What Is Iyengar Yoga: Improve Body Alignment With Long Poses & Props

{"slug":"what-is-iyengar-yoga","recentPosts":[{"id":"cl8kb5f23jq1w0ciscs2h2bxw","slug":"benefits-of-yoga-for-pregnancy","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What are the Benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga for Pregnancy is excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor. Read more to understand the benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:42:36.767798+00:00","coverUrl":"kvvlqndsbow5dsckhw7i.jpg","content":{"text":"When you get pregnant, people come out of the woodworks with advice, remedies and old wives tales. Everyone’s got an opinion on how you should spend your pregnancy. But the one thing we know for sure is, yoga is great for mom and baby alike. If you’re curious about prenatal yoga, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down why this type of yoga is excellent for moms (and babies).\\nWhat is prenatal yoga?\\nPrenatal yoga was designed for women who are expecting. Rather than taking a regular class and having to worry about modifications or safety, this class is specifically designed for pregnancy. The practice can help women with common pregnancy aches and pains, ease hormonal and emotional stress and help women’s bodies prepare for birth and their postpartum journey. A regular yoga practice when pregnant has tons of amazing benefits!\\nBenefits of Prenatal yoga: \\nWe asked women who’ve done prenatal yoga while pregnant for their reviews, one said “ It’s excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor.” And they all said they’d recommend it to friends! \\nSo let's break down the benefits: \\nRelaxation : \\nPregnancy can be very stressful! But yoga will help you to relax physically, mentally and emotionally and create a safe, relaxing environment for birth. Prenatal helps you with coping and breath techniques for all stages of your pregnancy.\n\\nPreparation for birth : \\nFor first time moms, and even sometimes vets, labor can be scary. This practice will help you to learn birth techniques so you’re relaxed and ready to go!\n⁠\\nYoga can Help with Labor : \\nIn a 2015 study\\n, It was found that a regular yoga practice in the last 10-12 weeks of pregnancy can improve the mother's comfort during labor and help facilitate the labor process. The “yoga group” in this study on average was in labor two hours less than those who didn’t practice. Past your due date? Prenatal Yoga is also known to help induce labor\n⁠\\nCommunity : \\nYoga classes have always been known to help us build community but during pregnancy, it's so important to have a group of women who understand what you’re going through. Taking part in a prenatal class puts you in a group of women who get it. You’ll have a built in support system and maybe even first friends for your baby!\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Prenatal Yoga:\\nIs Yoga for Pregnancy safe?\\nYes. Yoga is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, you should always consult your doctor & make sure you’re practicing with a teacher who understands the prenatal experience and can keep you safe. Our teachers are experts in yoga and are ready to help you on your journey. If you’d like to check out our offerings, you can get started today with a two week free trial! \\nWhen during pregnancy can you practice yoga?\\nDuring your first trimester, you can stick to your regular practice with some modifications. \\nYour second trimester is a GREAT time to start prenatal yoga! At this point, you’ll be starting to officially come into your “pregnancy body” and you’ll need to be practicing poses more specific to prenatal. The second and third trimester are considered the “prep period” for your body to prepare for labor. So it's a great time to keep moving and stretching in your new skin as you make room for the baby to grow! \\nWhat yoga poses should you avoid doing? \\nFor the most part, yoga is considered safe during pregnancy. You really only need to focus on any poses that put pressure on your abdomen. You should avoid any and all twisting poses, backbends and inversions.. \\nYoga for Pregnancy Poses you can perform at Home :\\nIt’s important to stay active during your pregnancy for both mom and baby! You should try to get in some sort of movement daily for at least 30 minutes. You can stick to low impact workouts or walks but if you want to do some yoga at home, it’s a great way to end your day. Yoga while pregnant can help with pain, help you sleep better and fight tiredness and fatigue. \\nHere are some poses you can practice at home to keep you moving! And as a bonus, most of these poses will also help your body prepare for giving birth!\\n1. Bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana) :\\n\\nBaddha Konasana pose will help you open your hips, releasing any pain in your back. It can also help to reduce swelling\\nHow it helps with labor: Opening the hips will help you to stretch the muscles needed to open the birth canal.\\n2. Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana Bitilasana) :\\n\\nMarjaryasana Bitilasana pose release back and shoulder pain and also reduce pressure from the belly\\nHow it helps with labor: Back pain is a common occurrence during the birth process. This pose will help to keep your muscles limber and help to avoid muscle spasms and pain in your back during labor. \\n3. Yogi squat (Malasana) :\\n\\nBeen sitting too long? This is a great hip opener and will also release lower back pain. \\nHow it helps with labor: This pose will widen the pelvic floor making the birth easier,which may help to reduce injury during birth.\\nRemember, if you’re practicing at home, it’s always best to consult your doctor and make sure yoga is safe for your pregnancy.\\n\\nOther ways to practice self-care during pregnancy\\nBeing a mom is the hardest job in the world. And there are no days off. Starting with pregnancy, we feel out of control of our body, its growth and the way we feel. Remember to take time during this beautiful process to practice self-care so you can be present, happy and relaxed. \\nBook a prenatal massage :\n\n⁠⁠A prenatal massage is GREAT for mom and baby. It can help reduce stress and swelling without meds, help you to sleep and get your body ready for labor and delivery.  \\nTake a bath :\n⁠\n⁠Taking a warm bath while pregnant can also help to reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. It’s a great way to relax and rest your growing body. If you’re feeling pain or swelling, it can be very beneficial to relax in a warm bath. \\n\\nAyurveda for Pregnancy :\\n\n⁠\n⁠This week, MyYogaTeacher has a special Ayurveda event running where you’ll learn how to align with your best self through nutrition and health changes. This specific class is designed to help you have your most healthy pregnancy with nutrition guidelines for a mom and foods to help with baby's development! \\n\nYou can also choose to work 1 on 1 with an instructor of your choice through your MyYogaTeacher membership! Let us help you have your healthiest pregnancy possible! \\n\\nGet started today!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"cl8ka13l4ionz0ck2fe0pme7l","slug":"chronic-neck-pain-relief-yoga-poses","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Are you suffering with Chronic Neck Pain? 10 yoga poses to find relief!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:11:15.683866+00:00","coverUrl":"rbh6duxy7hy3y207sg1c.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you suffer from chronic neck pain? Nearly 30-50% of adults suffer from recurring neck pain. \\nNeck pain can be a common occurrence for people who:\\nhave long commutes or sit at a desk all day\\nwho have issues with posture \\nwho have chronic sleep issues\\nOur neck and shoulders can also be a place where we may carry tension or pain due to stress. In any case, the good news is yoga can help you to relieve your neck pain and move on symptom free! \\nDaily changes you can make to avoid neck pain\\nStay in alignment. Keep good posture and try not to carry heavy bags on one side of your body. Also, if you sit at a desk and work on a computer, move your monitor to eye-sight so you’re not looking up or down. Need help finding your center? \\nWe can help here at MyYogaTeacher! \\n\\nStay active! It’s important to stay mobilized.  If you sit all day, take breaks to move around and give your body a break from being stuck in one position. Can’t take breaks at work? Try to go for a walk on lunch or maybe before or after your workday. \\nCheck your sleep environment. Make sure your mattress and pillows are still in good shape. Look into the best pillows for your sleep type or body. Getting quality sleep will help you avoid tossing and turning and can be your remedy to wake pain free. \\nIf you’re feeling like you need to move, starting with any slower yoga practice will help! Yin, hatha and restorative classes will all leave your body feeling relaxed, renewed and free of pain. Want to flow on your own? Here are our top ten poses to try! \\n10 Yoga Poses to relieve Chronic Neck Pain :\\n1. Easy seat with ear to shoulder stretch\\nThis pose releases your neck and shoulders and helps relieve tension and stress.\\nStart by sitting with your legs crossed and a straight back. Shoulders down. Bring your ear down to your shoulder. To deepen the stretch, bring your opposite arm overhead. \\n\\n\\n\\n2. Child’s Pose\\nReleases tension in the upper body including the neck and chest.\\nBring your knees as wide as the mat and sit into your heels. You can bring your chest to the mat and extend your arms forward or come to rest on a pillow or bolster. Try to hold this pose for up to 5 breaths. \\n\\n\\n\\n3. Downward facing dog\\nHelps to relieve neck pain by strengthening the upper body and releasing the spine. \\nStart by coming onto all fours. Check your alignment- make sure your shoulders are over your wrist, and your hips over your knees. Without changing the position of your hands and feet, push up and back to bring your heels into the ground. Relax your head, neck and shoulders down. \\n\\n\\n\\n4. Bridge Pose\\nReleases chest, neck, spine and hips.