Iyengar yoga was manifested by B.K.S. Iyengar, who believed that “Yoga is not a religion, yoga is the science of religions”. In this scientific spirit, Iyengar yoga employs various devices to aid the body in forming the various asanas (poses). For example, in Iyengar Yoga it is not uncommon to strap ones legs a uniform distance apart by a block that is wedged between the legs.

Technically, Iyengar yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga. Iyengar Yoga’s primary approach is to focus on the structural alignment of the body through assuming and developing certain poses (asanas).

As with all types of yoga Iyengar yoga attempts to align the bodywith the mind and spirit. We are happiest and healthiest when we can align thes aspects of self.

Interestingly, Iyengar Yoga classes are highly verbal, unlike the typical Hatha Yoga class where students ‘fake it til they make it’, imitating teachers until they find their own way with the asanas.

With Iyengar Yoga much effort is placed on teaching the exact right positioning, alignment and use of props. Corrections are common and swift, as any Iyengar Yoga teacher-in-training can attest to. It takes 2-5 years of intensive training for the introductory level of certification. Advanced levels of Iyengar Yoga certification can take as long as a decade or more.