WHAT IT IS
To reap the full range of benefits of a yoga practice, proper alignment and form are critically essential. B.K.S. Iyengar, who was one of the most preeminent yoga gurus and instructors worldwide until his passing in 2014, developed a highly refined and meticulous approach to yoga now known simply as “Iyengar”, which is a form of Hatha. Anatomy, structure, stamina and flexibility are all at the heart of Iyengar Yoga.
WHAT TO EXPECT
In yoga, it is not only common for practitioners to do different expressions of the same asana, but important – it means a practice is being properly sculpted and adjusted to best suit and benefit each individual. This is especially true in Iyengar Yoga. Your teacher will carefully assess your positioning and movement patterns, offering cues and instruction to enhance your practice and ensure correct alignment for your shape. Props – including blocks, straps, bolsters, chairs, walls and other forms of support – are frequently utilized in Iyengar Yoga to make any practiced asanas more accessible for each individual, to engage your body more effectively.
BENEFITS
The emphasis on proper alignment is of the utmost importance for beginner and experienced yogis alike. Adjustments to form can range from major shifts to very subtle changes, but both are of equal importance. If you are interested in learning more about anatomy and the details of asana, Iyengar Yoga will enhance, advance and maximize how much you can get out of not only Iyengar, but any form of yoga practice.
QUOTE
“It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self, and intelligence.” --B.K.S. Iyengar