\\nLay down on your mat, bring your feet as close to your glutes as possible. Bring your hands to the sides of your body palms down. Push into the feet and hands while you lift your core and back to the ceiling. Try to relax and breathe here. \\n\\n\\n\\n5. Wide Leg forward fold\\nReleases spine, neck and back. If you’re in pain perform this stretch slowly, and come up one vertebrae at a time. \\nBring your feet as wide as you can, feet facing forward. Hinge at the hips and slowly bend forward and down towards your feet. You can hang here or grab yogi toe lock around your big toe. \\n\\n\\n\\n6. Cow face pose\\nStrengthens core and spine.\\nSit up tall and stack your knees directly over one another. Reach one arm back around your waist and one arm over your shoulder with your palms reaching towards one another. If you can, clasp your hands. If not, rest them on your back, you will still benefit from the pose. \\n\\n\\n\\n7. Sphinx pose\\nThis pose will help to physically open up the shoulders and neck. Looking side to side slowly is a great addition to the pose. \\nLie on your stomach and bring your hands next to your chest facing down. On your inhale press into the ground and lift your upper body. \\n\\n\\n\\n8. Thread the Needle \\nIncreases mobility and releases tension in the upper body. \\nCome on to all fours. Check your alignment, make sure your hips are over your knees, shoulders over your wrist. Reach one arm out to the side and thread it through the opposite side under your ribs. You can stay here or open up the opposite side by reaching the hand to the back or straight up and over. Make sure to do both sides. \\n\\n\\n\\n9. Legs up the wall\\nReleases tension and stress from the upper body by reversing blood flow. \\nFind a wall near your practice space and sit next to the wall as close as possible. Lower your head, neck and shoulders onto your mat, then roll onto your back and stretch your legs up the wall. You can stay in this restorative pose for up to 10 minutes. \\n\\n\\n\\n10. Savasana\\nSavasana releases any stress, lowers heart rate and calms the body. \\nCome onto your back on your mat, and release your body down. This is known as corpse pose because it is a full and final rest at the end of our practice. Release and let go of any and all tension. \\n\\n\\n\\nClasses to help relieve neck pain \\n\\nYoga fusion for joints \\n- This class will help you roll out your joint pain and stretch your tight limbs and joints. \\n\\nYoga for Back Pain\\n - Sometimes, neck pain can be caused by tightness in the spine. Experts say yoga helps soothe muscle pains. Try this class to strengthen and lengthen your neck and back for pain relief! \\n\\nYoga for Neck and Shoulder Pain\\n - Do you sit all day at work? Struggle with your posture? This class will help relieve upper body tension. \\n\nSo if you’re ready to make your neck pain a thing of the past, join us today. Our trial includes two free weeks of group fitness classes, one on one classes and so much more! \\nGet started on your yoga journey now!\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"cl8cuq5nnh5860biyek2vhu2w","slug":"reproductive-rights-for-women-yoga-workshop","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop - Supporting Women Through Yoga","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-22T09:28:27.679552+00:00","coverUrl":"dkjwcigamkavxe0yziwq.jpg","content":{"text":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s first ever Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we believe in the wisdom of women to make their own choices about their health. \\n\\nThat’s why we’re excited to offer the\\n Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop on October 2 from 9 AM - 11 AM PST (12 PM - 2 PM EST) for only $10!\\nIn the past, our community events have been free. So why are we charging a nominal fee for this one?\\nBecause ALL proceeds from the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop go to support the \\nCenter for Reproductive Rights\\n charity, a nonprofit organization, the \\nonly\\n global legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing reproductive rights.\\nIn the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs Wade and on the day before the new term of the Supreme Court begins, we think this workshop is a perfect way to silently protest this new ruling through self-care and donations to an organization like the Center for Reproductive Rights.\\nThis will also be a time of healing and processing with a couple of awesome expert yoga instructors!\\nHow to join the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop\\nWhether you’re a member or not, \\nJust click this link and register \\nas you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nIntroducing a very special guest yoga instructor coming just for this event!\n\\nMeet Harpinder Mann, RYT-500!\\n\\n\n\\nHarpinder is a yoga, meditation, mindfulness teacher, and decolonizing activist based in Los Angeles. She works with women of color who want to reclaim their power and intuition through the lens of a spiritual, joyful, and sustainable path. Her studies have spanned from reading the Japji Sahib since she was 3, to over 700 hours of yogic training within the traditions of Raja, Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Prenatal Yoga. \\nWe’re super excited to have her lead the beginning of the workshop. Afterwards, MyYogaTeacher yoga instructor, \\nTrupti Parikh\\n, will lead us in asanas, and a discussion session will follow.\\nAre you ready to experience a workshop where we solely focus on supporting and advocating for women’s health \\nwhile\\n improving our mental, emotional, and physical health?\\n\\nJoin us for the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\n\\nTogether, we make a difference."},"category":["workshops"]},{"id":"cl8a9804vy5de0biznpg4ai2t","slug":"yoga-benefits-for-runners","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga For Runners : Why Runners Should Incorporate Yoga Into Their Training?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Adopting an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Read now to learn more","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-20T13:50:56.406936+00:00","coverUrl":"tbdacuzob0fuqml8dyjd.jpg","content":{"text":"Training for a big race? Setting some goals you want to crush before the year ends? No matter what your reasons, yoga can be a great way to cross train for running from a 5k to a marathon! Running is great for your heart and body but can also be a huge strain on the muscles. Having an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Let’s dive into how yoga can help!\\n1. Breathing\\nProper breathing and breath stabilization are both incredibly important principles in Yoga and Running. If you can practice proper breathing while running, you can maintain speed longer because you will take long deeper breaths to match your long strides, instead of short breaths which cause instability and speed decline.\\nPracticing Pranayama for runners - \\nAdding a pranayama breath practice before a run can help you to maintain focus as well as speed. Even if running is a release for you, and feels relaxing, Using breathwork to relax and focus can help you clearly see the physical and mental road ahead. Pranayama can also help if things are going off course on your run. If you need to regain control, you can come back to your breath and refocus. With these practices together, your run really can be a religious experience, or a way to relieve stress! \\nTo start a pranayama practice, all you need to do is focus on controlling your inhale and exhale. Start by standing tall and relaxed, or sitting tall and calm if you prefer. Close your eyes and focus inward. Start by breathing in for two and out for two. As you continue to grow your practice, you can  build up to breathing in for six and out for six. You can even play with pausing for two to four breaths in between your inhale and exhale. When you finally build a practice you’re confident with, you can start to set intentions and visualize your success. With this practice, you’ll begin to see your running dreams come true!\\n\\n2. Flexibility/Strength\\nIt would be great if in life, we only ever needed to do one thing to get to our goals. But in reality,just like we can’t have cookies for every meal, cross training for runners is essential to maintaining a long term healthy routine. While you could easily just add weight training or stretching a la cart into your week, yoga gives you more by going deeper and getting into those smaller, harder to access ligaments and tendons you might otherwise miss with strength training . Adding yoga into your running routine can reduce the risk of injury and help to maintain your goals. The more flexible your muscles are, the less likely they are to tense up or be stressed during running so you can move with more confidence and ease. Not to mention, it’s always great to look forward to a nice long stretch after a run. \\n\n3. Conditioning \\nWe all know running is GREAT for your cardiovascular health, can add years on to your life and keep your heart pumping at its best! But it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a veteran, running can make your body sore. Yoga is great for conditioning those tired and fatigued muscles without having to “take a day off” to rest. In between your runs or on conditioning days, you can take a class focused on your back or knee health, or even a class to open tight hips after a long run. There’s nothing the magic of yoga can’t do! \\n\n4. Balance/Posture\\nEven though running is a “walk in the park” compared to ballet where balance is concerned, you still need to do your best to focus on alignment while you move.