Come join founder and director Lillah Schwartz, a host of talented teachers and a community of yogis at Lighten Up Yoga Center. Founded in 1981 and celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2006, the Center is the area's longest established and premier yoga facility. Designed and nurtured by Lillah Schwartz, our warm and inviting space will enhance your yoga experience.

We offer Iyengar-based classes seven days per week for all ages and skill levels. Please check our class descriptions and class schedule for more information. Our specialty classes are Novice yoga, yoga for Back Care, yoga for MS and various yoga seminars. To learn more about guest instructors, special seminars and events, and Free Yoga Days, please check our calendar of events.

The Center is also the home of the Lighten Up Yoga Teacher Training Institute, a registered Yoga Alliance school that offers beginner and advanced training for yoga teachers and lifestyle participants.

In our yoga boutique, you will find books, yoga gear and yoga clothing for people of all ages and physical needs. Our prices are competitive and average 20% less than other commercial locations. Lillah has produced two highly popular therapeutic companion DVD's for back pain and neck/shoulder pain relief, recommended by Dr Andrew Weil, Prevention Magazine, Yoga Journal, and currently in national distribution.

Lillah Schwartz, R.Y.T., is a Nationally Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor and seasoned practitioner. Lillah offers trainings in both the corporate and private sectors and has been introducing upcoming yoga teachers from diverse backgrounds to the Iyengar Method since 1984.

Lillah is one of the Southeast's leading yoga instructors and opened the first Iyengar Yoga studio in North Carolina in Asheville in 1981. Lillah teaches both novice and intermediate yoga participants as well as those seeking Yoga Alliance teacher training certification.

Lillah views yoga as a healing art. One of her greatest strengths as a teacher is her incredible knowledge of the body, including anatomy, biochemistry and emotional experience. Her insightful instruction is founded in more than 25 years of studying the Iyengar Method. Her primary studies include therapeutic sequences, intermediate sequencing, the emotional and spiritual content of asanas and adaptive yoga for MS and special populations. Her mentors include Felicity Green, Eric Small and Aadil Palkhivala.

Lillah is an expert on therapeutic yoga for the spine and has developed and produced two companion DVDs for backs and necks in national distribution, favorably recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil, Yoga Journal and Prevention Magazine.

Iyengar is the core of what we teach at our studio, and Lillah Schwartz is one of only four certified Iyengar Instructors teaching in North Carolina. Iyengar is a science, a philosophy and an art. During Iyengar practice, technique is emphasized along with the practice of correct anatomical alignment during asanas. Props, such as wooden blocks, chairs, blankets and belts, are often used to help the body into the correct positions. Because of the focus on proper anatomical alignment, Iyengar is considered by many to be one of the safest forms of yoga.

The Iyengar classes at Lighten Up Yoga use props judiciously to educate the body and insure its safety. All classes at Lighten up Yoga include asana (postures0 and pranayama (breath control) as well as relaxation. Please feel free to drop in to any yoga class anytime.

The studio is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and in the evenings during class times 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Our telephones will be answered throughout the day, so call any time.