WHAT IS IYENGAR YOGA?
B.K.S.Iyengar’s way of yoga is a form of hatha yoga. The main aim of which is giving primacy to the physical alignment of the body in all its poses. According to the Iyengar school of yoga there is a correct way to do each and every pose, and that only through object and continual practice can a student attain perfect postures. Once the body attains the balance, it will also be reflected in one’s mind. One of the major innovations in Iyengars’ yoga is the use of props. Nowadays it is quite a common sight to see blocks, pillows, blankets, chains and bolsters being used in the yoga classes and studios. This way of using props is a new way in yoga and has its history in Iyengar’s yoga. The props help in the student to achieve the alignment even if one’s body is not open enough. The use of props in Iyengar’s yoga makes it freely accessible to a wide variety of people. The props can help in correct alignment and can be used in accordance to one’s own needs. In Iyengar yoga the postures are to be held for longer periods giving time for the body to align perfection. In between the Iyengar yoga postures students can relax in a child’s pose or savasana or the corpse’s pose. In the Iyengar yoga the holding of the posture for a long stretch of time is a strain, but it builds strength and increases the flexibility. The Iyengar yoga is great method and start for one who is not physically fit enough to do a flowing style. This yoga is one that is practiced in yoga classes all over the world.