\\nYoga can improve your running form by elongating the limbs so you cover more ground in less time. You'll be PR’ing in no time! Proper alignment is also important when running because as you increase your speed, the level of impact (and injury) becomes greater. Maintaining your body's alignment during movement assures you arrive at the finish line aliment free! Love a tree pose? Want to learn to fly into a warrior? Lots of yoga poses force you to balance on one leg, which helps you to build a unilateral movement practice much like the ebbs and flows you take while running. \\n5. Stress and Mental Clarity\\nFeeling stressed before a big run? Worried about your PR? Yoga can help! Focus your breathing and set an intention. You’ve got this!\\nFocus and clarity are so important when running so you can know where you’re headed and stay on track. Add your yoga practice in before training or race days and you’ll feel your worries melt away. According to scientists at \\nHarvard,\\n adding just minutes of yoga to your week can improve your outlook, slow down the body and decrease stress. You’ll find your body will be more relaxed, focused and ready to run for those goals when you release your tension with yoga. \\nGetting started:\\nSo what do you need to get started? Simple! Yourself, a mat, some water and a quiet space are all you need! Are you ready to add yoga into your running routine? \\nGet started with a two week free trial of our classes and one on one sessions!\\n\\nLet’s figure out where your yoga practice would serve you best! \\nDoing yoga BEFORE your run will help you to warm up your muscles and ligaments. By fully warming up your body before you hit the pavement, you decrease the chances of injury, help with an easier recovery and can improve your PR as you continue to train! \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice before a run :\\nHigh Lunge - This pose stretches the legs from top of the thighs down to the ankle\\n\\nWarrior II - Helps with focus and stamina. Great before heading out!\\n\\nSide angle bend - This stretch helps to stretch the side body and release any tension in the shoulders and spine. \\n\\n⁠Prefer to do yoga after your run? That’s a great option too! Yoga is great for recovery after a run! Finishing your running routine with a yoga stretch helps you to rebalance. You can stretch muscles or limbs that became tight during your run and strengthen anything  that may have become fatigued. You can also refocus and deepen your breath to reset for the next part of your day. \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice after a run :\\nButterfly Pose - a basic hip opener to ease into your stretch\\n\\nHalf Pigeon - A great pose for multiple alignments! Working through the psoas and hip flexors. Make sure to practice on both sides.\\n\\nHappy Baby - This pose is great for finishing up your hip opener extension while giving a nice massage to the back and stretching the soles of the feet.\\n\\nWant to take a class? Try some of our favorite classes for runners!\\n\\nYoga for Strength and flexibility \\n\\n\\nYoga for Knee Pain\\n\\n\\nYoga for Back health\\n\\nReady to join us for class? \\nGet started with a free trial now! \\n\\nRemember, with a great training plan for your runs, and an ongoing yoga practice you’ll be ready to run to your greatest finish line feeling and looking your best! Just like peanut butter and jelly, yoga and running are great together!"},"category":["fitness","yoga"]},{"id":"cl81n0o6wh1g80ajz2gpco553","slug":"yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"How to Start Doing Yoga at Home","subTitle":"Everything you need to know for an at-home yoga routine","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Get a beginner’s guide to starting yoga at home with tips and suggestions for setting up your own practice, including online yoga classes and private lessons.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to perform yoga at home with this quick and easy guide","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-14T13:07:13.39269+00:00","coverUrl":"cqivxw3vkrcihpumlny7.jpg","content":{"text":"There are lots of reasons for doing yoga at home instead of a yoga studio, some of which include distance, busy schedules, kids, financial concerns, and health issues. The good news is you can set up your own yoga practice at home, and still get all the benefits of a regular yoga routine — without the studio. It can also be a great way to integrate yoga into your life on a regular basis, and it’s easy to do in your own home.\\nCan Anyone do Yoga at Home?\\nAnyone can perform yoga at home, and you don’t have to be an advanced yogi to try. Even beginners can practice yoga in a home environment, all you need is adequate floor space, a few (optional) pieces of equipment, and guidelines for practicing the primary yoga poses. \\nIf you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to first learn from a certified yoga instructor, so you can progress with the proper technique and alignment to avoid injury. Thanks to online learning platforms like\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, you can still practice yoga at home with the help of a qualified teacher.\\n11 Tips on How to Perform Yoga At Home\\nThe idea of starting a yoga practice in your very own living room can seem daunting or intimidating at first, especially if you’re accustomed to attending classes in a yoga studio. But with a little bit of preparation and creativity, you can set up your own yoga space and develop a mindful yoga routine that can benefit your life.\\nHere are some suggestions to help get you started:\\n1. Make Space in Your Home for Yoga\\nIt’s easy (and fun) to make your own yoga space, and you can design it as a temporary space or a dedicated one, depending on your needs. All you need is enough floor space to move around and stretch out the full length of your body — a little more than the length and width of your yoga mat. This can be your living or bedroom floor, your kitchen, or your backyard. Just make sure there isn’t any furniture or objects lying around that could get in your way or cause injury.\\n2. Decorate With Calming Accessories\\nYou can also create a comfortable and inviting space for yoga by hanging calming or inspiring artwork on the wall, lighting a candle or incense, and keeping a few house plants nearby for a pleasing atmosphere. The more you can tailor and dedicate your space for yoga, the easier it will be to motivate yourself to keep up a steady routine. Hanging a mirror in front of your practice space is also helpful in maintaining the correct alignment while performing postures.\\n3. Be Prepared With the Right Equipment\\n\\nYou’ll want to invest in a yoga mat, and it’s wise to also keep modifying props on hand — like blocks, bolsters, blankets, and a strap. If you’re just starting out and you’d like to improvise for props, you can use pillows, blankets, and other items around the house to suit your needs. Just make sure your props are sturdy, supportive, and nearby for when you need them.\\n4. Practice Regularly\\nThe best part about practicing yoga at home is it can be done any time you want. The challenge lies in your dedication and commitment to the practice even when your couch appears more inviting.\\n \\nAccording to this study\\n, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to create a new habit. It’s important to be patient with yourself and identify guidelines for your practice that you can realistically follow through with. \\n5. Schedule Your Yoga Session\\nSet yourself up for success by committing to your yoga practice at a certain time of day, and for a specified number of days per week. It’s best to start out easy with goals that are achievable and progress as you gain momentum. For instance, if you’ve never been an early riser, don’t expect yourself to suddenly start practicing yoga at dawn. If that’s the case, try scheduling your yoga session for late morning, afternoon or evening, and keep your existing schedule in mind when planning a time that works for you.\\n6. Keep it Simple\\nRegardless of your experience or ability level, practicing yoga at home means watching out for your own safety. Make sure you have props handy for when you need them, and avoid overdoing it with strenuous poses. When it doubt, keep your routine simple. Even if you’re an advanced yogi, those basic, primary yoga poses are still an important part of a holistic yoga practice, and may be less likely to cause injury.\\n7. Listen to Your Body\\nThe best way to avoid getting hurt while practicing yoga at home is to listen to your body. If any posture causes you discomfort or pain, stop practicing it immediately — no matter how easy or difficult the pose. Don’t push yourself too hard, and remember to focus on your alignment. If you are unsure of how to execute a specific pose, try learning it from a certified instructor before performing it on your own at home.\\n8. Take an Online Yoga Class\\n\\nBy far the best way to practice yoga at home is with an online class. This way, you get all the benefits of doing yoga at home in your own time, with the added help of an instructor who can make sure you’re performing poses safely and effectively. You can find\\n \\nonline group classes\\n for every type of yoga at\\n \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, with over 42 classes offered throughout the day. Private, 1-on-1 instructors are also available for at-home yoga, giving you plenty of options to get the right kind of training while still practicing in the comfort of your own home.