We are happy to welcome Garth McLean back to Utrecht for a weekend of exploration, inspiration and depth. Known for his clarity, warmth and precision, Garth offers a dynamic and therapeutic approach to the Iyengar method. This year’s workshop focuses on the interplay between finding balance and facing your fears — both physically and mentally. Through progressive sequencing, we will investigate how the influence of alignment, grounding and focus can cultivate steadiness in standing poses, inversions and restorative postures. Garth will address how fear can be acknowledged and worked with through the structure and intelligence of Iyengar Yoga. Any kind of fear, whether it arises in relation to certain asanas, personal limitations, or life circumstances.

This workshop provides practical tools to develop inner and outer balance, and to meet fear not as an obstacle, but as a pathway toward greater freedom.

Who will benefit from this workshop?

Do I have to attend the whole workshop?

You’re welcome to join a single session, but we highly recommend attending the full weekend to get the most benefit. The workshop is designed to build gradually, and full participation allows Garth to better understand your needs and offer more tailored guidance. It’s also a valuable way to deepen your practice and support your overall well-being. Rest and relaxation are integrated into the programme, and Garth is attentive to each student’s capacity throughout and can provide individual adaptations as needed.

Teachers Class | Fri 15.00-17.00

Open to Iyengar yoga teachers and teachers in training

This session focuses on how to teach essential aspects of asanas to students who, due to their personal challenges, may not be able to perform the full pose – but would benefit from aspects of that pose because of their challenges.

Participants will learn how to break down postures into their key actions and effects, and how to use props, positioning and observation skills to make the practice accessible and meaningful. The emphasis is on seeing the student — not just the pose — and adapting with clarity and care, while staying rooted in the principles of Iyengar Yoga. The aim is to deepen teaching skills by learning how to extract and apply the essence of a posture, so that students with therapeutic needs can still engage with its benefits.

A practice-based class that helps analyze the why and how of adapting: why a certain pose is beneficial, and how its essential actions can be made available to those with limitations in their physical capacity. For example, we might explore how the actions of ‘difficult’ or ‘advanced’ asanas like Ekapada Rajakapotasana or Urdhva Padmasana in Sarvangasana can be taught through modified forms that still deliver their intended effects.

Restorative Class | Fri 18.00-19.30

Open to all

This practice provides deep rest and recovery for both muscles and internal organs, often providing deeper relaxation than sleep.

By combining restorative asanas with pranayama (breath work), this session will help revitalize your body and mind, easing stress and aiding in recovery from fatigue.

Morning Class | Sat 10.30-13.00

Open to all

In this morning session, Garth will tailor a variety of asanas to meet the needs, abilities, and energy levels of all attendees. He will share his insights and experience with asanas that enhance mobility, strength, balance, rest, and function, particularly for those dealing with nervous system conditions and movement challenges. Be prepared to do something that may be a bit scary! (in a safe way of course)

Adaptations and support will be provided to suit each participant.

Afternoon Class | Sat 14.30-17.00

Open to all

In the afternoon session, we’ll delve deeper into asanas that promote physical balance. Based on participant feedback, comfort and energy levels, we will refine our approach, choosing either a more calming or dynamic practice, and adapting the asanas to suit individual needs.

In the afternoon session, we’ll delve deeper into asanas that promote physical balance. Based on participant feedback, comfort and energy levels, we will refine our approach, choosing either a more calming or dynamic practice, and adapting the asanas to suit individual needs.

Your next move | Sun 10.00-14.00

open to all – advised to do at least one prior session

In this class, Garth will guide participants through a series of asanas, adapting them to meet individual needs. The focus will be on promoting physical balance and removing barriers using Iyengar’s props, aiming to create a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Whether you are an experienced practitioner or someone with physical challenges, Garth’s supportive approach will provide you with practical tools to improve your health and well-being.

This class builds on previous sessions and adapts to each students level, guiding them safely toward their goals.

About Garth McLean

When I was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1996, I was experiencing frightening MS related symptoms and mobility restrictions. Filled with trepidation about an uncertain future, I felt isolated and very much alone. Along with prescribed medication, my doctor recommended I try yoga to help get and keep my MS in remission, my body functioning and my mind calm.

Once we arrive to ourselves and own our personal truth of where we are, we can then work to align the body, the peripheral nerves with the motor nerves, in such a fashion that the body is given the opportunity to realize its potential.  BKS Iyengar opened up a door to possibility and gave me the tools to take action to move beyond my limitations with courage and caution.

As a person living with MS, a certified yoga therapist and a certified senior Iyengar Yoga teacher, I have seen and worked with a wide variety of people around the globe in all stages of MS, Parkinson’s, and with other neurological or movement restrictive conditions. If you, or someone you know, is facing neurological or mobility challenges and could benefit from yoga, I invite you to join me. Together we can investigate, share and explore ways to alleviate symptoms when required, brighten the future and enhance our lives!