Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar, is a type of Yoga known for 3 things: Postures (Asanas), Breathing Exercises (Pranayama and the use of props, like belts and blocks, as aids in doing the poses. Iyengar Yoga is resolutely based on the traditional 8 limbs of Patanjali Yoga.
Thus emphasis on developing of stamina, flexibility, strength and balance, plus concentration and meditation is part and parcel of the program.

Iyengar Yoga is a type of Hatha Yoga that lays stress on the body’s structural alignment with the aid of asanas. Through the practice of Iyengar Yoga, the practitioner aims at uniting the body, mind and soul for good health and happiness.
This form of Yoga is believed to be a strong tool to relieve the stress and tensions of everyday life. That, in turn automatically helps promote overall physical and spiritual well being.

Iyengar Yoga is characterized by its minute attention to detail and particular focus on structural alignment of the physical body. Iyengar initiated the use of props like blocks, benches, cushions, straps, and sand bags. It is believed that their use helps beginners perform Yoga poses more easily that might otherwise only be possible after a number of years of diligent practice. Props also help tired and infirm participants enjoy optimum benefits of many of the Yoga poses with the use of fully supported techniques that call for less muscular effort.

In Iyengar Yoga, standing asanas are more emphasized upon. It is believed that they contribute to building strong legs, enhancing general vitality, improving circulation, coordination and balance, besides ensuring a strong foundation for the advanced poses to follow.

In most of the empirical methods Yoga students are persuaded to find their way to the asanas, on their own, by imitating the teacher. However, Iyengar Yoga classes are very vocal and instructive, with physical misalignments and mistakes rectified immediately. Iyengar has trained literally thousands of teachers. They usually conclude 3-5 years of thorough training for the introductory level of certification. The higher-level certification could take a decade or even more.