Why Iyengar Yoga?

Yoga became popular in the West mainly through the teaching of B.K.S. Iyengar. His method is now the most widely practised in the world.

Iyengar yoga is accessible to anyone. Regular practice increases suppleness, strength and stamina, improves posture and concentration and quietens the mind to promote well-being.

The technique emphasises precision and alignment, and quality of movement is prioritised over quantity. You learn to move with ease in your body while working within your limitations. This makes the postures (asanas) safe to perform.

Postures are held for longer than in some other styles, allowing tight muscles to lengthen and relax, and helping to focus awareness. Props, such as blankets, blocks and belts, may be used to improve your understanding of poses or to help if you have difficulties.

The practice is progressive, building a stable foundation before attempting more demanding work. Beginners start with standing poses and are gradually introduced to a fuller range of sitting and reclining postures, forward extensions, inversions, twists, backbends and arm balances.

Each group of postures develops the body in different yet reciprocal ways and has different qualities: grounding, energising, strengthening, stimulating, calming. Classes at all levels devote time to relaxation. Once the body and mind are strong enough to sit or lie for extended periods without distraction, students learn pranayama (yogic breathing).

No two classes are the same: teachers select poses from the different groups of poses to emphasise the various aspects of the practice.

All teachers undergo a rigorous programme of training, lasting years. Many at the Institute have decades of experience, travelling regularly to India for instruction.

Iyengar yoga has been described as meditation in action. Practising the postures with awareness has an integrating effect and works to harmonise mind and body.

"The practice of yogasana for the sake of health, to keep fit, or to maintain flexibility is the external practice of yoga. While this is a legitimate place to begin, it is not the end,” says B.K.S. Iyengar. “Even in simple asanas, one is experiencing the three levels of quest: the external quest, which brings firmness of the body; the internal quest, which brings steadiness of intelligence; and the innermost quest, which brings benevolence of spirit.”

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Only certified teachers teach genuine Iyengar yoga. All of ours hold the Iyengar Yoga Teachers Certification Mark, a sign of excellence, clarity and depth of understanding. To use this logo, they have to be properly trained and maintain their development.

What can you expect from classes?

A safe, methodical progression of postures
Technique – precision, alignment and awareness in performing the postures
Sequencing to develop strength, flexibility, stamina, concentration and relaxation
Clear demonstration and explanation by well-qualified teachers
Individual correction and adjustment by the teacher when necessary