Iyengar Yoga Is Known For Its Props

by Ann Marier

Yoga is one of the best exercises in the world when it comes to being able to work out your entire body with one single exercise routine. Although yoga has only recently come into incredible popularity, it has in fact been around for hundreds of thousands of years.

Iyengar yoga is one of the most popular and well known types of yoga, and there are many benefits that come with practicing Iyengar yoga in particular that you cannot get with any other type of yoga.

About Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar yoga is a form of yoga which is best known for its use of props, such as belts and blocks for instance, of which work as aids in performing the different postures. As well, Iyengar yoga is firmly based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga as expounded by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras, emphasizing the development particularly on that of strength, stamina, flexibility and balance.

This type of yoga pays great attention to detail and precise focus on body alignment, and standing poses are one of the different types of poses which are emphasized most in this type of yoga, as they are able to help build strong legs, increase general vitality, and improve circulation, coordination and balance, and as well help to ensure a strong foundation for study of more advanced poses overall.

In practice, this type of yoga focuses strongly on correct body alignment, as correct body alignment allows the body to develop harmoniously in an anatomically correct way, so that the student will suffer no injury or pain when practicing it correctly.

Another added benefit to this type of yoga is that the therapeutic aspects of this yoga have actually been refined over the years, and so thus although they have been known of for centuries, they are now better than ever before.

Iyengar yoga is also often used to treat many different ailments, including extremely serious medical conditions, under the supervision of a suitably experienced teacher.

If you have never tried yoga before, then you may want to start with a beginners' type of yoga rather than this form, but once you have been doing it for a while and you are more experienced, then you will be able to work your way up to the Iyengar style of yoga and practice it, if you wish.

Regardless of what type of yoga you actually end up doing, it will be great for your mind, body and soul period, and so you should definitely make sure that you make at least one type of yoga a part of your regular exercise routine.

These is What Characterizes Iyengar Yoga

by Muna wa Wanjiru

Named after its creator, B.K.S Iyengar, Iyengar yoga is a variety that has become famous for the use of belts and blocks in the performance of postures. Though based on the Ashtanga yoga, or the eight-limbed yoga, this trend relies on the improvement of the body condition as a support for meditation and concentration techniques. Mental and physical health are the primary goals of the practice of the various asanas (postures) specific to Iyengar yoga; the body, the spirit and the mind are all united in the final achievement of yoga mastery. Though having lots of things in common with Hatha yoga for instance, Iyengar yoga is characterized by some particular details that are absent from other systems.

The presence of props is the most important element of uniqueness in Iyengar yoga: there are benches, cushions, straps, sand bags and others, so as to allow any practitioner to correctly perform the postures. Such items usually serve well for beginners who have difficulties at achieving the correct asanas from the first time; it has been claimed that postures can be truly mastered after years of practice. Moreover, such props are a true help for people who suffer from a chronic injury or who are too tired to complete all the sets of asanas without support. The great advantage of Iyengar yoga is that the muscular effort can be controlled and adjusted to the capacity of the practitioner.

The most specific postures of Iyengar yoga are the standing ones, which would explain the increased muscular condition at the level of the legs: the blood flow is definitely improved, not to mention that the balance and the movement coordination are also increased. The very practical part of Iyengar yoga is that it addresses many types of ailments, disorders and health problems, and the trained teachers can help the practitioner improve the health state by means of specific asanas. Hypertension, insomnia, depression, deficiencies of the immune system as well as various osteo-articular problems.

It is advisable for anyone interested in Iyengar yoga to turn to centers where yoga practices are included in special programs; an organized environment for the practice of the asanas is the only one recommended. Such a recommendation comes from the fact that if exercised on your own, some postures may be too difficult and potentially harmful for tissues and muscles. After all, a complete training in the secrets of Iyengar yoga takes quite a number of years before the practitioner may reach full mastery of the techniques.

Which Type of Yoga is Right For You?

By Jay Franco
If you haven't practiced it before then you might be confused by the many different types of Yoga practices that are out there. Before deciding which type of exercise is right for you it's a good idea to attend a class of each style that interests you so that you can try out each style to see which you prefer. Here's a brief overview of the most popular types of Yoga to help you get started:

Hatha Yoga - This is by far the most common type of exercise practiced in the West. Hatha is a slow paced practice that focuses on both mind and body. If you're just starting out you will probably find Hatha Yoga to be the best fit for you.

