Yoga is like music: the rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.

- BKS Iyengar

Created by Yogacharya BKS Iyengar, this yoga tradition is known for its rigorous style and sophisticated understanding of asanas. Iyengar yoga is methodical, progressive and emphasizes alignment. It can be practiced by anyone at any age, making it accessible to all types of people, regardless of ability and level of fitness.

It’s also known for its precision, timing, and the use of props – mats, blocks, blankets, belts, and chairs. These supports facilitate performing the postures deepening your understanding of the pose while exploring and challenging what you currently know about your body and yourself. Disciplined consistent practice harmonizes the body, mind, and emotions.

Who is BKS Iyengar?

BKS Iyengar (14 December 1918 – 20 August 2014) was born in Bellur, Karnataka, in India.

As a child, he was often in poor health and resolved at a young age to learn yoga. His yoga journey was intense, and he eventually developed a revolutionary approach to practicing yoga. This system came to be known as Iyengar yoga by his students, primarily out of respect for and recognition of him. His methodology employs props to help practitioners to perform asanas with greater ease, precision, and awareness. This integration of props distinguished Iyengar yoga from other prevailing yoga traditions.

His classic book Light on Yoga; is considered the bible of modern yoga, covering everything from physical postures (asanas) and pranayama (breath control) to yogic lifestyle. Iyengar yoga is taught in hundreds of schools and Iyengar studios worldwide. Promoting yoga as an art, science and philosophy, BKS’ greatest contribution was to make yoga accessible to ordinary people everywhere. He continued teaching and practicing yoga into his nineties; and passed away at age 96, a yogi, a legend, an inspiration.

Time Magazine Most Influential People, 2004

Defining Characteristics of Iyengar Yoga

  • Builds a firm foundation with attention to standing poses to develop strength, flexibility, stamina, precision, concentration & body alignment

  • Use of props to make poses accessible

  • Attention to sequencing postures to best effect physical, mental & emotional effects of practicing

  • Adaptability of practice to address common ailments & conditions

  • Use of the body to develop presence & focus of the mind

Benefits of Iyengar Yoga

  • Builds strength & tones muscles

  • Increases flexibility & improves posture

  • Boosts energy levels while decreasing stress and anxiety

  • Reduces chronic pain & aids in recovery from common ailments

  • Lowers blood pressure

  • Improves the function of circulatory, digestive, nervous & lymphatic systems

  • Improves your breath capacity

  • Increases the ability to focus, observe, & relax

Why Study with a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher?

Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers (CIYTs) are knowledgeable about: 

  • Anatomy

  • Physiology

  • Asana (physical postures)

  • Adapting practice to address conditions

  • Pranayama (breathing techniques)

  • Philosophy