\\n9. Squeeze in a Short Practice\\nThe beauty of an at-home yoga practice means you can squeeze in a quick session when you just have 20-30 minutes of time. Even short yoga routines are beneficial for your body and mind, and performing a few of the primary yoga poses on a daily basis will change your life for the better. Try incorporating the Sun Salutation flow series into your morning routine when you first get out of bed in the morning, or practicing some relaxing poses like Legs-Up-The-Wall or Savasana in the evening. \\n10. Switch it Up and Make it Fun\\nYoga doesn’t always have to be serious, and you can make your home yoga practice fun and spontaneous for you and your family. Practicing with your kids is a great way to help them learn mindfulness and self-awareness, while stretching and strengthening their growing bodies. You can also take your practice to the backyard to enjoy sunshine and good weather, or invite friends over to share in the experience. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!\\n11. End Every Practice With Savasana\\nWhen practicing yoga at home, it can be tempting to skip important parts of the journey due to time constraints, distractions, or disinterest. If there is one element of yoga you should never skip, it’s Savasana, or otherwise known as Corpse pose. Always end your practice with 5 minutes of relaxation to help your body integrate the routine. Keep a blanket nearby to warm your body after it has cooled down, and consider an eye pillow to help you relax. Your body and mind will thank you as you move on to the rest of your day, having given yourself the gift of healthy movement to better your life."},"category":["yoga","therapy"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"ckkss4i6g11qk0a81swms978n","slug":"clear-your-chakras","author":{"name":"Abhishek Sharma","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"The Importance of Clearing Your Chakras and Why We Chant","createdAt":"2021-02-05T21:07:01.067503+00:00","coverUrl":"clear-your-chakras_72106447.png","content":{"text":"Maybe you don’t expect to see a chakra clearing session mixed in with yoga classes. The western part of the world tends to be more focused on outward results, and you do yoga because that’s what you want. Results.\\n\\nStrength. Flexibility. Toning. Gentle exercise for an injured or unconditioned body.\\n\\nAnd you know nothing of chakras or chanting or all that other “woo woo” stuff.\\n\\nThe truth is, yoga, chakra clearing, and chanting work together to create harmony with your inner and outer world. They are all forms of meditation!\\n\\nIf you’re new to the woo, then this post will be helpful in understanding why I offer a \\nChakras and Sound Healing class \\nthrough myYogaTeacher.\\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nWhat are chakras anyway?\\n\\nChakras are energy points in your body that correspond to organs, nerves, and areas of our body that affect our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. We are all made up of energy! Everything is made of energy.\\n\\nSo it is no surprise that energy flows through and around us.\\n\\nWhen your chakras or energy centers are off balance or blocked, you may experience negative emotional or physical symptoms related to a particular chakra.\\n\\nThe seven main chakras are:\\n\\n1. Root chakra (Muladhara): \\n Responsible for your sense of security, stability, and safety.\\n2. Sacral chakra (Svadhisthana):\\n Responsible for sexual and creative energy and linked to how you relate to and connect with others.\\n3. Solar plexus chakra (Manipura):\\n Corresponds to confidence, self-esteem, and helps you feel in control of your life.\\n4. Heart chakra (Anahata):\\n All about our ability to love and show compassion.\\n5. Throat chakra (Vishuddha):\\n Has to do with how we communicate verbally.\\n6. Third eye chakra (Ajna):\\n Linked to intuition and imagination.\\n7. Crown chakra (Sahasrara):\\n Represents your spiritual connection to self, others, and the Universe/God. Also linked to your life’s purpose.\\n\\nHow do you know if you have one or many – or any – blocked chakras? And what does clearing them even mean? Or do?\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nClear your chakras and improve your life.\\n\\nHaving balanced chakras (or imbalanced ones) impacts all areas of your life. Chakras are receptors and emitters. They receive and give back energy. You will receive the same frequency of energy back from the world that you emit.\\n\\nAn easily relatable example of this is when you constantly see the negative attributes in someone’s character. The more you talk, think, and explore those negative things, the more you will find. This also works in reverse. When we love someone, we choose to see all the good things in them, which leads us to find more good things. \\n\\nWhen you feel poor, you often act poor. So you receive more of the same. When you are unkind, you are often met with unkindness.\\n\\nThis is energy. Chakra energy.\\n\\nHere are some physical signs you can use to determine if you have blocked or imbalanced chakras:\\n\\n1. Root chakra:\\n Stress about money, digestive issues, arthritis, problems in the legs, feet, tailbone or rectum, prostate issues.\\n2. Sacral chakra:\\n Constant fear of betrayal, sexual or reproductive health issues, hip or lower back pain, urinary or kidney dysfunction.\\n3. Solar plexus chakra:\\n Fear of rejection, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, pancreas or gallbladder problems.\\n4. Heart chakra: \\nFear of being alone, asthma, arm and wrist pain, jealousy or bitterness, upper back or shoulder problems.\\n5. Throat chakra: \\nFear being out of control, thyroid issues, sore throats, ear infections, trouble expressing yourself, neck and shoulder pain.\\n6. Third eye chakra:\\n Moodiness or stubbornness, blurry vision or eye problems, sinus issues, headaches.\\n7. Crown chakra: \\nFear of alienation, rigid thoughts, analysis paralysis.\\n\\nRegularly clearing your chakras through a guided chakra clearing session or by visiting an energy healer will help alleviate many of these symptoms.\\n\\nAnd don’t rule it out as a part of your regular yoga routine!\\n\\n\\n\\nWhy we chant and other “weird” meditation practices\\n\\nYou may not feel comfortable chanting at the end of your yoga practice. Might want to check on your throat chakra about that (jk)!\\n\\nOr maybe it’s just unfamiliar to you. Why do we do it? What’s the point? \\n\\nSound healing is real. \\nThe practice of using vibrations in order to relax and heal the body has been scientifically proven to be effective.\\n\\nTraditionally, the chanting of “Om” (pronounced “AUM”) happens at the beginning and end of a yoga or meditation session. The letters AUM symbolize the divine energy of Shakti. Shakti is referred to as the “Great Divine Mother” in Hinduism. \\n\\nThe three main characteristics of Shakti are creation, preservation, and liberation.\\n\\nThe sound Om, when done correctly, vibrates at a frequency of 432 Hz, the same frequency as everything throughout nature. It’s a universal sound that helps us connect with ourselves and everything around us.\\n\\nChanting not only helps us open and close our practice, separating it from the rest of our day. It also helps slow down the nervous system and calm the mind.\\n\\nJust as chanting helps calm the mind and connect and ground us to the present, “Namaste” shows respect and reverence for the experience, the Universe, and the other people around you.\\n\\nIt may seem weird to you, but think of it as a handshake of gratitude to your body, your instructor, and the planet that supports you both.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nI encourage you to challenge yourself to a\\n Chakra and Sound Healing session\\n. Feel the difference in your heart, mind, and body afterwards. Pay attention to how it makes you feel. Do any parts of your body ache or hurt less? Is your mind more calm and focused? Do you feel more connected to yourself and nature?\\n\\nThese are some of the benefits you may experience!\\n\\nNot sure about it just yet? \\nmyYogaTeacher offers a 2-week free trial\\n where you have access to my class and many more! Group yoga, meditation, sound healing, and chakra clearing classes from the comfort of your own home. \\n\\nAll are welcome here!\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n"}},{"id":"ckfqzbak8025a0178p0voa977","slug":"what-is-three-part-breath","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"What Is Three Part Breath?","createdAt":"2020-03-30T00:00:00+00:00","coverUrl":"Social-post-10-1.png","content":{"text":"Yogis tend to view breath differently, and no story greater sums up this concept than hearing about the tests police offers have to take in the academy. In one of the tests, contenders are strapped in to a lie detector and asked several questions. They are also asked something every yogi hates to hear:\\n\\n“Just breathe normally.”\\n\\nI have taught yoga for four years, and any time someone tells me to focus on my breathing I snap into Three Part Breath. It is hardly conscious, but as the soon-to-be-frustrated LAPD testing assistant would attest to, it is far different from “breathing normally.”\\n\\nThree Part Breath stems from the Pranayama concept of \\nyoga\\n— the idea that through controlling our breath we can control our minds and, potentially, tap into a higher power. In Sanskrit, Prana means life force, or breath sustaining the body; Ayama translates as “to extend or draw out.” Extending and lengthening our breaths calms and quiets the mind, which is the goal of yoga as a whole. \\n\\nThrowing poses in the mix was designed for us to challenge that control— an expert yogi can control their breath even in handstand or with their feet behind their head. The struggle of that breath control, for most of us, is a reminder that we are human, and thus we are all works in progress. \\n\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nWhere do we start with\\n Pranayama\\n? Three Part Breath. \\n\\nSenior yoga teacher Swami Karunananda states, “three-part deep breathing is the foundation of all the yogic breathing techniques. Studies have shown that you can take in and give out seven times as much air— that means seven times as much oxygen, seven times as much prana— in a three-part deep breath than in a shallow breath.” \\n\\nIn yoga, you are encouraged to flow through your practice maintaining this three-part breath to the best of your ability. It helps you focus your mind, relieve stress, and move inward, deepening your poses and strengthening your practice. Sounds amazing, right? It also sounds nearly impossible once you’ve held chair pose for a minute straight and the teacher is still going. Because truthfully, in challenging poses, three-part-breath is hard. And the best way to get better at it is to practice.