Vinyasa - Vinyasa is a type of Yoga practice that focuses on the breath and how breathing affects your body and mind. The physical practice of Vinyasa is more active than the physical practice of Hatha Yoga

Ashtenga - Ashtenga is also commonly called Power Yoga. This form of Yoga is fast paced and very physical. If you are looking for a yoga practice that will provide a good aerobic workout then Asthenga Yoga is the best choice for you.

Iyengar - Iyengar Yoga is the best exercise practice for people who have old injuries or chronic illnesses and want to start a Yoga practice that will help them become more flexible and agile and will help them heal. Iyengar Yoga allows the use of props like blocks and straps to help people align their bodies properly to do the movements.

Kundalini - Kundalini Yoga is focused primarily on the breath and its effect on health. This focuses mostly on rapid, repetitive movements rather than on drawn out poses. There is also a lot of meditation practiced in Kundalini Yoga.

A Beginner's Guide to Popular Yoga Types

By Michael Russell
Many a potential yoga student eagerly looked up class schedules at their local gym only to be baffled by the variety of different types of yoga there are. These yoga types are actually all made up of the same postures, or poses, they use them in differing ways to achieve specific goals. Here is a guide to the most popular of yoga styles, so you can find the one you're looking for. These are the most likely to be taught at your gym and have DVD teachings readily available.

We'll start with two very general terms that each describes a variety of other, more specific types:

Hatha - These types of yoga are especially good for the beginner just learning the basic poses. They tend to be gentle, slow-paced, and done to very soothing music.

Vinyasa - These yoga types are physical movements synchronized with breathing. A Vinyasa class would typically begin with vigorous "Sun Salutations" as warm-up. These match physical movement with breath. More strenuous stretching movements are done toward the end of the class.

As we discuss the more specific types of yoga, you'll see many are named after the teachers that invented them:

Kundalini - This Vinyasa type of yoga uses quick, repeated movements rather than long position holds. There may even be some chanting or call and response techniques used during the class. Kundalini holds the breath control during posture performance as essential. The expected result is energy moving from the lower body to the upper.

Bikram/Hot - This is usually referred to as "Hot Yoga," and was initiated by Bikram Choudhury. In its full version it is a series of 26 moves, but not all are used in all classes. As its name implies, it is practiced in a hot room - about 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows for a cleansing sweat and muscle relaxation.

Ashtanga/Power - Ashtanga is a quick-flow and intense yoga and is physically demanding. The "flow" is a term used to describe how much time you hold a movement and then move to the next movement. In true Ashtanga yoga the same movements are always performed in the same order. "Power yoga" is something that has been derived from Ashtanga. It will have the same flow, but not necessarily have the same strict pose set. Both are often used for weight loss purposes.

Iyengar Yoga - Named after teacher, yogi B.K.S. Iyengar, Iyengar yoga pays particular attention to proper body alignment. Iyengar yoga's flow is slow, emphasizing long holds and often employing various props, such as blankets, straps, and other items that help your body find the correct alignment for each position.

Anusara - This type was founded by John Friend who wanted to create a more light-hearted class open and beneficial to yoga students of all levels. It adds the positive philosophy associated with Tantra to the emphasis on physical alignment espoused by Iyengar.

Jivamukti - Inspired by Ashtanga yoga, Jivamukti promotes chanting, meditation and studies of the spiritual realm. These classes are found primarily in the U.S. and are quite physically challenging.

Sivananda - These yoga centers teach more than simple yoga classes. There are now over 80 such centers world wide, and they were founded by a student of Swami Sivananda. Their five basic principles are: 1. Proper exercise (Asana) 2. Proper breathing (Pranayama) 3. Proper diet (vegetarian) 4. Positive thoughts and meditation (Dhyana)

No matter which type of yoga you choose, always check with your doctor before starting a yoga, or any other kind of exercise regime.

Practising Iyengar Yoga During Pregnancy

By Rebecca Prescott
Pregnancy can be a very exciting time, but is also a time when you may need to reduce stress levels, ease strain, and learn how to relax. Being able to do this can benefit both you and your baby, and can make your pregnancy far more comfortable and enjoyable. Exercise, as most people know, is a great way to reduce stress and increase relaxation, and when you are pregnant an ideal form of exercise that can help you to do this is yoga.

Like other forms of yoga, Iyengar yoga focuses on poses known as asanas, and breath control, known as pranayama. With a range of postures and breathing methods in use, Iyengar yoga is suitable for people of varying abilities and experience. If you've never done yoga before, there are beginner classes, and special pregnancy classes at most centers.

