Iyengar Yoga

The focus on correct physical alignment in each pose stands out in the practice of Iyengar yoga. Physical alignment is the basis for the correct flow of breath and life force. As a new student, you start by building stamina and gaining flexibility while you become familiar with the poses. Over time, instructions become more detailed, requiring  more concentration. BKS Iyengar called it "meditation in action."

In order to bring a stiffer body into proper alignment, BKS Iyengar started using household items for support: bricks, chairs, blankets, straps, sturdy pillows which we call bolsters and the rope wall. These can also be used to learn and improve certain aspects of a pose.

You will find this practice very different from a Vinyasa practice where you flow from one pose to the next. In Iyengar Yoga, as you perfect a pose, you learn to stay and observe what's happening in different parts of your body. 

Depending on your level of practice, the state of your body and mind, the climate and time of day, you will see that poses are taught in a particular order. Certain basic rules apply, however the teacher has a lot of freedom in how to sequence poses to fulfill the purpose of the day. Each sequence has a specific effect on your body, mind, nervous system and emotional state.

After several years of consistent practice, you will be introduced to pranayama, or breath control. 

Iyengar Yoga is recognized to be the gold standard of yoga. Becoming an Iyengar yoga teacher takes many years of dedicated practice and mentorship under a certified teacher. The certification exams are rigorous! We count our training in decades rather than hours :) You can learn more about the process at IYNAUS.