Baillirina Yoga | What is Iyengar Yoga?

So what is Iyengar Yoga?

What is Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar yoga is a method of aligning and harmonising the body to gain physical well-being and peace of mind. It is named after B.K.S. Iyengar who brought yoga to the West and formalised his teaching method. It focuses on precision in asanas (poses) and concentrated practice in lessons by each student to become ever more aware of their own bodies, and physical, mental, emotional health. It is a safe and progressive method.

Iyengar teachers are all highly experienced before they begin to train as teachers, and from there we complete a minimum of two further years training just in teaching itself. You are in safe and experienced hands.

What happens in a typical class?

The class will start with quiet preparation for the practice to come. Iyengar Yoga classes are quiet, we practice in blissful peace being in the moment.

I will then instruct step by step on how to move into and out of each asana (posture). You will be guided throughout, you will not ever feel that “everyone else knows what to do but me”. And the teaching instructions always change, there is always something to learn from asanas considered basic. I myself still attend classes and every time I learn something new, experienced yoga students will always benefit from my classes.

Usually we will work through a series of asanas during a class, focusing on details and I will ask that you concentrate deeply to be aware of your body. Iyengar yoga classes teach you patience and to slow down. Whilst the classes are enjoyably demanding physically and students that practice regular will grow stronger and leaner, Iyengar yoga does not flow rapidly from asana to asana. This is not a gym with frenetic energy, and the purpose is not to work up a sweat just for its own sake.

Each week of the month has different specialities: standing asanas, forward bends, back bends, and restorative. Through this cycle we work all body safely.

Each class ends with some relaxing asanas to ease us down, and finally savasana which is where we lie still for some minutes to complete our journey for the day.

Then you are ready to head back into the world, feeling taller, straighter, more aware and peaceful.

Who can practice Iyengar Yoga?

A key benefit of Iyengar Yoga is that anyone can practice it. I have taught very physically-able students and also students with health issues and restricted mobility.

This is because of both the deep and focussed pace of teaching, and also the use of equipment, called “props”. By using props (or not) every student can access asanas in some form, enabling each student to develop as best suits their body. We teachers are trained to select the correct prop & supervise students individually with correction, encouragement & support.

What are the benefits of Iyengar yoga?

Regular practice develops all round physical, mental & spiritual well being. It is extremely beneficial for the prevention of injury & ill health as well as improving existing conditions. The practice of yoga will help to:

Improve flexibility
Free and open joints
Strengthen muscles without bulkiness
Improve balance
Improve posture and correct misalignments
And in general I just feel great when I practice

Who was B.K.S. Iyengar?

All of this came from our Guruji BKS Iyengar. Iyengar Yoga UK and the B.K.S. Iyengar sites have more information.

Who was B.K.S. Iyengar?

Benefits

Who can practice?

What is Iyengar Yoga?

Typical class

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