Iyengar Yoga was invented by B.K.S. Iyengar, an Indian yogi. His methods, a form of Hatha Yoga, include the use of belts, blocks, and other props to aid in proper body alignment.
Iyengar Yoga is based on the premise that there is a precise way to complete each yoga pose and that everyone can learn each pose through repeated practice. The perfection found in the Iyengar poses will pass from the body to the mind and leave you with a complete sense of well being as well as strength.
Props
A unique aspect of Iyengar Yoga is the utilization of props. Along with blocks and belts, Iyengar participants will make use of blankets, pillows, chairs, and other items during their yoga sessions. These inanimate props are used to aid the beginning participant in reaching alignment of mind and body.
Many times, the beginning Iyengar participant will use a prop to complete a movement. For example, if your body is not limber enough to allow your hand to touch the floor in the downward facing dog pose you can insert a block under your hand. The block functions to keep the chest area of the body open. If the chest is closed the purpose of the pose is defeated so the block serves as a tool that allows all students to immediately complete certain poses.
The use of props in Iyengar Yoga opens yoga up to many people who would otherwise be unable to practice many of the poses or receive the benefits of yoga. Beginning yoga students, the elderly, and persons with disabilities or weight issues all benefit from Iyengar Yoga.
The ability of almost anyone to practice Iyengar Yoga has made it one of the most popular forms of yoga. It helps students build both strength and flexibility and is often used during physical therapy sessions or by holistic healers.
No Flow
Iyengar Yoga is considered a “no flow” yoga method. Vinyasa Yoga focuses on fluid movement from pose to pose, (or flow), and concentrates on the breathing associated with each pose. Iyengar Yoga focuses instead on the length of time a pose is held and the center of attention is on alignment.
The use of props my lead people to believe that Iyengar Yoga is easy. Although it is adaptable to many different people and skill levels it can still be a very intense form of yoga. It is a perfect choice for someone who desires to work on body alignment and strength. As your skill, flexibility, and strength increase you can increase the difficulty level of the poses.
Iyengar Yoga has become so popular that one or more of its many elements can usually be found in any yoga class, not specifically in Iyengar classes.
