Yoga with props: Iyengar Yoga
Everything about the yoga style and its effects
In Iyengar Yoga, named after its founder BKS Iyengar, the positions known from Hatha are aligned with great precision, often with the help of various yoga accessories. In addition to the usual aids such as blocks, belts, cushions or blankets, Iyengar Yoga also uses more unusual tools such as slings or loops, some of which are attached to the wall, various benches, wedges, headstand stools, sandbags or chairs.
Iyengar in class
Similar to Hatha Yoga, Iyengar Yoga mainly involves practicing static, sometimes dynamic asanas - but with a greater focus on very conscious and precise execution. In order to achieve the greatest possible precision, the yoga student receives detailed instructions and, if necessary, assistance from the teacher. In addition, various aids are available to help intensify asanas, but also make them easier. In Iyengar classes, great importance is placed on the sequencing of asanas. Each class is carefully structured with special exercise series to gradually lead the students to more demanding positions. This promotes continuous development, with the aim of synchronizing body and mind through the necessary concentration on exact positioning and thus ultimately achieving physical and mental health.
Origin and meaning
Iyengar Yoga was developed by BKS Iyengar (born in India in 1918), one of the most famous yoga gurus of the 20th century. As a child and teenager, he suffered for a long time from the effects of a flu infection in early childhood; after he began his yoga training at the age of 15, his health improved noticeably. Fully recovered, he developed Iyengar Yoga based on his intensive studies and his dedication to perfection. In order to achieve an optimal balance between strength and flexibility, great emphasis is placed on the precise alignment of the body. Iyengar's method also emphasizes breath control and the integration of yoga philosophy into the practice.
Who is Iyengar Yoga suitable for?
Iyengar yoga is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. The focus on precise alignment and the use of props allows beginners to develop their practice safely and effectively. The method is also beneficial for people with physical limitations or injuries as it can be customized to meet the needs of each individual. Athletes and sportspeople who want to improve their physical performance find Iyengar yoga a way to increase their flexibility and endurance. People seeking stress management and relaxation benefit from the precise execution of the asanas, which allows for a deep connection between body and mind.
The right Iyengar yoga equipment
Yoga mat: Similar to Hatha, practically any non-slip yoga mat is suitable for Iyengar yoga. The mat can be well padded and perhaps a little longer and/or wider, depending on your personal need for comfort.
Our recommendations:
Outfit: It's best to wear well-fitting and not too baggy clothing for Iyengar yoga so that you don't get caught in loops, ropes, chairs and stools. Leggings or yoga pants with straight or short legs as well as shirts or tops that don't slip are ideal.
Accessories: Even though you can find most of the necessary accessories in the yoga studio, you can also bring many aids home for practice. The most common accessories are yoga blocks and yoga straps, but also bolsters or yoga blankets. Various meditation cushions can also be used in Iyengar yoga. A yoga wheel is helpful for particularly extensive backbends.