Iyengar yoga is a form of hatha yoga which focuses mainly on the physical aspects and obtaining the correct positioning in each of the many postures. For the beginner student to yoga, it is always best attending a class with a qualified and experienced Iyengar yoga teacher and the atmosphere within the class will be warm and welcoming and there will be guidance throughout every position.

As with many of the yoga styles, there is much information that is readily available via bookshops, DVDs' and of course the Internet. There are many excellent websites in addition which depict the benefits of using Iyengar yoga as the main practise style and it is always worth reading up on as much background information about a specific style before deciding whether to study it.

One of the main advantages to studying Iyengar yoga is that there will always be a class at a location near you, and this is because it is a positive and popular style.

The idea behind this style is that constant repetition of the pose will help the student to be to achieve maximum benefits, and also, these constant repetitions enable the posture to be embedded deep within the students mind.

Unlike many other styles, Iyengar yoga uses props and these props help the student to be able to access the full pose whilst not being able to physically reach the maximum positions due to the body not being supple enough. Props come in way of belts, blocks, straps, bolsters, chairs and pillows.

Yoga does not traditionally use props as it normally allows the student to progress to these more extreme positions naturally as and when the body is ready. This decision came directly from Iyengar himself and the practise behind this addition has been proven to work and for many of the students, helps to prevent unnecessary injuries through straining.

This style does not work on the cardiovascular as does styles such as Ashtanga, instead it allows for maximum suppleness by reaching the most extreme poses slowly and breathing through the posture so that the body relaxes into it.