Iyengar Yoga

Yoga became popular in the West in large part through the teaching of B.K.S. Iyengar. His method of learning yoga is now the most widely practised in the world

The most well-known and practised method of Yoga is ‘Iyengar Yoga’, taught by Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, India. He was born in 1918, in Bellur, India, and has studied, practised and taught yoga in India and internationally for over 75 years.

B.K.S Iyengar understanding and mastery of yoga is unrivalled in modern times. He has won world-wide respect and recognition and has made yoga accessible and relevant to people everywhere. Even people with serious conditions can practise using supports or yoga props. His insights have changed how yoga is taught worldwide.

Exceptionally High Teaching Standards 
The rigorous two training programme, only accepts people who have shown themselves to be dedicated Iyengar yoga practitioners before being allowed to train as a teacher.  Only certified teachers teach genuine Iyengar yoga. The Certification Mark, a sign of excellence, clarity and depth of understanding.

Accessible
Iyengar yoga is accessible to anyone. Regular practice increases suppleness, strength and stamina, improves posture and concentration and brings quietness to the mind to promote well-being.

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 postures (asanas) safe to perform.

Use of Props
Yoga postures are held for longer than in some other methods, allowing tight muscles to lengthen and relax, and helping to focus awareness. 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 fuller 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).

Variety
No two yoga classes are the same: yoga poses are used from the different groups of poses to emphasize the various aspects of the practice.

Integrated mental and physical practice
Iyengar yoga has been described as meditation in action. Practicing the yoga postures with awareness has an integrating effect and works to harmonise mind and body.