Yoga is for Everybody!

The Iyengar approach to Hatha Yoga

Iyengar Yoga is a method of Hatha Yoga developed over a period of 70 years by B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, India. He is one of the world's most acclaimed yoga masters. Combining classical yoga traditions with innovative refinements, Mr. Iyengar’s approach is marked by dynamism and precision. Iyengar Yoga is unsurpassed as a way to build strength, stamina, and flexibility while cultivating a sense of graceful peace and well-being.

 

Iyengar Yoga F.A.Q.

Q. How does Iyengar Yoga differ from other styles of yoga?

A: The Iyengar method places special focus on developing strength, endurance and correct body alignment - in addition to flexibility and relaxation. Standing poses unique to this system of yoga build strong legs, increase general vitality and improve circulation, coordination and balance.

Poses are individualized to each person’s body type and special physical needs by teachers trained in anatomy and physiology. To address these needs, props such as wood blocks, bolsters, blankets and belts are commonly used in yoga classes.

At home, everyday household items like chairs, tables, doors and walls are used in remarkably innovative ways to increase strength and flexibility. Expensive equipment need not be used to practice.

Iyengar Yoga is meditation in action; the self is explored through discovery and release of physical tension patterns and psychological resistances. As practice continues, a student’s ability to relax and to concentrate generally improves markedly, and his or her inner awareness is enhanced.

 

Q. Iyengar Yoga teachers emphasize improving precision of alignment in the yoga poses. Why is this important?

A. Exercise as it is usually done only reinforces misalignment. If we don’t know how to exercise properly, we tend to stretch from our more flexible areas and rely on our better-developed muscles for strength. Iyengar Yoga encourages weak parts to strengthen and stiff areas to stretch, thus awakening and re-aligning the whole body. As the body moves into better alignment, less muscular work is required and relaxation increases naturally.

 

Q. How should I begin practicing Iyengar Yoga?

A. People who have not done yoga before should enroll in an introductory series or in a beginning class. Students who have done other types of yoga, but who have never experienced Iyengar Yoga are encouraged to enroll in an introductory series or in a beginning class for at least several weeks. The sound principles of movement and alignment on which the entire Iyengar approach is founded may be new to many students and are presented in the introductory and beginning classes.

 

Q. I have problems with my health. Can I practice Iyengar Yoga?

A. Done properly, Iyengar Yoga should not harm and often helps many physical conditions. Although yoga teachers are not therapists, many students find that their physical difficulties decrease as a by-product of improved alignment. If you have a physical problem, you should tell your teacher about it before you begin a class. Yoga poses can be modified and adjusted to meet your needs.

 

Q. How can Iyengar Yoga help heal physical injuries or increase my level of mental alertness?

A. Practicing Iyengar Yoga has been helpful to many students in relieving pain from chronic tension, lower back problems, sciatica, scoliosis, bursitis, knee injuries, tennis elbow and prolonged periods of sitting and standing. Iyengar students have found that many advantages of Iyengar Yoga have extended far beyond a relief of physical pain into benefits such as increased flexibility and coordination, improvement of posture and self image, relief of symptoms of depression or fatigue, greater concentration and more enjoyment and productivity in social and work situations.