hard work and Guruji’s blessings, the Institute, with outstanding teachers and a strong student base, began to thrive.
By 2007, West 3rd Street had become high rent district and parking was an ongoing challenge. When our lease ended in 2008, we moved to 1835 S. La Cienega Boulevard where excellence in yoga happened every day. Not unlike a university, it was place of higher learning. We taught daily classes to all levels. We mentored aspiring teachers, offering philosophical studies and therapy courses that addressed difficult physical conditions, all firmly rooted in the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar.
Now
Then came a pandemic. In July 2020, with many uncertainties facing the Institute, including lease obligations amid mandated business closures and restrictions, IYILA made a transition.
We are still here. La Cienega has closed, but IYILA has not closed and we are teaching, teaching, teaching! For now, it’s online and at some point it will be in-person again. Take a look at our amazing line-up, our new look and get involved!
Many questions lie ahead. We want the Institute to become a better version of who we have been. We want a space that reflects the diversity of Los Angeles where we live. We want a space where we are all seen and valued and welcomed. We have much to learn and we have much to do.
Why Liz chose Iyengar Assocation?
Liz chose Iyengar Association because they closed their physical doors because of COVID, and they will be mobilizing to get back in person. Their teachers are so deeply knowledgeable, keeping the teachings of BKS Iyengar alive, and giving back to the community with their healing powers.
Two ways to support Iyengar Association this month:
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Donate to our overall fundraising efforts; below via Paypal or Venmo @YogaintheWild with a description of the funds your sending
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Join us on August . Proceeds from registration at Liz's 9:30am weekly practice will go towards our greater fundraising efforts.