\\n\\nHere’s a little Three Part Breath practice you can try right now:\\n\\nFind a comfortable spot, sitting or lying down. Sitting is a great choice if you’re looking for energy; lying, on the other hand, might help you feel your breath deeper and relax more. Without changing anything, notice how you’re breathing now. Let your thoughts pass you by— do not cling to them.Begin to deepen your inhales and exhales.Start imagining that your belly is a balloon, or a ball— something to be filled with air. Comfortably fill it on your inhale, and empty it on your exhale. Repeat this a few times, growing accustomed to it.On your next inhale, when your belly is full, take another sip of air, filling your rib cage. You may feel some expansion and opening in your upper back— this is great. On your exhale, let your chest empty of air first, then your stomach. Continue this for several more breaths.On your next inhale, fill your belly and your rib cage— then breathe just a little bit more into your upper chest. Feel your heart rise with your breath. This is the third part.On your exhale, empty your upper chest and throat, then your ribcage, then your belly. Continue this for 8 to 10 rounds, and start to feel your body relax. Note that this shouldn’t feel like you’re filling your lungs to burst, but rather that you are moving through levels as if your breath was an elevator. This should feel comfortable and deep. \\n\\nThe more you practice Three Part Breath, the more natural it will feel. It is a great way to get your breathing practice started, and a great way to move inward during your next \\nonline yoga class. \\n\\n"}},{"id":"ckjx66uag0lta0a27bdpmwn9b","slug":"recovery-yoga-for-lower-back-and-muscle-pain","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Recovery Yoga: How to Use Yoga for Lower Back and Muscle Pain","createdAt":"2021-01-14T18:12:07.744284+00:00","coverUrl":"yoga-for-back-pain.jpg","content":{"text":"If you suffer with lower back pain or muscle pain, recovery yoga is exactly what you need. Yoga is a mind-body practice that's often recommended to treat both stress and body pain, using specific poses to strengthen and relax the body. When you practice yoga, you become more attuned to what's going on in your body and will be better equipped to notice where your body holds onto stress and tension, or where you're experiencing pain and discomfort. Then, you can use yoga to treat those issues.\\n\\nUsing yoga for lower back pain or yoga for muscle pain is nothing new, but still many believe that yoga is only about \\nflexibility\\n. Specifically, many believe that in order to practice yoga effectively you have to already be flexible and capable of bending yourself into knots.\\n\\nFortunately, we're here to let you know that \\nyoga is for every body\\n (not just the bendy ones) and if you're experiencing lower back pain or muscle pain, yoga may be just what you need for recovery. And, you don't have to just take our word for it—we have the research to back it up.\\n\\nDoes Yoga for Lower Back Pain Really Work?\\nYoga has been practiced for thousands of years as meditation, moving meditation, and, more recently, strictly for exercise. Among the many mental and physical benefits of yoga, certain yoga poses have been found to improve moderate to severe back pain.\\n\\nIn a small study from 2017, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers looked at the effects of a yoga practice or physical therapy in participants with chronic back pain over the course of a year. Both groups showed improvements in pain and activity and both groups were less likely to continue using paid medications after three months.\\n\\nAnother study from 2017, published in the same journal, found that yoga practitioners showed small to moderate decreases in pain intensity over the short term. Not only that, but those who practiced yoga also enjoyed a slight increase in both short- and long-term function.\\n\\nThe American College of Physicians also released clinical guidelines recommending yoga as a non-drug option to treat chronic low back pain. Other non-drug options included tai chi, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, and other \\nrelaxation and stress-reduction techniques\\n.\\n\\nYet another study published by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Hatha yoga helped relieve back pain.\\n\\nIn addition to the benefits yoga has for sufferers of low back pain, you can also use yoga for muscle pain recovery.\\n\\nYoga for Muscle Pain\\nMuscle pain can be caused by just about anything: nerves and joints, excessive stretching, certain medicines, and even dehydration can send you crawling for an ice pack. Before freezing those sore muscles, though, we recommend trying yoga.\\n\\nCertain yoga poses help stretch the superficial muscle tissues in your hamstrings and connective tissues. This means that doing yoga can not only help with \\nrecovery\\n but can also get your body ready for your workout (and minimize the likelihood of getting injured from that workout).\\n\\nFor weightlifters, yoga can be one of the best things to add to your regimen. Practicing yoga will help relax the shortening of your muscles that happens naturally during weightlifting, helping you stretch your muscle to its normal state without losing the impact of your weightlifting.\\n\\nRecovery Yoga: Poses to Try for Easing Low Back Pain and Muscle Pain\\nHere are four of our favorite yoga poses to ease low back and muscle pain. Hold the poses for at least 90 seconds each, unless noted. It generally takes about that long for your muscle to relax into a stretch. These four recovery yoga poses will help you find relief from low back and muscle pain.\\n\\n1. Mountain Pose\\n\\nMountain pose (Tadasana) is a great pose to alleviate chronic low back pain, reduce rotator cuff discomfort, and decrease headaches or migraines. Standing or sitting in a hyper-erect posture all day is not only unrealistic, but can also exacerbate existing back and muscle issues. Performing mountain poses a few times over the course of the day, though, can help you slowly and naturally create the muscular structure and mental awareness needed to shift your regular posture to something a bit more upright.\\n\\nTo do mountain pose, stand tall on your yoga mat or the floor with your feet either together or hip-distance apart with your arms at your sides. Keep your legs straight without locking out your knees and distribute your body weight evenly across your feet. Keep your thigh muscles tight and tuck your tailbone in.\\n\\nTake a deep breath in while lifting through your body from the waist, pushing the top of your head toward the ceiling. You'll feel your spine straighten and lengthen and may even get a few gratifying \"pops\" from your back for your efforts.\\n\\nOn the exhale, drop your shoulders downward and reaching your hands towards the floor. On the next inhale, raise your arms out to the side and over your head with your palms facing one another. Hold this position for a few breaths before exhaling your arms down by your sides.\\n\\nReady to kiss back pain goodbye? Sign up for a two-week free trial of our \\nYoga for Back Pain program\\n where you’ll get three free one-on-one sessions as well as group classes that focus on yoga for back pain and core strengthening. Plus, access to 30+ other daily yoga classes!\\n\\n2. Bridge Pose\\n\\nBridge pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana) is a backbend and inversion that stretches the spine and can relieve both backaches and headaches. This pose can be either restorative or stimulation and works the hamstrings, erector spinae, rectus and transverse abdominis, and gluteus muscles. You'll do three rounds of this pose, holding for at least 30 seconds each time.\\n\\nFrom a supine position with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor and hip-width apart. Place your arms down along your sides, pressing your palms into the mat. On the inhale, lift your hips off the floor and up into the ceiling, tucking your sacrum and relaxing your glutes. Keep your weight distributed evenly across both feet.\\n\\nHold the pose for 30 seconds, finding space in your upper chest before slowly lowering your hips to the floor. On the way down, roll through each vertebra. Repeat twice more.\\n\\n3. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\nCat-cow pose (Bitilasana Marjaryasana) is a brilliant recovery yoga pose for those of us who sit at a desk much of the day. This pose can lengthen the spine and neck to reduce compression of the vertebrae, alleviate chronic low back problems, headaches, and shoulder tension, improve organ function, and even help with chest congestion. You go through cat-cow for five rounds.\\n\\nStart from a tabletop position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. On the inhale, drop your stomach and lift your chest, pushing your heart forward and looking up for cow pose. On the exhale, round your spine while pulling your stomach in and stretching across your back, gazing towards your knees for cat pose. Continue for four more rounds, inhaling for cow and exhaling for cat.\\n\\n4. Child's Pose\\n\\nChild's pose (Balasana) is a gentle pose that will help you relax and release any tension you're holding in your neck and back. In this pose, your spine will stretch and lengthen along with your ankles, hips, and thighs. Child's pose works your hamstrings, rotator cuff muscles, gluteus maximus, and spinal extensors.