Teens & Adults

Iyengar Yoga

Dive into health, harmony, and sustainable practice! Join our transformative yoga classes in Little Rock, AR today!

Gentle Pace

Tues - 12:00-1:00 pm
Level 1

Mon - 9:00-10:15 am

Mon - 5:30-6:45 pm

Wed - 12:00-1:15 pm

Fri - 9:00-10:30 am

Fri - 5:30-6:45 pm
Levels 1 & 2

Wed - 7:00-8:30 am

Thurs - 9:30-10:45 pm

Fri - 12:00-1:15 pm

Sun - 4:30-6:00 pm
Levels 2

Tues - 9:00-10:30 am

Sat - 9:00-10:35 am

Embrace your Yoga Practice:

Ignite strength, awareness, energy, balance, and flexibility.

Having a strong, balanced body, and a calm, aware mind are crucial to being all that you can be and staying fit and capable into a ripe old age.

Iyengar Yoga is a method developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, who brought classical yoga into the modern age. He crafted a dynamic practice with an emphasis on precise alignment and therapeutics. Far more than a relaxing way to get exercise, Iyengar yoga is a potent practice to amplify your athletic performance and wellbeing, and can be an aid on the path of recovery from injury and or illness. Unity Yoga is proud to have two of Arkansas’ seven Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers. With thousands of hours of training and a rigorous certification process, our instructors provide clear and concise teaching. Students will build a safe and sustainable practice that can be carried through all stages of life including pregnancy, post natal, long term illness recovery and orthopedic challenges.

The practice of Iyengar yoga is used to eliminate aches, stiffness and pain as well as improving posture and body awareness. The structure and categorization of the poses (asanas) allow your practice to progress from the basic asanas to the most advanced. You will gain flexibility, strength and sensitivity in mind and body.

Through the use of props, you will discover the joy of Iyengar yoga!

Alignment brings strength and stability. You will find everything you need in our studio to create the perfect positions and alignment no matter where you are in your yoga journey.

Strength & Endurance

Standing poses bring strength and vitality, building up to inversions and back extensions. Each pose has an effect on the body and can be used therapeutically. Certified instructors can tell you what will heal you, and what to avoid.

Flexibility & Mobility

While we do not practice yoga to only gain flexibility, it is a welcomed result of an alignment based practice. Where we have only encountered stiffness and pain, we begin to see freedom and mobility as a result of the practice.

Enhance Focus

Sequential movement through the asana practice allows for organization of mind and body. As we focus on the pose and the alignment of the body, the mind has a focus and balance (Sthira) which leads to Sukha (ease, comfort and openness).

Reduce Stress

Integration of the mind and body. The study of the asanas provides a path of detachment from the external world, allowing for a clear focus and a quiet mind. Practice and detachment (abhyasa and vairagya).

Why Yoga is the Perfect Complement for Adults in a Chaotic World

In the whirlwind of today’s demanding life, prioritizing physical and mental health often falls by the wayside. Amidst this chaos, a yoga practice is a sanctuary offering tranquility and balance. It’s not just an exercise but a holistic practice for the mind, body, and spirit from improved athletic ability, to greater focus and relaxation, to improved healthful longevity.

Our yoga program recognizes the unique needs of adults striving for a healthier lifestyle amidst multiple responsibilities. With classes designed for all levels from beginners to experienced yogis, we provide an opportunity to create a real, informed practice to elevate your life. Yoga goes beyond physical perks like increased flexibility and strength; it’s a journey of self-discovery fostering mental and emotional shifts, bodily awareness and adaptability, and the knowledge to take you to the highest levels.

We view self-care as a necessity, not a luxury. Our yoga program supports your journey towards a balanced, strengthened lifestyle. Start building your yoga practice now and join our yoga community today. Together, let’s cultivate mindfulness and transform for the better.

What you can expect in every class

Study Through the Asana (Poses)

Each week focuses on a different type of asana (standing poses, seated twist and arm balances, forward extensions, back extensions and restorative)

Thoughtful and logical sequencing is the hallmark of an Iyengar Yoga teacher. Each class is different and will carry a focus.

Beginner and Level 1 classes will lay the foundation for the more advanced poses to be learned. CIYT’s are trained to assist with hands on modification as well as guiding students through poses safely. Before beginning classes, it is important to let your instructor know if you have any injuries, are on your cycle or have any ongoing health issues. We are trained to assist and guide you through modifications that will bring beneficial results to your practice.

Pranayama and Restorative

Pranayama will be introduced in Level 1 classes, after the basic asana are mastered. Prana is energy. Through a guided pranayama practice, you are introduced to controlled breathing. Pranayama is an integral part of the practice and has countless health benefits.

Restorative poses bring renewed energy to the body and are held for longer periods of time with extensive use of props.

Our yoga community is vibrant and welcoming! Prioritizing a place and a practice that meets you where you are today.

Know

Your Instructor

The four head instructors at Unity combine more than 130 years of experience.

MEET MARTHA RICHARDSON

Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) Introductory 2 (2016)

Martha Richardson came to yoga in 2010 after a 15 year career as a professional ballet dancer. The alignment based teaching and approach of the Iyengar method had so many similarities to her ballet background, it was a perfect fit. Her teaching style is lighthearted and fun, encouraging her students to grow in their practice and love of Iyengar Yoga. She enjoys working with all levels of students and her attention to detail ensures that a safe and sustainable yoga practice is available to everyone.

Attending both the 2016, 2019 and 2023 IYNAUS conventions, Martha had the privilege of studying with Abhijata Sridhar Iyengar, the Grandaughter of BKS Iyengar.

Martha studies regularly with Senior level Iyengar teacher Randy Just of the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Studio of Dallas. She teaches all levels of yoga and private sessions both in person and online via Zoom.

"Iyengar Yoga is the perfect method to bring balance to the body and mind. I like to say that Iyengar yoga is like cross training for all the other things you do. Personally, my practice directly affects my love of cycling, keeping me feeling comfortable and injury free on my bike!"

MEET SYLVIA AMSLER

Sylvia received her first introduction to Iyengar yoga in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 2001, where she took classes with Laurie Blakeney. She was immediately drawn in by the clear, precise instruction in an Iyengar class and has come to value the bodily intelligence that develops with a sustained Iyengar practice.

Sylvia became a Level 1 CIYT (Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor) in September 2022 under the mentorship of Senior level Iyengar teacher Randy Just. Sylvia loves to share her yoga practice with others who want to develop alignment, strength, balance, flexibility, and awareness. She currently serves on the board of IYNAUS (Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States) as the representative from the south central region of the U.S. and is a member of the IYNAUS Research Committee.

Off the mat, Sylvia has a PhD in biological anthropology and teaches courses at UA Little Rock. Her academic interests include primate behavioral ecology, chimpanzee social behavior, and human evolution.

Private lessons

You can schedule private or group lessons outside of the normal class schedule directly with the instructors based on their availability.

Camps and Events

Camps last a week from 8 am to 3 pm. Participants must be at least 8 years old (or have passed 2 tests at Unity for younger children). Kids must bring lunch and a snack, and shoes for running outside.