Iyengar yoga is firmly based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga as described by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, emphasizing the development of strength, stamina, flexibility and balance, as well as concentration and meditation.

An Iyengar yoga class is highly verbal and dynamic, with misalignments and errors actively corrected. Great attention is paid to detail with a focus on body alignment. Standing poses are emphasized. They build strong legs, increase general vitality, and improve circulation, coordination and balance, ensuring a strong foundation for study of more advanced poses.

B. K. S. Iyengar pioneered the use of "props" such as blankets, blocks, straps, wooden benches and stools, ropes, and weights, which aid students to experience asanas (postures) more easily and fully than might otherwise be possible. Props also allow tired, ill, or physically limited students to enjoy the benefits of many asanas via fully "supported" methods requiring less muscular effort.

Learn more about B. K. S. Iyengar at his official website www.bksiyengar.com or the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States’ website www.iynaus.org

What does it mean to be an Iyengar yoga teacher?

Becoming an Iyengar yoga teacher requires 2-5 years of rigorous training, just for the Introductory level of certification. Teachers must teach yoga only according to the Iyengar tradition without mixing other methods of yoga or exercise disciplines. Through their training, teachers learn to work with students with special needs such as pregnant women, the elderly, and people with common physical problems, such as bad backs and knee issues. Passing two assessments is required for Introductory certification. Each assessment consists of a written test, demonstrated practice of asana and pranayama and a teaching demonstration. Eligibility for the assessment process requires the applicant to have taught yoga only in the Iyengar method for two years, have two recommendations from Iyengar certified teachers and submit an application to the Iyengar National Association of the United States (IYNAUS). Once the first assessment is passed, he or she becomes a "teacher in training". After a minimum of one year as a "teacher in training", another assessment test must be passed to become a certified Iyengar instructor. All teachers are expected to follow ethical guidelines, continue their asana (the postures) and pranayama (breath control) study and teaching, read yoga, anatomy, and physiology literature, and take classes in teaching technique.