Iyengar Yoga – founded by Dr. BKS Iyengar is described by him as “the quest of the soul for the spark of divinity within us”. However, this does not mean that the benefits of the popular Iyengar yoga practice are limited to spirituality only. In fact, it owes its popularity to countless benefits.

These can be broadly classified into physical, mental and spiritual benefits. Here’s an insight into the same.

Benefits of Iyengar Yoga 

Physical health: Iyengar yoga focuses on body alignment in tune with the anatomy of the body. Here, maximum emphasis is given to body alignment, precision and details of the asanas (posture) and Pranayama (controlled breathing). What’s more, props like belts, ropes and others are used as aids in performing asanas. Thanks to the props, injury and strain are minimized and both young and old can attain the right posture comfortably.

Moreover, holding each posture for a few minutes strengthens the core and muscles. At the same time, it is not super stretchy. Conversely, the movements are slow, which limits injury and strain to the bare minimum. Slow and aligned movements provide strength, stability, balance and awareness of the posture, and in turn, the body. What’s more, it can be easily done by most people.

Poses and postures are designed to enhance flexibility. So, it is not limited to meditation and relaxation. Aerobic workout and movements are an integral part of Iyengar yoga practice. Toned muscles, fit body, flexibility, strong muscles and an improved posture are the many benefits of regular practice..  

Mental Health

Deep breathing, relaxation and meditative techniques are an important part of all kinds of yoga. So is it with Iyengar yoga. Meditation techniques allow students to focus and concentrate on their breath and body. It encourages students to focus on body alignment, which in turn, helps them to ignore all other thoughts in their mind. Regular practice therefore, calms the mind and improves focus, attention and concentration. Mental balance is thus, achieved.

Iyengar yoga is also used as a tool in therapy, as the asanas and pranayama are designed to address more than one condition like depression stress, anxiety etc. It therefore, has therapeutic benefits when practiced under the supervision of an experienced and knowledgeable instructor.

Spiritual Benefits

In all the movements of Iyengar yoga, students are expected to be spiritually aware. The techniques and discipline used in this form of yoga enable students to connect and thus, attain spiritual benefits.

What Comes Along  

Considering the above, here’s what you can expect from regular practice.

Instructors of Iyengar yoga are trained to be patient and focused on helping students attain the right posture and alignment. So, Iyengar yoga instructors are co-operative, experienced and patient. They understand the students’ concerns and act accordingly.

This is why Iyengar yoga is also known as Yoga for beginners.