The Trilliquin Center

Seeing as this is the only place I’ve taken yoga classes at in Louisville, I may be a bit biased. However, from what I’ve heard there really aren’t any other good places to go for Iyengar yoga. My friend recommended Trilliquin to me when I moved here, and since we took yoga together in college I followed her lead when she told me Jessica was in the same league as our former teacher. She was right – Jessica is an amazing instructor! I’ve been taking classes with her for the past year.
Classes are structured by level and change every so often based on need. Lately there has been a level 1 for beginners, level 1 – 2, and a level 2. There is also a gentle yoga class. There used to be a level 3 class and sometimes there are more specifically focused classes. Each class meets at the same time each week for 8 weeks, which is one session. You pay for a whole session and then if you can’t come one week during the Monday class you usually go to you can choose to go to the Wednesday class – or whatever class is convenient for your schedule. Also, there is the option to enter a session 2 weeks in, which would mean you would only pay for 6 weeks. Jessica is great about helping you figure out which level you should start out in and providing guidance if you feel like you’re ready to move up.
What is a typical class like?
Students enter a few minutes early and know to go into hero pose as a sort of «warm-​up» until class begins. Jessica eases everyone into a few poses and guides students to silently reflect upon their intentions for day’s lesson. Then, she takes about 10 minutes to discuss aspects of the eight limbs of yoga, which deal with the philosophy aspect. She does a thorough job explaining the concept she has chosen to pair with that day’s lesson. You can really tell she strives to maintain the integrity of the concept initially defined in Sanskrit while translating it to contemporary English. Her relaxed facilitation of discussion surrounding these ideas and students’ impressions, questions, and comments makes everyone feel comfortable contributing (or not – she doesn’t push for that) helpful in solidifying the intricacies of these philosophical topics.
Throughout the class, Jessica will usually focus on a key pose and will guide students through poses that help build strength for that pose or increase the flexibility needed for it – whatever the prerequisite skill set is. I love how she is attune to all of her students’ physical needs. She quickly, yet effectively notes changes individual students should make to protect their knees, lower back, etc. if needed. She also carries on knowledge about where individual students need more practice. If you’re comfortable with it, she’ll help you make corrections.
While she usually guides everyone through poses verbally directing us at the same pace, she also gives us the space to practice on our own so we can get the hang out going through a set of sun salutations on our own. It’s really hard to take your practice in the studio under the watch of your teacher and replicate that experience at home. For more difficult or new poses introduced to a class, she leaves room for questions. I think this is one of the most beneficial aspects of yoga with Jessica. She truly wants her students to take away knowledge from class. Her classes are the perfect balance of serious yoga practice and a lighthearted good time. Students feel free to go take a sip of water, use the bathroom or crack a little joke here and there.
Now that I’ve written a book, I’ll leave you with just one last thought: whether you are a beginner or an old hat at Iyengar yoga, you will be both comfortable and appropriately challenged at The Trilliquin Center!