Practicing yoga whilst pregnant

Exercise is the ideal way to reduce stress and relax, but regular exercise can be difficult for women that are pregnant. However, Iyengar yoga is a great way for pregnant women to release stress, relieve strain, and enjoy health benefits for themselves and their babies. When taking Iyengar yoga during pregnancy you should be able to enjoy your pregnancy more.

The Iyengar yoga pregnancy method enables up and coming mothers to use props that will help them to gain maximum benefit from their yoga without the risk of strain or injury. It is said that the postures and breathing methods that are used with Iyengar yoga are perfect for getting into shape for the birth of the baby, which is great news for mothers-to-be worried about childbirth.

A number of benefits can be gained from the use of Iyengar yoga during pregnancy, and this includes strengthening of the pelvis, reduction in lower back pain that can arise during pregnancy, improved blood circulation for the mother and unborn baby, easing of stress and tension, easing of fatigue, and strengthening of internal organs.

Postures are usually varied from the regular yoga asanas during pregnancy classes, to accommodate a woman's growing abdomen, and a greater need for support. As the abdomen grows, a woman's sense of balance will change. Also, it is better for pregnant women to move through a variety of yoga poses, in a gentle type of dance, rather than the more traditional method of holding poses for a number of breaths. This has the effect of taking pressure off the lower back, creating flexibility in the joints, and facilitating deeper breathing which increases the oxygen available to baby.

Practicing Iyengar yoga before the birth of the baby is a very good way to practice your breathing too, an important skill when you're in labor. Being able to get to grips with proper breathing methods can make the whole experience of childbirth less stressful.

When you practice the Iyengar yoga pregnancy methods you can really make the most of the time that you are pregnant, and you can ease the discomfort, tiredness, and even the stress that can come with pregnancy, and heighten the experience by improving your health and well being. By developing strong leg, arm, and back muscles, the little things that many women struggle with late in their pregnancy, like getting up from a chair or out of bed, will be much easier.

What Is Iyengar Yoga?

By Mike Selvon
Belur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, founder of Iyengar yoga, has been practicing this relaxation technique for over 60 years and is considered to be one of the foremost meditation instructors in the world. He was born into a poor Iyengar family in the village of Belur Karnataka, South India. Iyengars are a community of Brahmins (a priestly class) who study the vedas and ancient religious texts that indicate a Supreme Being, as well as subsidiary gods, whose existence depends upon the all-powerful God.

After receiving spiritual treatment, B.K.S. Iyengar survived malaria, tuberculosis, typhoid fever and malnutrition. He began teaching this meditation technique in 1937 and has since traveled the globe, spreading his ideas to the Western world.

He has won several awards and published fourteen books, including "Light On Yoga," which has been dubbed "the bible of yoga." Time Magazine called Iyengar one of the "100 most influential people" in 2004. Iyengar yoga is one part spirituality and one part physical fitness, paving the way toward a united mind and body.

Spiritually, Iyengar meditation is based upon Patanjali's eight limbs of raja yoga. The first is Yama, meaning physically and mentally abstaining from the following five things: violence toward others and oneself, from coveting others' belongings, from sexual intercourse, from attachment to possessions and anything that is untrue.

The second limb is called Niyama, referring to the five observances: cleanliness of body and mind, satisfaction with what one has, penance and mental control, introspection and surrender to God. Asana refers to posture and position (ideally an erect stance with relaxed muscles) and Pranayama is the directed control of one's breath, which is so vital to successful yoga practice.

Pratayahara calls for the quieting of senses connected with the outer world. Only then will Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (oneness with the Supreme Being) naturally follow.

In practice, Iyengar yoga is characterized by the use of belts, straps, sandbags, benches and blocks to aid in performing 200 asanas (postures) and creating body alignment. Equally important are the 14 pranayamas (breaths). Less emphasis is placed on muscular effort and more importance is given to finding the ideal position.

Standing yoga poses can build strong legs, improve circulation and coordination and help students with skills they can take to other forms of this meditation. The instruction is rigorous, compared to other styles, with highly trained and certified teachers actively placing students into the right positions and correcting misalignments. Beginners will surely get individualized attention and the most out of their instruction if they attend Iyengar meditation classes.

The benefits of Iyengar yoga include: increased circulation and comfort, better posture, stronger muscles, better balance and coordination -- in addition to feeling more at peace, with less stress and anxiety. Americans practice this style of meditation in the tens of thousands, instructed by certified teachers from IYNUS. For more information on how to get started, visit IYNUS website.