Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar yoga is named after B.K.S. Iyengar, the style's founder. Over 80 years old, Iyengar maintains that his style of yoga is not a 'style,' it's just the right way to do it. Iyengar yoga is a branch of Hatha yoga which works on the elemental aspects of yoga, namely they physical poses and postures. Iyengar yoga takes this a step further by emphasizing proper alignment of the body during each posture. Even simple postures like Mountain Pose (which is simply standing in place) require an extreme dedication to proper alignment of the body including proper weight distribution and balance.

Iyengar is also known for introducing specially designed props to aid in the yoga process, such as wooden blocks and belts. One may use the wooden blocks to balance on while doing a pose, and the belts may be used more like ropes to stretch the legs, or even suspend oneself.

Iyengar himself is based in India, but people often travel the distance to train with him. Instructors must complete a 2-5 year study course in order to become certified under the Iyengar yoga system. Currently, there are more and more schools and instructors emerging in the west who have trained extensively with the master himself.