Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar yoga was founded by B.K.S. Iyengar and is one of the most popular styles of yoga today. Iyengar yoga instructors pay particular attention to alignment of the body because Iyengar yoga puts great emphasis on precision.

Because of the emphasis on precision, an Iyengar yoga class may include fewer asanas than other styles. Instead, students spend more time on each pose so that they can attain the best alignment possible. In Iyengar yoga, props, such as blocks, straps, bolsters and blankets are often used to assist students in getting the best form.

Why is alignment emphasized so greatly in Iyengar yoga? Iyengar believes that if one is to get the most benefit from an asana, then one must be in precise alignment for that particular pose.

Iyengar yoga is good for learning more about the anatomy of the body, as well as the basics of the structure of asanas. It's a good base, if you're wanting to learn the details of alignment.

Iyengar yoga studios typically have classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. If you're new to yoga, you can begin with the basics in Iyengar yoga and you don't have to worry about being pushed beyond your abilities.

Kofi Busia and John Schumacher are two well known Iyengar yoga teachers.