Iyengar yoga has been described as meditation in action.
Regular practice increases suppleness, strength and stamina, improves posture and concentration and quietens the mind to promote wellbeing. Practicing yoga postures with awareness has an integrating effect and works to harmonize mind and body. B.K.S. Iyengar is credited with bringing yoga to the Western world and making it accessible to every age and walk of life.
Benefits of Iyengar Yoga
Safe
The Iyengar yoga technique emphasizes precision and alignment. Quality of movement is prioritized over quantity. You learn to move with ease in your body while working within your limitations. This makes the yoga asanas safe to perform. Yoga props such as blankets, blocks and belts may be used to improve your understanding of poses or to help if you have difficulties.
Structured
The practice is progressive, building a stable foundation before attempting more demanding work. Beginners start with standing yoga poses and are gradually introduced to a full range of sitting and reclining yoga postures, forward extensions, inversions, twists, backbends and arm balances.
Balanced
Each group of yoga postures develops the body in different yet reciprocal ways and has different qualities: grounding, energizing, strengthening, stimulating, calming. Yoga classes at all levels devote time to relaxation. Once the body and mind are strong enough to sit or lie for extended periods without distraction, students learn pranayama (yogic breathing). No two yoga classes are the same: teachers select yoga poses from the different groups of poses to emphasize the various aspects of the practice.
