Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga has been named after B.K.S. Iyengar, who is the founder and developer of this form of Yoga. Iyengar yoga can be seen as an advanced form of Hatha Yoga and lays an emphasis on detail and alignment in the performance of the asanas and breath control (Pranayama). When the asanas are performed with care it leads to an increase in strength, mobility and stability. This branch of yoga takes its philosophy from Yoga Sutras, the texts written by Patanjali where the concept of eight limbs of yoga are explained.

B.K.S. Iyengar has systematize over 200 classical yoga poses and 14 different types of Pranayama (with variations of many of them) ranging from the basic to advanced. This helps ensure that students progress gradually by moving from simple poses to more complex ones and develop their mind, body and spirit through a step-by-step approach.

Since this form of yoga is tougher to perform as compared to other forms of yoga, therefore a lot of supporting paraphernalia is used. These can be in the form of belts, blocks and blankets which ensure the asanas are performed correctly and no injury is sustained.

B.K.S. Iyengar gave a description of over 200 classical yoga poses and 14 types of Pranayama which can be performed with some variations. As one moves through the basic forms of Iyengar Yoga to the more advanced asanas, they tend to develop their mind to a level which is seldom achieved through the mere practise of Hatha Yoga.

In Iyengar Yoga, many supporting props are used such as belts, blocks and blankets amongst other things as aids in performing the asanas(postures). It is because of these props that the injury risks get minimized, asanas are performed correctly by people of young and advanced ages.