But what makes it different from other typesand why is it so loved by beginners and advanced yogis alike?
First, what is Iyengar yoga?
Iyengar is a form of hatha yoga that focuses on proper alignment and precise technique.
What are the health benefits?
These are seven of the most common ones as shown by scientific research:
Builds strength.
Holding each pose for longer (often upward of a minute) willstrengthenand tone your muscles.
Increases flexibility.
Yoga, in general, is known for improving flexibilityand Iyengar is no exception.
Improves posture.
With its strong focus on alignment, a regular Iyengar practice can help youdevelop better posture.
It focuses on correcting weaker or stiffer areas of your body, especially in your neck and back.
Boosts energy levels.
This could be due to the release of endorphins or increased blood flow to your brain.
Decreases stress and anxiety.
Participants in the study reportedlower levels of anxiety and better overall well-beingafter three months of Iyengar yoga.
Reduces chronic pain.
A lot of chronic pain is caused byimproper alignment, whether it’s slouching or slumping.
Lowers blood pressure.
How to practice.
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.
Another pro tip: There are plenty of resources for practicing Iyengar at home.
