Iyengar Yoga

Another student to come from T Krishnamacharya’s school was B K S Iyengar. He developed Iyengar yoga, which is known for its use of props, such as belts and blocks, to aid the performance of asanas (postures).

Iyengar yoga emphasizes the development of strength, stamina, balance and flexibility, as well as concentration and meditation. By using props Iyengar is a good choice for beginners who can use the blocks, straps, benches or other aids to hold asanas more easily than they might without them. These props also allow ill or tired students to participate in yoga with less muscular effort.

Standing postures play an important part in Iyengar yoga. These asanas help increase strength in the legs, increase vitality, and improve circulation, coordination and balance.

The Iyengar style is very focused on correct alignment therefore, unlike some other styles of yoga that encourage students to quietly follow the teacher through a class, Iyengar Yoga classes are extremely verbal and instructional, and errors are actively corrected.

Who is Iyengar yoga for?

Iyengar yoga is great for those who like technical detail, or those who want to work on their alignment.