“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured, and endure what cannot be cured.”

What is Iyengar Yoga?

There are many different forms of yoga with different names, which can be confusing. Iyengar Yoga is one the most practised form of Yoga in the world, named after its founder B.K.S. Iyengar. It is for everyone, no matter age, fitness or ability. The poses or ‘asanas’ are focused on precision and alignment which in turn helps to quieten the mind. Each pose has a particular effect upon the body, and the poses are put together in different sequences depending on the particular focus of that class e.g. back bends, front bends, twists etc. The body will be helped to open gradually and then wound down at the end of the class. A student will discover how to understand their own body: its strengths and its limitations, and how to help themselves improve without injury.

Iyengar yoga involves the use of props, such as blocks, bricks and belts. These props are not meant to interfere with the body’s natural capabilities, but to assist those with stiffness to get the benefits out of the poses, and to aid a better understanding of the action needed in each pose. Sometimes different people need different props for the same pose.

Students will also be introduced to Pranayama or yoga breathing. This can be challenging at first, but the body is put into a restful pose to prepare the mind to settle.

The student should leave a class feeling balanced and refreshed both physically and mentally.