Founded by B.K.S. Iyengar in the 1960s (and later popularized with his book, Light on Yoga), Iyengar yoga is based on the yoga sutras and works to strengthen the connection between body and mind. “Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured,” Iyengar once said. He believed that a balanced body led to a balanced mind—hence Iyengar yoga’s unique blend of both meditation and movement. Many Iyengar classes also have a “peak pose” that dictates which postures you choose to practice leading up to it. For example, if your peak pose is eagle pose, your sequence may include more one-legged balancing postures to prep your body whereas if your peak pose is king pigeon, you’ll want to include more hip-openers and backbends. Unlike vinyasa styles of yoga, in Iyengar, you won’t flow through poses breath to movement—instead, you’ll hold them for an extended period of time. This gives you the chance to get into the correct alignment and then move deeper into each pose. Props are also incredibly common in an Iyengar class, as they make poses more accessible for beginners. You can use blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets to help you get into proper alignment. Another pro tip: There are plenty of resources for practicing Iyengar at home. However, if you’ve never done Iyengar yoga before, it’s worth taking a class at a studio first. All Iyengar teachers must undergo rigorous training and they’ll be able to give you guidance and adjustments that you won’t get in a home practice. Iyengar is also beneficial for anyone with injuries or chronic pain, thanks to its slower movements and attention to form and alignment.
