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Iyengar yoga – Definition and Benefits

Definition of Iyengar yoga

Iyengar yoga is one of the yoga types that can be practiced by everyone: beginners and advanced. It is also one of the yoga types studied by many people all over the world. Iyengar yoga ensures the safety of the people who are practicing it using many props for support of the poses during the different sequences. If you are reluctant to start yoga practice because of the fear of injury, Iyengar yoga is the one you can go far as it ensures the safety of all the students. 

Iyengar yoga is a type of yoga named after B.K.S. Iyengar who developped it in the 1960s. The main focus of this yoga is on the accuracy, as well as alignment through different postures and sequences. Pranayama (breath control) and asana (posture) are the major practices involved in Iyengar yoga. It is a type of yoga that can build strength and increase flexibility for people belongs to all age groups, following are some of the benefits of Iyengar yoga for those willing to begin practise.

Features of Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar yoga is practiced in the same manner all over the world. Each teacher of Iyengar yoga can select a set of postures for a particular class for a particular cause, but the essence of the posture will be the same always. This enables a person to attend different centers of Iyengar yoga and join the classes without any unfamiliarity. You can read the main features and benefits of Iyengar yoga in the following session.

Wide accessibility

Iyengar yoga can be practiced by everyone irrespective of age, fitness, or health. It is developed with the realization that yoga could be beneficial to everyone, especially people with weaknesses or disabilities. Therefore, Iyengar developed the use of props also in practice to help people to acquire the correct postures and maintain them. He himself continued to practice yoga daily until his death at the age of 95. 

Excellent training of the teachers

Iyengar yoga teachers are trained well at least for three years to help the people who come for the yoga practice. So you will be in safe hands in case you plan to join in an Iyengar yoga class. 

Correct alignment

Through Iyengar yoga, everyone can achieve correct alignment to improve their health and body postures. This feature is one of the major specifications of the book written by B.K.S. Iyengar in the name ‘Light on Yoga.’  

Not at all commercial

One of the features of Iyengar yoga is that it is not at all commercial. The teachers of Iyengar yoga focuses only on teaching yoga and help each person to reach the best of his capacity and integrity and receive all other benefits that a regular yoga practice can obtain. 

Most extensive across the world

Iyengar yoga is the most widely practiced yoga type across the world. Iyengar yoga training centers and well-trained teachers are available in almost all parts of the world. So if you want to continue your yoga practice while traveling, you can join the center there and continue without any hitch as the training sessions will be similar irrespective of the center or location.

The difference in the style of each class

Iyengar yoga classes are given in a way to give importance to the students. So the teachers always give importance to the time of the day and the condition of the students before leading each session. Therefore the students can enjoy each class without boredom and receive the benefits of its with their full cooperation and enthusiasm.

Meditative aspects are included

In Iyengar yoga, meditative aspects are also included for the people who prefer it. Meditation is part of some kinds of yoga practice. But deep meditation or dhyana can be achieved only through long physical and mental training. In the initial days of Iyengar yoga, one can train their body physically. But when they are progressing in practice, many can find the spiritual realm and experience the presence of the ultimate power within them. 

Anyone can practice Iyengar yoga. It is a relief for physically weak and struggling people. It can develop strength, mental capabilities, physical fitness, and well as emotional control. So if you are not sure about the yoga type you want to select, begin with Iyengar yoga confidently. 

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