BKS Iyengar 1918–2014             

 

Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar, yoga master, born 14 December 1918; died 20 August 2014

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/11045993/BKS-Iyengar-obituary.html

                                                                                                                              

WHAT IS IYENGAR YOGA                                                                                 (photo credit
                                                                                                                                                                  Jake Clennell)  
BKS Iyengar has developed a form of yoga practice which features precision, body alignment with careful sequencing and timings of the yoga poses. This promotes health and stability in the body, steadiness in the breath and a calmness of the mind. It is suitable for all adults and you can start at any age and be of any fitness level to join classes.

WHAT SHALL I  EXPECT IN AN IYENGAR YOGA CLASS?

The yoga poses are demonstrated and explained to you by the teacher and specific instructions are given to help you achieve the correct pose and you are guided throughout.  Sometimes props (wooden or foam blocks, belts or blankets) are introduced to help you achieve this. You may be given individual guidance or correction if necessary. The teachers are trained specifically to observe every individual in the class to ensure that everyone performs the postures safely and to the best of their ability.  The classes finish with 5-10 minutes of total relaxation.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IYENGAR YOGA?

Iyengar Yoga has a profound effect on the body and the mind. When yoga postures are practised with the principles which BKS Iyengar discovered  ie correct alignment and with attention to specific areas of the body to wake up and use hitherto unused areas of the body, the postures become much easier to perform (effortless effort).

Your body will become stronger, more balanced and free from years of accumulated tension.  Posture is greatly improved and with continued practise your body will be realigned and comfortable. Your breathing will improve as emphaisis is on opening the chest and supporting the lungs and heart. As a consequence, the breath becomes steadier and the mind calmer. Iyengar yoga will teach you how to consciously relax and will help you to feel rested but at the same time energised.
You may experience a whole range of health benefits. For example students often report relief from backache, shoulder and neck problems and other aches and pains. They also report relief from respiratory or digestive problems and sleeping difficulties amongst other health issues.
 
WIDER READING AND LINKS

Official BKS Iyengar Website  http://www.bksiyengar.com

The UK official Iyengar Yoga website is http://www.iyengaryoga.org.uk

 Liverpool Iyengar Yoga  was esablished in 1992 and is affiliated to the national organisation known as  IY (UK) which currently hosts membership of the LIYI. Students of Iyengar Yoga can join  LIY by visiting the website above or by asking their teacher for an application form.