\\n\\nTo go into child's pose, kneel on your mat, sitting on your heels. Spread your knees apart to hip distance while keeping your big toes touching each other. Your arms will rest by your sides. On the inhale, lengthen your spine. On the exhale, bend forward and extend both arms forward, resting your torso on your thighs and resting your palms on the floor.\\n\\nModifications and Poses to Avoid\\nWhen you're dealing with low back pain and muscle pain, listen to your body. If a pose doesn't feel good, modify it or just don't do it at all. Your yoga practice is yours and should make you feel great, not cause you pain or stress.\\n\\nWe recommend skipping poses that combine bending and twisting movements or backward bends if you have back pain. This would be poses like triangle, any spinal twists, camel, and cobra, among others. For corpse pose, try keeping your knees bent and feet on the floor or put a bolster under your knees to avoid causing low back pain (or making it worse).\\n\\nWrapping Up\\nWhile yoga for low back pain and yoga for muscle pain are supported by research, it's important to remember that your body is unique to you. Listen to it. Start easy if you're experiencing pain, just 10 minutes (or even less) per day can make a huge difference.\\n\\nAs always, we at \\nmyYogaTeacher\\n are here for you. We offer one-on-one instruction and \\ngroup classes\\n that you can use to start a powerful \\nyoga practice in the comfort of your own home\\n while still getting important feedback on your form and developing the community relationships that draws many yogis to group yoga classes.\\n\\nAnd don’t forget about our \\nYoga for Back Pain program\\n! Sign up for a two-week free trial and you’ll get three free one-on-one sessions and unlimited access to group classes like Yoga for Core Strengthening, Gentle Yoga, Yoga for Back Pain, Chair Yoga, and a whole lot more!"}}],"relatedPosts":[{"id":"cl3oy461crk310ckd8rbbvnft","slug":"yoga-poses-for-knee-pain","author":{"name":"Sandhya","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Top 5 Yoga Poses for Knee Pain Relief","createdAt":"2022-05-27T21:18:02.635375+00:00","coverUrl":"pfhb9bugt7fkt4nzvcmw.jpg","content":{"text":"Knee pain affects approximately 20 million people in the United States alone. And that number is going up.\\nOne of the most common reasons I hear from people about why they think they can’t practice yoga is because they have “bad knees.” Arthritis, prior knee injuries, knee surgery or replacement are just a few of the reasons for knee pain.\\nSimilarly to back pain, knee pain can cause significant discomfort and even prevent sufferers from being mobile. This means no exercise.\\nI, like all the other teachers here at MyYogaTeacher, believe yoga is for everyone – even people who have knee pain or extensive problems with their knees. As a matter of fact, the \\nright\\n yoga poses help relieve knee pain.\\nBecause I know that there are so many who suffer from pain in and around their knees, and it negatively impacts their life, I started a Yoga for Knee Pain class at MyYogaTeacher for yogis of all levels and with various different types of knee pain.\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we have members from all walks of life, religions, and all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities! MyYogaTeacher offers 1:1 classes with authentic yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! And if you haven’t experienced virtual private yoga classes yet, MyYogaTeacher makes 1:1 classes affordable and accessible! PLUS, with your membership, you get:\\nRadiance! More energy, peace of mind, and better health & fitness\\n42+ daily group yoga classes, 100% live!\\nDiscounted yoga workshops, all live and interactive!\\nMaking new like-minded friends from around the world\\n\\nGrab your 2-week free trial and check out your membership options here!\\n\\nNow, let’s go over the top 5 yoga poses for knee pain relief! You may choose to use some props like a foam roller, bolster, blocks, and/or straps.\\n\\n\\n\\n1. Bridge Pose\\nOne way to alleviate knee pain is to strengthen the muscles around the knee, as well as the muscles that support the bulk of your weight (like your glutes and hamstrings). Bridge pose does both of these!  \\nThis yoga pose also helps realign your spine and pelvis, as misalignment of those areas can cause knee issues.\\nSet up for bridge pose by lying on your back, feet flat on the floor about hip’s distance apart, knees up. Then follow the instructions below:\\nPlace a yoga block between your upper thighs\\nSqueeze the block with your inner thighs\\nLift your legs and core, not by pressing your lumbar spine into the floor\\nContinue to squeeze the block, and hold for 10 breaths\\nRepeat several times\\nDo not turn your head in bridge pose! Keep head and neck in a neutral position\\n\\n\\n\\n2. Chair pose\\nThis is another pose that helps strengthen the quads, hamstrings, and glutes, which will relieve some of the pressure placed on your knees by your total body weight.\\nWhile you’re in chair pose, remember to breathe deeply and keep your knees behind your toes and over your ankles.\\nFrom standing, bend your knees, and sit your hips back, weight in your heels. \\nReach your arms up toward the ceiling, palms facing each other. \\nLift your torso away from your thighs as you lengthen. \\nMaintain the natural curves in your spine. Don’t over arch or tuck your spine under.\\n\\n\\n\\n3. Forward Fold\\nForward folds are sometimes hard for people with knee problems because they don’t do it correctly. But when done with proper guidance, forward folds are a great way to stretch out the muscles in the backs of your legs and release tension in the ligaments and tendons surrounding the knees. \\nForward fold also has many adaptations and doesn’t require a lot of flexibility to do.\\nStanding up straight, slowly fold the body in two at the hips.\\nRoll your spine forward until you’re hanging staring at your shins. \\nLet your knees bend generously if needed. Do not lock them or tighten your quads.\\nBend the spine as much as you can, using a chair for support if necessary.\\nStay there for 10 breaths. Repeat if you want to.\\n\\n\\n\\n4. Modified tree pose\\nAnother aspect of alleviating knee pain with yoga is improving your balance! There are tiny muscles around your ankles and feet (as well as your knees) that don’t get the same amount of exercise and strengthening that some of the bigger muscles do. Balance postures help those muscles and improve balance.\\nAdditionally, balance postures help strengthen your hip muscles, which are also important for supporting your knees.\\nFrom standing, slowly begin to shift weight onto one foot. \\nPlace the ball of the opposite foot on the ground or a block, and turn the knee out so the heel can rest on your ankle or shin.\\nPress into your standing leg and keep the hips level.\\nYou may keep your hands at your heart, by your sides, in the air, or use a chair for support.\\nEventually, you may work to bring the foot up higher on the leg, but never place the foot directly on the knee joint.\\n\\n\\n\\n 5. Supported child’s pose\\nEveryone’s favorite! Child’s pose can be hard on the knees if not done using support from a block, bolster, and/or blanket.\\nWhen modified, child’s pose stretches out the quads and muscles around the knees, releases tension in the hips and back that may cause misalignment, and improves circulation to the knee area.\\nIf you have knee pain from injuries, surgeries, arthritis, or for any other reason, I encourage you to try these poses! And, if you need more guidance I’d love to have you in my Yoga for Knee Pain class on MyYogaTeacher!\\nNot a MyYogaTeacher member? Whether you’re interested in teaching yoga, starting yoga, or growing in your yoga journey, MyYogaTeacher is a great place to do it!\\nWhen you sign up for a 1:1 membership with us you get:\\n102 expert\\n, highly qualified yoga instructors to choose from\\nThe ability to switch instructors\\n or take classes with only your faves\\nAccess to unlimited group classes\\n, taught \\nlive\\nPersonalized instruction\\n and work out, diet, and lifestyle plans\\nTo be a member of a HUGE community\\n of happy yogis from around the world\\nYoga teachers who become friends\\n, who truly care about you!\\nIf you haven’t checked us out already, \\ngrab two free 1:1 sessions with your 2-week free trial here\\n!\\n"}},{"id":"ckp73576w0lwi0b842405yzde","slug":"prenatal-yoga-benefits","author":{"name":"Supriya","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"5 Reasons to Choose Prenatal Yoga Over “Regular” Yoga When You’re Pregnant","createdAt":"2021-05-27T16:03:05.827253+00:00","coverUrl":"sbmgxyrxu4ntwvoqxuyy.jpg","content":{"text":"I am in no way saying prenatal yoga is for “irregular” people or that being pregnant makes you an irregular person.\\n\\nBut when it comes to distinguishing between prenatal yoga practices and other types of yoga, I’ve found that many people use the phrase “regular yoga.” So for the purpose of this article, that’s the phrase I’ll use!\\n\\nPregnancy is such a beautiful thing. Miraculous!\\n\\nIt is always amazing to me that the female human body can create and grow another human. The changes that come along with pregnancy? Not always so amazing.\\n\\nYoga during pregnancy is an excellent way to alleviate some of those yucky pregnancy symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and lower back pain. But not all regular yoga poses are meant for pregnant women.\\n\\nThat’s why I chose to start a \\nPrenatal Yoga class with myYogaTeacher!\\n My class is specifically designed for expectant mothers. It’s not just a modified “regular” yoga class. The Prenatal Yoga class addresses many of the changes and challenges that result from being pregnant.