Backbend Basics with Anneke Faas

Backbends open the body and create joy. Yet, beginners struggle to understand the dynamics of these poses and how to do them when you are stiff.

In this workshop, we will explore the poses that prepare you for backbends. You will learn the important steps that lead to backbends, modifications for different body types, and how to practice them at home.

This class is appropriate for level one Iyengar Yoga students who are ready to explore level two poses and delve deeper into understanding backbends. Level 2 students will have an opportunity to solidify their knowledge of these asanas with this afternoon of intensive study.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Anneke Faas is a certified Iyengar yoga instructor at the Intermediate Junior I level. She was inspired by the precision and genius of Mr. Iyengar’s teaching at the age of 14 during her first year of high school where she was an avid athlete. Teaching yoga in college to her peers, Anneke started her teacher training with Nancy Stechart and Leslie Bradley in 2002. She continued her studies upon moving to New York City and graduated from the premiere Iyengar Yoga Association of Greater New York Teacher Training program under the mentorship of the late Mary Dunn. Since then, Anneke has had two sons and now lives in Berkeley, California. As a teacher, Anneke has a warm presence and commands her classes with ease and careful focus. She is especially drawn to working with mothers, helping to reduce the stress and tensions of everyday life. She has specialized training in pre-natal yoga. In addition to regular public classes, Anneke offers weekly private lessons, corporate classes and mentors aspiring Iyengar yoga teachers-in-training. Visit her website at www.annekefaas.com.