Iyengar Yoga @ Canto Gavilanes

What is Iyengar Yoga?

Iyengar yoga is named after and developed by B.K.S. Iyengar who was a student of T. Krishnamacharya. Together with Pattabhi Jois (who developed Ashtanga yoga) Iyengar was partly responsible for bringing the practice of modern yoga, as we know it now, to the West.

“Iyengar yoga descends from the most classical Hatha yoga tradition. It has evolved into a precise and clear methodthat’s easily understood by the modern practitioner. Lots of attention is paid to the technical alignment of the poses to keep the mind drawn inwards, but also focused and connected to reality.” ~ Adela Serrano, Iyengar teacher

What are the benefits of Iyengar yoga?

Photographs of Mr Iyengar, who died at the age of 95, may be proof alone that the benefits are plentiful! A regular practice can help you to:

• improve physical and psychological health
• alleviate postural/structural problems
• release tension
• increase focus and concentration
• boost energy
• connect with your body and breath

Iyengar Yoga focuses on three aspects: alignment, sequencing and timing.

• Alignment means maintaining the intended pose while respecting the body’s boundaries. Iyengar yoga encourages the use of props to assist students within an asana without putting them at risk of injury. Effective alignment can help to achieve balance between body, mind and breath.
• Sequencing – the particular order that the postures are practiced in. This enables a safe and structured progression of the poses, along with the ‘opening’ and balance of the physical and emotional body.
• Timing: unlike Vinyasa Yoga, in Iyengar yoga we hold poses longer periods of time. When stability is achieved in a pose, it’s then possible to safely intensify the depth of the posture. This helps to help develop strength and flexibility, along with sensitivity and awareness between the body and mind.