about

A yoga teacher (and studio) that evolves with you

Meet Barbara Boris

When you step into a class with Barbara Boris, you're learning from Woodstock's only Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor (CIYT) and a certified member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT). For nearly 40 years, Barbara has immersed herself in yoga asana, Indian philosophies, and Sanskrit, bringing a wealth of knowledge to every session. Her passion for yoga has taken her to India almost every winter from 1994-2014, where she studied seven times with the B.K.S. Iyengar family at their renowned institute in Pune.

She is deeply grateful to all the yoga teachers and masters who have guided her on her journey. A special thanks to Sharon Gannon and David Life of Jivamukti Yoga, who inspired her beginnings in New York City. She also is indebted to Robert Moses (Swami Sankarananda) for introducing her to India in 1994, and Kevin Gardiner and Mary Dunn of The Iyengar Institute of New York for their invaluable guidance. She is thankful to senior Iyengar teachers Joan White and Faeq Biria for generously sharing their profound knowledge, and, of course, to the entire Iyengar family for their support and wisdom.

Barbara's yoga journey is as unique as her teaching style.

It all started when she found herself naturally sharing yoga with coworkers during her design and advertising career. After a life-changing trip to India, Barbara knew she had found her true calling. Now, with over 30 years of teaching under her belt, she offers something you won't find in typical yoga classes or online tutorials. At Woodstock Yoga Center, Barbara creates personalized practices that help you manage aches and pains, rediscover the joy in movement, and tap into your body's innate wisdom. Her approach blends yoga therapy, personal training, and spiritual guidance, offering a truly unique yoga experience for those ready to experience pain relief, less stress, and an authentic yoga practice.

Other Trainings & Certifications

➤ Studied 7 times at Ramamani Iyengar Yoga Institute (RIMYI), Pune, India since 1999

➤ Studied directly under B.K.S. Iyengar, Geeta Iyengar, Prashant Iyengar, and Abhijata Iyengar, 1997- present

➤ Taught yoga at "Longevity and Optimal Health Conference" presented by Tibet House and Columbia Integrative Medicine Program, Menla Conference Center. Special Guest: H.H. Dalai Lama (2006)

➤ Taught three international two-week yoga courses at Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, Rishikesh, India

➤ Made 20 trips to India from 1994-2014, most for 3 months at a time

- Completed year-long Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Training - 1,000+ hour program, second ever Jivamukti TT, New York City (1996)
- Studied Vedanta at Arsha Vidya Gurukulam with Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati, 1996-2001
- Completed Iyengar Yoga Therapy Training with Stephanie Quirk, 2002, 2004, 2017
- Attended Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training and workshops with Senior teachers
- Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher: Intro 1 (2010), Intro 2 (2013)
- Completed Yoga and Osteoporosis Training with Loren Fishman, MD (2011)
- Completed Trauma & Yoga Training with Bessel van der Kolk, MD, at Kripalu (2014)
- Certified International Yoga Therapist (2017)
- Ongoing monthly study with Dr. Robert Svoboda since February 2020
- Trained in Iyengar Yoga for Trauma, with Marla Apt and Dr. Susan Hess, 2020
- Completed Anatomy Trains Live Full Body Dissection (via Zoom) with Tom Myers and Todd Garcia (16 hours), 2020
- Participated in Ayurveda and Microbiome Training with Dr. Scott Blossom and Dr. Robert Svoboda, 2020
- Completed Breath Body Mind Training with Dr. Richard Brown and Dr. Patricia Gerbarg, 2020
- Breathe, Fatigue, and Recover (from COVID), 3-part workshop, with Stephanie Quirk, 2022
- Iyengar Yoga for Depression, Dr. Chris Streeter, 2023
- Seeing and Understanding from the Base, Stephanie Quirk, 2023-2024
- Completed Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training - 200-hour program, SIvananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, Neyyar Dam, Kerala, India (1994)
- Participated in Sivananda Sadhana Intensive - two-week program in Neyyar Dam, Kerala, India (1994), featuring Bhagavad Gita chanting, special ayurvedic diet, and asana and pranayama intensive, all while living in a tent in the jungle
- Joined Sivananda South Indian Yatra - two-week pilgrimage to major temples/dhams, with additional one week intensive at Sivananda Kutir, Netala, Uttarakhand on the banks of the Ganges (1994)

Woodstock Yoga Center

Welcoming | Supportive | Transformative

Woodstock Yoga Center is more than just a yoga studio. This space is a sanctuary designed to support your practice at every level. We've professionally equipped our space with all the props and tools you need, whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned yogi looking to deepen your practice.

But what really sets us apart isn't just our state-of-the-art space (though we're pretty proud of that). It's the personalized attention and depth of instruction you'll find here. As the only Iyengar Yoga studio in the area, we offer a variety of yoga experiences that go beyond “commercialized yoga.” Here, you'll learn to understand your body, calm your mind, and nurture your spirit — no matter your age or physical limitations. At Woodstock Yoga Center, our mission is to honor where you are today while helping you discover what you're capable of tomorrow.

Barbara’s Values

Authenticity

Barbara brings authentic yoga to Woodstock, backed by over 20 years of study in India and direct training with yoga masters. She's not only the sole Iyengar yoga teacher in town but also the most experienced yoga instructor in Woodstock.
Service

Barbara's approach is rooted in genuine care for each student's journey. She is committed to serving you, in all your Divine Potential, to discover your own path toward healing and growth.
Community

From hosting Indian music concerts and kirtan to providing space for AA meetings and kids' yoga, we're nurturing the spiritual heart of Woodstock.
Acceptance

Barbara meets you exactly where you are — whether you're navigating physical challenges or interested in taking your practice to the next level.

A few fun facts about Barbara…

Science Fiction & Science Fact

Barbara is a verified geek from knowing every episode of Star Trek to virtually roaming the actual surface of Mars. The fiction of yesterday becomes the fact of today. Tech exploration is her love. Meanwhile on Mars…x.com/MAstronomers

“Cured” Her Cat Allergy Through Therapy

One of Barbara's most amazing achievements is overcoming a severe cat allergy through years of work with her therapist. Allergic reactions are real, but the emotional component can be changed. She finally feels safe in the world. Today, she shares Billi (Hindi for "cat") with her ex-husband who lives across the street!

Committed to Conscious Living

Barbara follows the yogic principle of ahimsa (non-violence) in her daily life. While ahimsa can look different for everyone, Barbara adopted a vegetarian diet and abstains from alcohol as a way to practice compassion towards herself and others.

An Adventurous Spirit

Severe allergies once confined Barbara, until yoga changed everything. Her first-ever out of the country trip was a bold three-month journey to India in 1994, where she lived in the jungle and tried Indian food for the first time!