Iyengar Yoga is for one and all – The yoga style focused on YOU

January 29, 2022

As a result of the recent pandemic, statistics show there has been an increase in people feeling depressed and anxious.  Many individuals have turned to yoga to relieve the stress and anxiety of our current situation.  Iyengar Yoga is an excellent form of yoga that can help alleviate tension and make you feel stronger both physically and mentally.

Iyengar Yoga is based on the unique teachings of BKS Iyengar (1918 – 2014), a world-renowned yoga master who improved the lives of millions through his innovative work.  He devoted his life to the teaching and practice of yoga and developed a system steeped in the ancient tradition of Yoga.  Mr. Iyengar devised yoga for men and women, in different stages of life, different ages and with different conditions.  For that purpose, he researched and studied based on the individual needs and invented many of the yoga props we use today to aid in the practice.

Mr. Iyengar brought yoga to the west in the 1970s and is widely regarded as the most influential teacher in terms of shaping the way yoga is taught today.  He is the author of many books, including the classic Light on Yoga, which has been the source book for generations of yoga enthusiasts.

 

What is Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar Yoga is a distinct, in-depth system of yoga that emphasizes safety, optimal body alignment, and attention to detail.  It offers clear, detailed instruction with focus on proper form and function and is great for learning the subtleties of correct alignment.  A form of Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga teaches the physical postures (asana), breathing exercises (pranayama), and study of the philosophy to achieve overall health and well-being.

 

What makes Iyengar Yoga different?Helping students is the basis of Iyengar Yoga teaching method

Iyengar Yoga is for men and women, in different stages in life, different ages and with different conditions and is accessible to all individuals regardless of age, ability, or fitness level.  Iyengar Yoga teachers are well qualified and experienced in helping each student find their own level in the poses.

One of the main hallmarks of Iyengar Yoga is the use of yoga props as support – such as chairs, blocks, blankets, benches, and straps.  Helping the students is the basis of the teaching method.  Teachers are trained to accommodate based on each student’s ability and needs.  Yoga props are useful to make each pose accessible to all.  They enable beginning students, the elderly, or those with physical limitations to perform the poses correctly.  Which thereby minimizes the risk of injury or strain.

 

What should I expect from an Iyengar Yoga class?

It is not expected that a new person starting out with Iyengar Yoga is able to do all the poses perfectly and with ease.  Due to the adaptability of the method to each individual, those who are strong and athletic gain as much benefit as those with physical limitations and challenges. Students start at their level of ability and build from there.

Your abilities will develop over time with Iyengar YogaA Beginners class will start with the standing poses to build the foundational work that develops strength, balance, and improved flexibility.  It is here that students learn the basics of how to adjust and align the body correctly.  Clear, detailed instruction is given, with focus on proper form and function.  This allows the student to understands every step of the way.  Through a systematic progression of poses, abilities will develop over time, which encourages confidence and commitment to the practice.

 

What are some of the benefits of Iyengar Yoga?

Strength, coordination, flexibility, and an increased sense of well-being are some of the benefits of Iyengar Yoga.  The practice will often result in eliminating aches and pains as well as improving posture.  It can be used therapeutically to aid in healing many kinds of injuries, both physical and emotional.  The attention to detail allows students an opportunity to learn about their body and postural habits.  It develops an awareness to the body and the self.  With continued practice, abilities, along with health and vitality will develop.

 

Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher – CIYT

The rigor of the Iyengar Certification System is unmatched in the field of Yoga.  Instructors are held to a rigorous standard of knowledge and training.  It is also the only yoga system with a recognizable instructor’s qualification.  The Iyengar Yoga Certification Mark is your guarantee of a yoga experience which is safe, suitable for individual physical conditions, and beneficial for both body and mind.

 

Conclusion

While mainstream media often portrays yoga with individuals who are young and athletic, fear not!  Iyengar Yoga is for men and women, in different stages of life, different ages and with different conditions and is accessible to all individuals regardless of age, ability, or fitness level.  It is known that B.K.S. Iyengar taught Queen Elisabeth, Queen Mother of Belgium when she was 85 years young.  It is an effective practice for alleviating some of the aches and pains that come with age.  And due to the adaptability of the poses, it is suitable for the elderly as well as those with injuries or physical limitations.  Iyengar Yoga is for anyone and everyone.

 

 

About the author

Cristina Roy is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher and has been practicing yoga since 2005.  She has had a lifelong passion for helping people and loves sharing the tremendous benefits she herself received from yoga with others.  Nothing makes her happier than hearing from her students the improvements they’ve experienced since starting their own yoga journey.  She lives in Chelsea of the Town of Wappinger, NY with her husband where she operates a small yoga studio.  To learn more please visit Back2HealthYoga.com.

 

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