What is Iyengar Yoga?
The Iyengar method developed by BKS Iyengar, often described as the world's foremost yogi, focuses on precision, alignment and safety in each posture. It builds strength, flexibility, stamina and balance.

Iyengar Yoga, named after B.K.S. Iyengar, is taught in more than 40 countries under the control and guidance of 180 Iyengar Yoga Institutes, with many more Iyengar Yoga centres and thousands of teachers. As such it is the most popular form of systemised yoga in the world.

Iyengar Yoga focuses on alignment and precision in the yoga posture (Asana) and breathing techniques (Pranayama) because Mr Iyengar states that though it is theoretically possible to achieve a meditative state of mind by merely sitting and concentrating, in practice it is not possible for 99% of people. By dedicated practice of Asana and Pranayama stillness is brought to the mind.

Mr Iyengar has systematised over 200 classical yoga Asanas and 14 different types of Pranayamas (with variations of many of them) from the simple to the incredibly difficult. These have been structured and categorised so as to allow a beginner to progress surely and safely from basic postures to the most advanced as they gain flexibility, strength and sensitivity in mind, body and spirit.

It differs from other forms of yoga in the following main ways:
  • Technique: In practice one learns ever finer adjustments in the alignment of how one performs one's asana and pranayama. Props are often used to help the practitioner to achieve perfection in all the postures. This distinguishes Iyengar Yoga from other common disciplines because it opens up the practice of yoga to all, including the elderly and disabled.
  • Sequence: Iyengar Yoga defines sequences in which asana and pranayama are practiced. For example, by varying which postures follow others, the mental and emotional effects of the practice can be intensified in a manner not otherwise possible in order to bring about changes to the whole being.
  • Timing: refers to the length of time spent in postures or pranayama. Postures cannot be done swiftly or without awareness. It takes time to move into a posture and become stable. When this has been achieved then one remains stably for some time to intensify the depth of the posture and so extract its benefit. Otherwise the potential effects and benefits remain small compared to what is possible.

Although Iyengar Yoga can be performed by anyone, it has been adopted as the yoga of choice for regular practice by many leading UK sports institutions, including the English Cricket Board and Manchester United football club.

More information can be found at the Iyengar Yoga Association in the UK. Standard members can join the IYA (UK) here while Iyengar Yoga teachers can join the IYA (UK) here.