About the Iyengar method

Yoga is one of the oldest systems of personal development in the world. This system of balancing the body, mind and spirit was formulated by ancient yogis, who understood man’s essential nature and realised a way to utilise all of man’s inner resources to live in harmony with himself and the environment.

Pupils learn through a carefully graded and systematic programme of asana (posture). Teachers gradually introduce Pranayama (breath control) once students have a firm foundation of yoga practise. Yoga practice relaxes and energizes the body and mind and brings vitality, flexibility, strength, concentration, self-confidence and mental calm.  Iyengar yoga is suitable for all types of people and all levels of fitness.

Practicing yoga can help you overcome and prevent many stresses, strains, aches and pains. It promotes a firm foundation for health and well-being.

B.K.S. Iyengar in Trikonasana

Teaching system

B.K.S. Iyengar has evolved precise posture (asana) and breathing (pranayama) techniques with a firm philosophical base in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Patanjali lived about 1700 years ago in India. He is credited with texts on Ayurvedic medicine and grammar as well as the yoga sutras which encapsulate yoga philosophy in just 196 sutras (aphorisms).

The system of teaching is methodical and progressive, emphasising detailed correctness and absolute safety. When necessary, it uses supports called ‘props’ that allow students to progress in their practice of postures safely at their own pace, to suit their body. Beginners work in a basic way on simple postures according to their capabilities. As they develop they then move on to more refined ways of working as well as to more complex postures.

For more information about the Sage Patanjali, and to hear a recording of B.K.S. Iyengar reciting the invocation to Patanjali, please go to:http://www.bksiyengar.com/modules/IYoga/sage.htm

Find out more about B.K.S. Iyengar here

IYENGAR Yoga Teachers

There are over 1000 qualified Iyengar yoga teachers in the UK alone, and Iyengar Yoga is taught by thousands of teachers in more than 40 countries.  There are over 20 national associations worldwide. 

All Iyengar yoga teachers are trained to rigorously high standards.  After training regularly with a qualified teacher for a minimum of three consecutive years, candidates undertake a two year teacher training programme followed by the Introductory Level 2 assessment.  Once qualified, teachers must continue training regularly and complete professional development training each year in order to maintain their membership of the Association.  In this way the care and precision that characterises Iyengar yoga is maintained.

These high teaching standards are part of the reason Iyengar Yoga is the most widely performed method of yoga worldwide.  Our Certification Mark  is the guarantee of this quality.

All currently registered Iyengar yoga teachers in the UK are listed on this site.  To find the nearest to you, please use the ‘Search for a Teacher’ facility on the right hand side of the screen.