\\n\\nIf you’re not an MYT member yet, please join us! You get access to 35+ different group classes every day, taught by experienced and expert yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India! \\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nIn the meantime, let’s talk about why it’s important to choose an actual prenatal yoga class taught by someone experienced in yoga for pregnant women instead of a regular or more traditional yoga class.\\n\\n1. A prenatal yoga class will not require you to lie on your back or belly like most regular yoga classes will.\\n\\nIt may sound pretty obvious to you that lying on your belly at any point during pregnancy isn’t healthy for you or the baby.\\n\\nPlus, it’s certainly not going to be comfortable!\\n\\nLying flat on your back during the second and third trimester of pregnancy is also not recommended. The weight of the baby and your uterus puts pressure directly on your back, spine, intestines, and vena cava – the main vein that carries deoxygenated blood back to the heart from your lower body.\\n\\nMany poses in traditional yoga classes require you to lie flat on your back and stomach. These should be completely eliminated from a yoga practice for pregnant women.\\n\\n2. Prenatal yoga will not include advanced inversion poses or arm balances.\\n\\nFirst of all, if you’ve never had any experience doing inversions, while you’re pregnant is not the best time to learn.\\n\\nEven if you have, inversions and arm balances can be potentially dangerous while you’re pregnant, particularly during your second and third trimester. You may not realize it quite so much while you’re standing, but a growing belly and changing hormones can easily throw you off balance, causing injury to you or baby.\\n\\nPrenatal yoga is designed to be safe for pregnant women in every trimester. So you will not ever be asked to do asanas like crow, headstands, chin stands, shoulder stands, or plough pose.\\n\\n3. You will use more props during prenatal yoga than you would in a regular yoga class.\\n\\nGet your gear ready, because you’ll need it! Prenatal yoga helps relieve stress and anxiety as well as many other pregnancy symptoms. \\n\\nSo don’t begin your practice without these items:\\n\\nYoga straps\\nBlocks\\nYoga bolster (or couch cushion, several folded blankets or pillows)\\nA body pillow\\nYoga knee pad\\nThicker yoga mat\\nOptional: Wide foam wedge\\n\\nBeing in the middle of a yoga practice and not having everything you need can be stressful. Which is the exact opposite of what yoga is supposed to be. You may even need a chair for stability during standing poses. So have one nearby!\\n\\n\\n4. Your prenatal yoga class will never be hot.\\n\\nIf you’re taking it with me at myYogaTeacher, you’ll obviously be able to adjust the temperature of your yoga space to whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. \\n\\nThat’s one of the glorious things about virtual yoga!\\n\\nPrenatal yoga should not ever be done in a hot space, whether it’s a room or outside. Hot yoga can cause hyperthermia (not hypOthermia). This is when your body’s internal temperature is 104 degrees or higher.\\n\\nThis is extremely dangerous for expectant mother and baby!\\n\\n5. Prenatal core work is done very differently.\\n\\nI mentioned earlier that lying on your back during pregnancy isn’t recommended, particularly during the second and third trimesters.\\n\\nThat means that prenatal yoga core work is performed very differently.\\n\\nTypically, I try to incorporate core work into the prenatal asanas, but we also do core work standing up and on our hands and knees. This allows expectant mothers to safely strengthen their abdominal muscles during pregnancy.\\n\\nHaving a strong core is really important, but especially when you’re pregnant. It protects your back, helps support your growing belly, and helps you recover from pregnancy more quickly after giving birth.\\n\\n\\nI encourage you to regularly participate in yoga when you’re pregnant. It is generally considered safe unless you have high or low blood pressure or are having a high risk pregnancy. \\n\\nBenefits of prenatal yoga include:\\n\\nImproved sleep\\nBetter/more stable mood\\nRelief of aches and pains\\nImproved circulation\\nEasier childbirth\\nFaster recovery from childbirth\\nBuild strength and stamina \\n\\nWe’d love to have you join us in my \\nPrenatal Yoga Class! \\nWe’re not just there for yoga. We’re there to support one another during this huge transition in your life – and your body!\\n\\nIf you haven’t jumped on the virtual yoga bandwagon yet, it’s really easy to try it out with myYogaTeacher! \\nSign up for your 2-week free trial here and get access to the many wonderful classes MYT has to offer! \\n"}},{"id":"cksl7vclkc5v80c78i5lsqh9u","slug":"yoga-for-healthcare-workers","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"How Yoga Saves Lives: The Worldwide Healthcare Worker Crisis","createdAt":"2021-08-21T03:23:17.053441+00:00","coverUrl":"mupo4iuwsrf0ixf58pxf.jpg","content":{"text":"It’s not new news that the world is suffering. But this centuries old story seems to just be getting worse and worse as the years progress.\\nFires, hurricanes, tsunamis, war. And then, of course, “the pandemic.” \\nBut through all of this strife and trauma, healthcare workers remain steadfast in their efforts to save lives. Be the helpers. \\nHere at \\nMy Yoga Teacher\\n, we are all about looking for the good, seeking out the helpers. There are always people doing their part to save people and planet. But who is saving \\nthem\\n?\\nFor healthcare workers worldwide, burnout is becoming a pandemic all its own.\\nThey’re tired. More than tired. They are beyond exhausted. They’re sad, angry, hungry, thirsty, and stressed. They are missing their families. Healthcare workers are working under extreme pressure with limited resources in many instances.\\nWhat happens when they’re done? When they just can’t save any other life but their own?\\nYoga isn’t a cure all, of course. But a consistent, regular yoga practice can work wonders for preventing burnout in healthcare workers worldwide. Yoga is an easily accessible, inexhaustible resource they can use any time of day or night, in almost any type of space, to combat burnout, depression, anxiety, stress.Yoga is capable of rejuvenating their body, mind and spirit. \\nWhile specialists around the world are creating new ways for them to overcome the challenges of their profession, we want to pay tribute to all our amazing superhero healthcare professionals by discussing how yoga can help them continue to do what they do.\\nYoga battles the effects of battlefield medicine\\nThe fight against COVID has often been compared to battlefield medicine.\\nHealthcare professionals are having seemingly endless encounters with sick patients, in a high risk environment. They’re fighting an invisible enemy with inadequate resources while battling extreme mental and physical fatigue. \\nThis makes developing a consistent yoga and meditation practice all the more important, possibly even critical.\\nVirtual yoga could be a salvation for the people saving lives. Literally. \\nIf you haven’t signed up for My Yoga Teacher yet, \\nwe offer a free 2-week trial\\n where you can try out any or all of our 35+ yoga classes offered at all different hours of day and night! Every virtual class is a respite for tired souls.\n\nYoga helps healthcare workers by calming their nervous system down, reducing their cortisol levels, eliminating overwhelm and creating peace amidst the chaos. Yoga reduces the impact of exaggerated stress responses, preventing or alleviating symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. All of which healthcare workers are highly susceptible to, particularly during these chaotic times.\\nYoga prevents stress, emotional, and excessive eating\\nIf you’ve ever done shift work, you’ll understand how it throws off your circadian rhythm and eating habits. \\nMany healthcare professionals work anywhere from 12-72 hour shifts. They almost never get off of work on time, and they don’t often get a chance to have a real meal, instead snacking or filling up on caffeinated beverages with virtually no nutritional value.\\nThis irregular pattern of eating (or \\nnot\\n eating) under really stressful and even traumatic circumstances often leads healthcare professionals to stress eat, emotional eat, or overeat once they have an opportunity to.\\nYoga can help healthcare workers get the nutrition they need while not overeating! Because yoga helps lower stress levels and brings more self awareness, people who participate in a regular yoga practice eat more fruits and vegetables, have healthier food cravings, and are better able to manage emotional eating.\\nAnd because bad eating habits affect sleep, contribute to weight gain, and don’t provide sustainable energy, yoga inadvertently alleviates the need to carb load and fill up on foods that contain refined sugars. Which is a common tactic of healthcare workers when they’re exhausted.\\nSo to recap a bit, consistent yoga practice not only \\nprevents\\n bad eating habits, it plays a huge role in increasing energy, getting better sleep, and not gaining unnecessary weight!\\nWhich leads us to…\\nYoga for healthcare worker bodies\\nHealthcare professionals are notoriously known to exert a lot of physical energy for their jobs. They’re lifting and moving people from one location to another, spending hours upon hours on their feet, bending, stooping, twisting.\\nIt’s imperative they stay in optimal physical condition. Yet, so many aren’t. Why?\\nWell, besides the fact they typically aren’t eating to fuel their bodies, getting enough sleep, or handling their stress well, they just don’t have time. Or are too exhausted to make time.\\nThe good news about yoga is you don’t need a lot of time and, as we’ve said before, don’t need a lot of space or equipment.