Benefits of Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga offers enormous physical, mental and spiritual benefits. In an increasingly busy world, yoga can act as an antidote to the stress of daily life, and many studies have supported the potential of yoga to decrease physical pain and prevent disease. Improved energy levels, strength and emotional wellbeing are just some of the benefits of Iyengar Yoga.
Iyengar Yoga — increases your strength, flexibility and mobility.
In Iyengar Yoga there are a range of poses which have a variety of benefits. Regular practice of standing poses tones and strengthens the body to create a firm foundation. Seated and twisting poses help you to develop better mobility in all the joints.
Iyengar Yoga — improves your energy, vitality and focus.
By practicing yoga in the Iyengar method, you can improve your energy levels, your overall circulation and mental focus. The detail and precision of the Iyengar method has a grounding effect, helping to steady the breath and calm the mind. Many studies have shown that asana and pranayama can help alleviate chronic pain, anxiety and fatigue.
Iyengar Yoga — enhances your posture and balance.
Iyengar Yoga helps you to correct problems with posture and improve your balance. One-legged poses give you the chance to find your centre of gravity and create a sense of stability in the body. Bringing the body into alignment improves coordination and creates equanimity which then helps to nourish the nervous system and build physical and mental resilience.
Iyengar Yoga — can improve your spiritual, emotional and mental wellbeing.
Iyengar Yoga can have positive effects on all aspects of your life. As you progress along the path of yoga, increasing your knowledge, understanding and skills, the benefits of your yoga practice will also deepen.
Beginning Iyengar Yoga
Everyone can do Iyengar Yoga. Regardless of age or level of fitness, Iyengar Yoga can help increase your flexibility, build strength, and manage stress. In an Iyengar Yoga class, you will learn the foundations of this approach, and begin to experience the benefits of yoga from the first class.
An Iyengar Yoga class for beginners is a great place to start if you are new to yoga. Classes are carefully designed for new students and aimed at helping you build strength, stability and stamina over time. If you are pregnant and have no yoga experience, we highly recommend you make contact with an experienced Iyengar Yoga teacher to discuss the best option for you.
What to expect in class
Iyengar Yoga classes generally run for 60-90 minutes in a group setting. Students begin yoga at varying ages, capabilities and levels of fitness, and the size of each class varies. In an Iyengar Yoga class for beginners, you can expect to learn the art, science and philosophy of yoga from the ground up. In most classes you will practice a series of standing and sitting poses, so you can start to learn the structure of asanas and develop some of the skills necessary for more advanced poses.
An Iyengar Yoga class for beginners may challenge you physically and mentally, but the rewards are vast. Many people find that the more they practice yoga, the more it helps them and, as a result, the more they want to practice. However, if you do come up against any obstacles or difficulties, you will be encouraged to communicate these with your teacher to find the best approach for you.
Preparing for a class
Most Iyengar Yoga schools provide their own mats, and all provide props, so often you just need to bring yourself. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your first class:
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Iyengar Yoga is best practiced on an empty stomach – no more than a small snack an hour before class is advised.
- If you are pregnant or menstruating, or dealing with an injury or medical condition, arrive a few minutes early to class to check in with your teacher.
Understanding Iyengar Yoga
Progressing in Iyengar Yoga is a steady and gradual process. When starting out along the path of yoga, it is important to be kind to yourself and have reasonable expectations. That way, you will be able to develop and build your practice and reap long term benefits from yoga. When you practice yoga in the Iyengar method, you become part of a community of people who share a passion for the practice and philosophy of yoga, so don’t hesitate to contact us to find out more about Iyengar Yoga.