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The CYS Class Progression System is designed to make class selection easier for students and to enable teachers to teach to a clearly defined level. This system defines the levels/classifications of classes at CYS.

Class levels are defined in terms of the capacities and characteristics of students – not in terms of the structure and content of classes. The latter is determined by the teacher, with consideration given to the former. This classification system is not intended to exclude students from classes. Rather, it is designed to establish a shared set of expectations between student and teacher.

A student may choose to attend a class that is above their capabilities, in which case the teacher does not need to modify the class, but may advise the student to “sit out” (modify, rest, or observe) components the teacher or student recognizes as beyond the student’s ability. However a teacher should not instruct content above the agreed level of the class, unless substantial modifications/variations are provided to accommodate the expected level of the students. Teachers have the freedom to include less advanced content in any class, if it suits the purpose/intent of that particular class.

Overall, the intent of the Class Progression System is to ensure CYS classes are accessible to the broadest range of students, whilst ensuring there is a path of progression that enables students to sustain and develop a lifetime of transformative practice.

BEGINNERS

P1 classes are for those new to yoga.
Students learn the fundamentals and basic techniques.

P1 students have:

  • little or no prior experience of Yoga
  • reasonable mobility; no debilitating physical limitations
  • the ability to get up and down off the floor without assistance
  • little or no understanding of the need to modify practice in response to injuries or other issues (Students will learn these skills through their practice)
  • little or no knowledge of Yoga techniques (asana, pranayama), and specifically the use of props.

P1 is reserved for the Beginners Course – all other classes at CYS are at P2 or above.

OPEN

P2 classes are for everyone.
Teachers present well-rounded practices with modifications offered as required.

P2 students have:

  • completed the CYS Beginners (P1) course or have some experience of Yoga (more than 10 classes or more than 3 months of regular practice)
  • a good understanding of Sun Salutation sequence and basic Yoga postures
  • some experience of Yoga breathing techniques and meditation
  • some knowledge of Yoga philosophy
  • an understanding of the importance of modifying for any personal injuries or issues, and is ready to ask for help to modify if needed. (Students will be reminded of this as needed.)
  • some experience of basic Yoga techniques (asana, pranayama) including basic use of props

Teachers may need to offer variations/ modifications to accommodate less experienced students.

EXPERIENCED

Teachers present well-rounded practices for practitioners capable of self-monitoring and modifying as needed.

P3 students have:

  • at least 1 year of regular practise including regular class attendance
  • an established own practice with some regularity
  • good fitness and mobility
  • a good understanding of how to self-modify for personal injuries and other issues, and has the maturity to apply this as required
  • a good understanding of Pranayama and meditation techniques
  • a good understanding of Yoga terminology, including familiarity with common Sanskrit terms
  • a good understanding of prop use and is confident to use props independently
  • the ability to perform some advanced postures like strong-arm balances, headstand, or handstand, with or without assistance, and using props as appropriate
  • confidence to self-select the depth and intensity of poses and variations to suit their personal capacity
  • openness to adjustment and advancement of practice through modifications and teacher assistance

P3 is NOT suitable for inexperienced students. Students with less experience will be advised to rest/observe components judged by the teacher to be beyond their capabilities.

ADVANCED

P4 classes are for experienced and physically capable practitioners.
Teachers present more technically challenging practices.

P4 students have:

  • at least 3 years of regular Yoga practice and experience
  • an established and regular practice of their own
  • very good fitness and mobility
  • a very good understanding of how to self-modify for personal injuries and issues, and an established maturity to apply this as required
  • a very good understanding of Yoga Pranayama and meditation techniques
  • a very good understanding of Yoga terminology and Sanskrit terms
  • a very good understanding of prop use and is confident to use props independently and extensively as they choose to enhance and adjust their own practice
  • the ability to perform multiple advanced postures like strong-arm balances, headstand, and handstand, without assistance, using props and variations as they choose
  • confidence and competence with self-selecting the depth and intensity of poses and variations to suit their personal capacity and intent in practice

P4 is NOT suitable for inexperienced students. Students with less experience should be advised to rest/observe components judged to be beyond their capabilities.

SPECIFIC

P5 classes are for students with very specific conditions and/or capabilities.

This includes but is not limited to:

  • Pregnancy
  • Limited mobility
  • Particular acute injuries or conditions: eg, back pain/injury

See descriptions of these particular classes/courses for more details.

Students with specific injuries or requirements should contact the studio for guidance and provide a letter from their doctor indicating any specific needs and safety to practice.