What is Iyengar yoga?
The postures are very precise, you will be guided through them. The classes can be hard work as the poses involve intense stretching; however, you will leave the class feeling lighter and calmer. The immediate benefits of yoga are greater flexibility and strength and better physical health. As you continue with your practice, psychological and spiritual benefits begin to appear. Each class is different, for instance, a focus on standing poses, twists, inversions, backbends or forward bends. During each term, there will also be some pranayama taught and relaxation asanas (poses).
The Iyengar Method
The Iyengar method of yoga is named after our late teacher Yogacharya Sri B.K.S Iyengar. The teaching helps you focus on correct alignment of the body in poses ensuring you’re working safely, with maximum benefit to your flexibility, strength and well being. Classes generally start with simple poses and gradually move towards more challenging poses, ending with a period of relaxation and incorporating breathing techniques. Props such as blocks and belts can be used in class to allow those with less strength or flexibility to work correctly and achieve their full potential.
I have been practising yoga for more than 25 years and qualified as an Iyengar Yoga teacher in 2005. In addition I have passed the Junior Intermediate Levels 1, 2 and 3.
I have been fortunate to travel to India and study at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial yoga institute in Puna in 2010 and 2012. At the institute students are taught by members of the Iyengar family and other Senior Teachers.
I also go to regular classes, teacher training classes and workshops.
