Located in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the Integral Yoga Institute is a very popular yoga and meditation ashram that conducts classes all the year around which includes a 6 day introductory course, drop in yoga classes and yoga for special groups. Along with this there are also other activities conducted in the ashram like Scripture Study, meditation sessions, Sunday satsang with lectures and kirtan, individual counselling and a volunteer community service program. The yoga taught here is in the tradition of the late Sri Swami Satchidananda who is the founder of the Satchidananda Ashram - Yogaville which is a spiritual community based in Virginia, USA. The ashram provides accommodations at a low cost and it includes attached baths, hot running water and western style toilets. It does not including fooding but there are plenty of other options available in the nearby restaurants. Alternatively the residents can also make their own food in the kitchen that is provided.

This Ashram provides yoga for all and also conducts mediation classes. The classes here are conducted at three levels - Introductory classes, Hatha I and Hatha II. It also conducts yoga classes for special groups like children, ladies, pregnant women, elders etc. Instructions are given in Tamil and English as requested. The city Coimbatore where it is located in Tamil Nadu, south India and is known for its traditional charm. It provides it visitors an opportunity to experience India as it was years ago. From this ashram you can also visit many temples and sightseeing places located in and around the town. People here are quite friendly and the weather is also perfect.

Facilities at Integral Yoga Institute

The facilities here includes a four story structure which is the main building, a rooftop terrace, sun proches, outside sitting areas. It has five double rooms all of which have attached bedrooms with shower. It also has a fully equipped kitchen where you can make your own food and a common dinning area. Along with this there is a library of books, CD's, DVD's, audio and video cassettes which are available for checkout for special library card holders. You can also buy some of the books and cassettes.

International Yoga Teacher Certification Programs

This ashram also offers a beginner level certificate course International yoga. Known as International Yoga Teacher Certification - Beginner Level, this course has been there for 30 years and thus has been refined and taught by many senior instructors. It is internationally recognized and graduates of this course are certified to instruct a beginner's level class in Hatha Yoga. Along with this the participants will also get an opportunity to strengthen their own spiritual growth and experience. The benefits of this program will last a lifetime. This is an in house program where attendance is must.

Benefits of Hatha Yoga

This yoga helps to tone the entire muscle system, nervous system, endocrine glands and all internal organs. It also provides flexibility, vitality and relaxation. In this yoga by placing the body in various postures the muscles and the internal organs get a good massage. This yoga also helps to improve circulation and is directed toward the specific internal organs with which the posture is working. It involves deep breathing which increases lymph and blood circulation.

Introductory 6 Day Course

This ashram provides an introductory 6 day course which includes a step by step instruction for the beginner. This course usually starts on a Monday, unless informed otherwise and the timings are either 6:30 am or 6:30 pm. You can choose either of the slots. Each class duration is for one hour fifteen minutes. The course fee is Rs. 300.

Daily Yoga Classes

Daily four yoga classes are conducted in this ashram - Hatha I for beginners, Hatha I for those who have mastered the first course of Hatha I. These classes are conducted Monday to Friday at 6:30 am and 6:30 pm. These are walk in class and the fee for each class in Rs 15. You can also buy a discounted 20 class card which costs Rs. 250 and can be used at any of the classes within a three month period.

Medication at Integral Yoga Institute

Medication is a highly popular means of channelling all your positive energy. During this time all your energies are retained and directed inward. During exercises the energy is dispersed and projected outward whereas in medication the whole body and mind are revitalized and relaxed. All this leads to peace and stability. This ashram offers a weekday half hour meditation periods open to the public at 12:30 pm and 8 pm. Along with this there is also a morning 5 am meditation program which is an hour long and has to be joined with advanced notice.

Yoga for Special Groups at Integral Yoga Institute

This ashram also provides yoga for special groups like elders, women, children, pregnant women, and people with problems of back. These yoga sessions are designed keeping in mind the specific body requirements of the appropriate age groups like elders who have a stiff body, women and children who have special requirements and also pregnant women which includes special yoga poses and breathing practices that is modified for women who are pregnant beyond their trimester. The fees for this courses are usually charged per class where you pay as you attend.

If your requirement does not match up with the schedule of the public classes you can arrange separate private classes depending upon your requirement and by prior appointment.

Special Programs at Integral Yoga Institute

This ashram also offers special programs at times, and sometimes on request. Most of them are offered every season either as a one day program or a three day program. These programs are either conducted at the ashram itself or in a peaceful facility outside the city. They also conduct groups programs for corporates. The daily schedule includes medication, hanta yoga, chanting, deep relaxation, pranayama and spiritual disclosure. Those who are at the advanced level receive more challenging instructions while those at the beginner's level receive detailed instructions and personal attention in separate classes. Instructors for these programs are quite experienced. During such programs compete silence is maintained from 9 pm to 9 am.