Frequently Asked Questions
what is iyengar yoga?
Yoga is one of the oldest systems of personal development in the world. Its aim - to balance the body, mind and spirit – was formulated by ancient yogis. They understood our essential human nature and realised a way to use our inner resources to live in harmony with ourselves and the environment. Yoga asanas (poses) and pranayama (awareness of the breath) aim to reach all the muscles, nerves and glands of the body and promote physical and mental health.
Iyengar yoga uses the ancient techniques of yoga, as understood and practised over many years by Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, South India. In his many world-renowned books he systematised over 200 postures and breathing techniques and their anatomical background. He showed how the various parts of the body can be positioned correctly so that each individual part, as well as the physiological system can function to their best potential.
The Iyengar method is a challenge to the intelligence as the mind needs to focus on awareness in, and of, the posture. Body and mind are stretched beyond their everyday limits and begin to act in unison. The idea of meditation in action is a keynote of the Iyengar system. Being totally aware and absorbed in the poses as they are being done is meditation: body and mind communicate at a subtle level and are harmonized. The Iyengar method is not just a sophisticated form of physical exercise and deep breathing. It is a spiritual practice aimed at integrating mind, body and inner self.
Iyengar yoga uses the ancient techniques of yoga, as understood and practised over many years by Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar of Pune, South India. In his many world-renowned books he systematised over 200 postures and breathing techniques and their anatomical background. He showed how the various parts of the body can be positioned correctly so that each individual part, as well as the physiological system can function to their best potential.
The Iyengar method is a challenge to the intelligence as the mind needs to focus on awareness in, and of, the posture. Body and mind are stretched beyond their everyday limits and begin to act in unison. The idea of meditation in action is a keynote of the Iyengar system. Being totally aware and absorbed in the poses as they are being done is meditation: body and mind communicate at a subtle level and are harmonized. The Iyengar method is not just a sophisticated form of physical exercise and deep breathing. It is a spiritual practice aimed at integrating mind, body and inner self.
who is b.k.s iyengar?
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The world’s most widely practised form of yoga is that developed by Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar. Born on December 14th 1918 in Bellur, South India, he studied and practised yoga continuously for over 70 years. Mr. Iyengar’s thorough study, understanding and mastery of yoga are unrivalled in modern times. He began his worldwide reputation through being invited to the UK 1954 to teach Yehudi Menuhin, the great violinist, and thereafter refining his experience of yoga in his classic textbook ‘Light on Yoga’ (1966). He taught in all five continents and has won international respect and recognition for his achievements, making yoga accessible and relevant to people everywhere, no matter what their physical or mental ability. In particular, he is well-known for developing the therapeutic application of the postures as he devised ways of modifying the poses for the benefit of people with disabilities.
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He was honoured in his own country of India, and Time Magazine listed him as one of the most influential men of the 20th Century. Mr. Iyengar founded and directed the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India, (opened in 1975). Following his death in 2014, his daughter Dr. Geeta and son Sri. Prashant Iyengar now direct and run the Institute. Many of the world’s Iyengar yoga teachers travel regularly to the RIMYI for a monthly cycle of classes intended to renew and deepen their understanding of their own yoga practice. Teachers who studied directly under Mr. Iyengar regularly visit the UK and other parts of the world. There are thousands of qualified Iyengar yoga teachers in over 40 countries with over 18 Iyengar yoga associations worldwide.
What are the health benefits of yoga?
Iyengar yoga is well known for its beneficial effects on posture and mental and physical wellbeing. The systematic practice of yoga postures and Pranayama (breath control) involved in Iyengar yoga makes it a method that is suitable for everyone. Iyengar yoga can also involve specific sequences in order to maximise beneficial effects. Yoga can have many health benefits which are well-documented, including:
- Alleviating aches and pains, especially lower backache
- Augmenting memory, focus, concentration and balance
- Decreasing stress, depression, anxiety and emotional problems
- Delaying the ageing process
- Helping in weight loss
- Improving the circulation of blood and oxygen all over the body
- Increasing strength, stamina, immunity, awareness and flexibility
- Lowering the risks of heart disease
- Promoting better sleep, moods and appetite
- Reducing respiratory problems by improving respiratory function
- Aiding in faster recovery from an injury
- Applying less amount of stress on the muscles
- Improving precision and alignment
Do I need to let you know any information before attending a class?
Before attending a yoga class with Kate you will need to complete the Health Questionnaire. At the beginning of each class, please inform Kate if you have any new illnesses or injuries. All poses can be modified for these conditions and may help to relieve them. You should also inform Kate if menstruating or pregnant.
Is there any recommended reading material?
Do I need equipment for iyengar yoga?
Iyengar Yoga makes use of props such as belts, blocks and bricks. These are provided at class.
