Overview
Audubon Yoga Studio, located in the historic Rayne Memorial Methodist Church, is a dedicated Iyengar yoga center in New Orleans founded and directed by Becky Lloyd in 2000. The studio emphasizes a precise, alignment-focused methodology using props to build strength and flexibility safely. Classes are taught by Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers (CIYT), with offerings ranging from Foundations to Intermediate levels, available both in-person and online. The studio is committed to accessibility with a policy that ensures no one is turned away for lack of funds, working with individuals on pricing. Testimonials highlight significant physical and mental benefits, including pain relief and improved stability, making it a trusted community for disciplined practice.
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Studio in Details
A Specialized Iyengar Yoga Space in New Orleans
Audubon Yoga Studio operates from a distinct location within the Rayne Memorial Methodist Church on St. Charles Avenue, accessed via the Pitt Street entrance under a green awning. Founded and directed by Becky Lloyd in 2000, the studio has cultivated a reputation over more than two decades for providing a friendly, safe, and encouraging setting specifically for the study of Iyengar yoga. The approach here is described by visitors as both rigorous and rewarding, with a clear emphasis on precision and mindful alignment. People note that the classes are designed to be challenging and inspiring, guiding students through the exploration of asanas, or postures, with the additional aim of helping them establish a personal home practice. The overall philosophy, as shared by the studio, views the understanding of yoga as a pathway to a deeper understanding of one’s true Self, weaving sacred teachings into daily life.
The studio’s identity is deeply intertwined with the lineage of B.K.S. Iyengar, one of the most influential yogis of modern times. This method prioritizes the precise alignment of the body to build strength and flexibility, utilizing props like blankets, blocks, and straps to create a safe yet challenging practice that addresses individual needs. Visitors do not mention a wide variety of other yoga styles; the focus remains intently on this systematic and orderly progression. The physical space itself is part of a historic church building in New Orleans, contributing to a sense of community and tradition that long-time practitioners seem to cherish.
Teaching Methodology and Class Structure
The instruction at Audubon Yoga Studio is delivered by Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers (CIYT), with founder Becky Lloyd being a Level 3 certified instructor with three decades of dedicated practice, including study at the Iyengar family’s institute in Pune, India. Visitors consistently highlight the exceptional quality of teaching. One person describes Becky Lloyd as a “phenomenal yoga teacher” who is very good at explaining and demonstrating postures, often using the technique of showing “not this but this” to clarify correct alignment. They note she demonstrates poses from different angles—front and side views—and is adept at providing subtle, individualized verbal corrections without disrupting the flow of the class for others.
Another visitor, who attended a foundations class as a beginner, found the instructor to be very diligent in ensuring each person strives for the correct position, noting that while the class was challenging, it was still feasible for someone new to yoga. The studio offers a structured weekly class schedule organized into sessions, such as an eight-week winter series. Classes include Foundations of Iyengar Yoga, Intermediate level classes, and a Mixed/Ageless class, primarily held on Saturdays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. The foundations classes are noted as being offered only in-person, while many other classes have both in-person and online options. The schedule observes local events, with no classes held during the week of Mardi Gras.
Impact on Practice and Accessibility
For many who visit, the impact of the Iyengar practice taught here extends beyond the studio. Testimonials from people who have attended speak to significant physical and mental benefits. One individual with no prior yoga experience reported that after four years of practice at the studio, they no longer had high blood pressure and could perform a headstand with stability, crediting the instructors for guiding them toward greater physical and mental stability. Another person shared a profound story of chronic back pain that was not alleviated by extensive physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage, and acupuncture. They stated that a single Iyengar class at the studio relieved their pain entirely for a week and restored full mobility, a result they found astonishing. They continued a personal practice and weekly classes, finding that maintaining the practice kept their back feeling solid.
The studio demonstrates a clear commitment to accessibility with its stated policy: “No one will be turned away for lack of funds.” They encourage people not to let listed prices deter them and offer to work with individuals in need of a discounted rate, directing them to contact the director directly. Standard pricing for an eight-week session includes drop-in rates, class packages (8-class and 16-class), an unlimited series pass, and an unlimited annual membership. Payment methods are varied, including online payments, Zelle, checks, and PayPal. Visitors do not mention specific details about locker rooms, showers, or retail boutiques, focusing their feedback primarily on the instruction, class structure, and personal outcomes. For those in New Orleans seeking a disciplined, alignment-focused, and community-oriented yoga practice rooted in a specific tradition, Audubon Yoga Studio presents a long-established and thoughtfully run option.