My expectations for my body’s performance were on the downward swing, I was becoming more “round”, round-shouldered, no stamina and was less able to do what I easily did just a few years ago. I had just moved to Bend and I finally lived in central Oregon, a dream of mine for 30 years. I intended now to enjoy it as I would have, 30 years younger. Hiking, backpacking, kayaking, skiing, cycling were all on my agenda and I wasn’t going to let being at “that age” stop me. Plus I still had to work to earn a living. What to do? As I talked to friends and polled those whose energy and vitality seemed ageless, “yoga” kept being the answer. It was by luck that I walked into my first-ever yoga class and it was Iyengar Yoga. I only knew I wanted to learn yoga, I hadn’t a clue there were so many varieties of yoga. Iyengar Yoga fit me perfectly. It was paced so I could really think about what I was doing. Each class had different variations in poses (asanas) to keep me challenged and interested. Every time I got smug and thought I had things figured out, Nadine would come up with a new pose that pushed me even further. I had shoulder surgery to fix an old injury and with Nadine’s careful instruction and the Iyengar props my shoulder is better than it ever was in strength & flexibility. I now have the stamina and strength, plus increased flexibility that I had years ago. Thanks to Nadine and Iyengar Yoga, I’m my old-young self again.

Carla F, Artist
started Iyengar Yoga Sept, 2005

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Iyengar yoga has made such a positive impact on my experience in stretching and strengthening my body. I have been involved in athletics most of my life. I have also studied the field of exercise and appreciate the importance of the mind, body connection and all aspects of fitness. Stretching has been an uncomfortable, if not painful experience, for as long as I can remember. I wrongfully accepted I have tight hamstrings, hips, calves, and shoulders. Then I received advice from a physical therapist to try Iyengar yoga to address sudden pain issues I was experiencing.

After months of practice, at home and in classes with Nadine, stretching is no longer a painful experience. I am excited to say I look forward to my morning or evening yoga routine. My body feels so amazing after each yoga session. It is a wonderful complement to how I feel after taking or teaching a difficult spin class, going for a long trail run, or other high-intensity activities I routinely engage in. Iyengar yoga’s focus on detailed actions in each pose and correct body position has allowed me to improve my flexibility beyond what I ever thought I was capable of achieving. My pain has significantly lessened, and in some areas is completely gone. It has also taught me how to be relaxed and breathe effectively while working extremely hard. I am convinced Iyengar yoga is exercise everyone could benefit from at all levels of fitness and at any age.

Eris Craven, MS, RD, LD
started Iyengar Yoga Sept, 2010

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“Participation in classes at Iyengar Yoga of Bend has brought me a wonderful awareness of my mind and body to achieve the well-being of both. I have found strength, vigor, balance , flexibility, calm and contentment in the practice of this ancient discipline where neither age nor physical limitations prevent one’s attaining harmony between the body and spirit.”

Marguerite B. 68 years young
started Iyengar Yoga Dec, 2008

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“Though I have practiced several types of Yoga in the past, discovering Nadine Sims and Iyengar Yoga of Bend has been a treasured gift to my mental and physical well-being. Nadine’s precise, consistent and gentle style of teaching has enabled me to make great strides in my ability to not only execute, but to understand my Yoga poses; I never leave a class without feeling that both my mind and my body have learned something new! Iyengar Yoga has deepened my respect for the benefits of the practice helping me to understand how Yoga truly does impact all aspects of my everyday life. It has brought me strength, flexibility, better alignment, posture, and balance in all that I do.”

Carol W., Retired Middle School Educator
started Iyengar yoga Oct, 2007

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