\\nThere are so many different types of yoga. Most forms strengthen, lengthen, and tone the body. But even yoga that is focused solely on flexibility is great for healthcare workers. The stronger and more flexible their bodies are the more likely they are to not get injured. \\nWhich means they can keep saving lives!\\nHere at My Yoga Teacher, we believe any type of yoga is good yoga, but here are some specific types of yoga we believe would be specifically beneficial for healthcare workers and what it’s best for:\\nPower Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, and Bikram Yoga - These are all challenging forms of yoga and equate to vigorous exercise. All poses are doable (or modifiable) for any fitness level or body shape. These types of yoga burn just as many calories as any cycling or kickboxing class, but you still get the meditative benefits!\\nHatha Yoga, Anasura Yoga, and Iyengar Yoga - These are all gentle forms of yoga, slow moving and are more focused on the actual poses, the stretch, and gaining flexibility. While all forms of yoga include breath work, these forms of yoga are particularly focused on breathing, releasing tension and stress.\\nRestorative Yoga - This form of yoga typically includes the use of props such as bolsters, blocks, blankets and straps and is very focused on restoring the mind, body, and spirit.\\nPracticing yoga as little as 15-20 minutes a day three times a week improves flexibility, strength, and mobility. While most of the classes at My Yoga Teacher are longer than that, your yoga practice is just that...yours. \\nThat means you can do as little or as much of any class as you want or have time for!\\nIf you haven’t checked out My Yoga Teacher yet, you definitely should give it a try! Especially if you’re a healthcare worker! There is a class for everyone, group and 1:1 classes available. Most all are taught by expert yoga instructors from the birthplace of yoga, India. We pride ourselves in offering premium yoga classes you simply can’t find anywhere else! \\nGrab your 2-week free trial here and join us on the mat, wherever in the world you may be!\\n\\nNamaste.\\n\n\n\n"}}],"blogContent":{"id":"ckqirozc8kydm0a895xrjpijb","slug":"what-is-iyengar-yoga","author":{"name":"My Yoga Teacher","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"What Is Iyengar Yoga: Improve Body Alignment With Long Poses & Props","createdAt":"2021-06-30T00:55:29.016022+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-05-17T11:40:38.970515+00:00","coverUrl":"jc4h9m76ft8o8k6zvblq.jpg","seoDescription":"Discover Iyengar yoga! What is iyengar yoga and how is it different from other forms of yoga? Check out MyYogaTeacher's online iyengar yoga classes!","content":{"text":"What Is Iyengar Yoga?\\nIyengar yoga is the practice of pranayama and asanas that's combined to emphasize body alignment, planned sequencing and timing, and the use of props like blocks, straps, bolsters, and benches to support the body.\\n\\nAll types of yoga work through physical postures, meditation, and pranayama to bring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. And Iyengar yoga is no different.\\nIyengar yoga uses precise body alignment supported by various props to give practitioners confidence and courage. It's a methodical yoga practice that is accessible and beneficial to just about anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or health issues.\\nIyengar, unlike Vinyasa, focuses on poses that are held for an extended time instead of flowing through each pose quickly. In fact, there's no flow to Iyengar yoga. Instead, practitioners hold each pose for a length of time, focusing on perfecting alignment.\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nOrigins of Iyengar Yoga\\nThe term \"Iyengar yoga\" is what students of B.K.S. Iyengar began calling his style of yoga in the 1970s to differentiate it from the \\nother styles of yoga\\n.\\nIyengar was born in India in December 1918 and learned yoga from his brother-in-law, T. Krishnamacharya to improve his health. Iyengar started teaching yoga himself in 1936 but it wasn't until 1975 that the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute was founded in Pune, India. This was the precursor to the founding of the Iyengar Yoga Institute in 1982, in London.\\nCertified Iyengar Yoga Teachers must complete rigorous training to earn the right to describe their instruction as Iyengar Yoga.\\nBenefits of Iyengar Yoga\\nIyengar yoga, like all styles of yoga, offers several benefits. Here are a few of the predominant benefits you can expect:\\nImproved Alignment\\nIyengar yoga prioritizes proper alignment over moving deeper into a pose. This emphasis on alignment helps practitioners relieve pain, adjusts the spine, and improves muscle and joint health.\\nIncreased Body Awareness\\nThis style of yoga is particularly beneficial with it comes to increasing body awareness, or proprioception. Thanks to the focus on precise alignment and breathing, practitioners are able to better understand how their bodies take up and move in space in a more accurate way.\\nOverall Healing\\nIyengar yoga goes beyond postures. This practice extends into living in a yogic way, meaning living a life that's free from self-harm and harm to others. There's an expectation that practitioners will study and live yoga philosophy and the eight limbs of yoga.\\nWhat to Expect in an Iyengar Class\\n\\nIyengar yoga\\n focuses on three things:\\nAlignment:\\n Props are used to help practitioners get into poses while supporting their bodies and respecting their bodies' boundaries. The emphasis on alignment is intended to help practitioners achieve balance between the mind, body, and spirit without putting their bodies in stressful positions or putting themselves at risk.\\nSequencing:\\n While Iyengar classes don't have a set series that is followed for every class (like Ashtanga does), each class will follow a sequence chosen by the instructor to lead practitioners through a safe progression.\\nTiming:\\n Iyengar prioritizes alignment and stability over flow. This means that the poses will be held for a longer amount of time than you may be used to if you've only ever practiced Vinyasa or power yoga.\\nIyengar Yoga Poses: A Quick Sequence You Can Do at Home\\nThis Iyengar yoga series comes from the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York:\\nStart in Tadasana and warm up by moving between Tadasana and Urdhva Hastasana three times.\\nFrom Tadasana, move into Urdhva Baddhanguliyasana, interlocking your fingers above your head. Repeat this movement, alternating the interlocking pattern of your fingers.\\nMove into Vrksasana. Alternate sides and repeat.\\nMove into Utthita Trikonasana. Alternate sides and repeat.\\nMove into Utthita Parsvakonasana. Alternate sides and repeat.\\nMove into Parsvottanasana. Alternate sides and repeat.\\nMove into Prasarita Padottanasana. Repeat.\\nMove into Adho Mukha Svanasana. Repeat.\\nMove into Urdhva Prasarita Padasana. Stay here for five minutes.\\nEach of these poses should be held for up to a minute or longer. If you're pressed for time, prioritize repetitions over holding the poses for time.\\nDifferences Between Iyengar and Vinyasa Yoga\\nHere are the key differences between Iyengar yoga and \\nVinyasa yoga\\n:\\nIn Iyengar, postures are held longer. Vinyasa yoga links breath to movement and practitioners flow through poses quickly. Poses in Iyengar are held for up to a minute before practitioners transition (instead of flowing) to the next posture.\\nIyengar emphasizes alignment whereas Vinyasa practitioners are encouraged to be curious and explore the practice on their own.\\nIyengar classes tend to set aside time to discuss \\nyoga philosophy\\n and cues tend to be given in Sanskrit. This isn't as common in a Vinyasa class.\\nIn Iyengar, sequences are put together with the intent of preparing practitioners for each progressive pose.\\nDifferences Between Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga\\nHere are the key differences between Iyengar and \\nAshtanga\\n:\\nAshtanga connects movement with Ujjayi breath and is meant to increase the heart rate and make practitioners sweat.\\nAshtanga uses a set series of poses that don't vary, no matter who is leading the class.\\nAshtanga focuses on cleansing and purifying whereas Iyengar focuses on alignment.\\nStart Your Iyengar Yoga Practice With myYogaTeacher\\nAnyone can practice Iyengar. Thanks to the focus on alignment and the use of props, it's perfect for those of us who want to start practicing yoga but might have physical limitations. Of course, that doesn't mean Iyengar is easy. You'll probably still break a sweat and start feeling the burn in your muscles.\\nIf you're interested in starting your Iyengar practice, we invite you to \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n. With myYogaTeacher, you'll get access to 40+ live online classes every single day, each led by highly experienced Indian teachers.\\nEach Iyengar Yoga class follows a unique sequence that focuses on one or two parts of the body. You'll learn to pay close attention to anatomical details and alignment of each pose as well as how to modify each pose with props like belts, blocks, pillows, and more to cultivate strength, flexibility, stability, and awareness.","html":"<h2><strong>What Is Iyengar Yoga?</strong></h2><p>Iyengar yoga is the practice of pranayama and asanas that&#39;s combined to emphasize body alignment, planned sequencing and timing, and the use of props like blocks, straps, bolsters, and benches to support the body.</p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/3oVHISACS6iFSo6qBMVM\" alt=\"triangle iyengar.png\" title=\"triangle iyengar.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>All types of yoga work through physical postures, meditation, and pranayama to bring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. And Iyengar yoga is no different.</p><p>Iyengar yoga uses precise body alignment supported by various props to give practitioners confidence and courage. It&#39;s a methodical yoga practice that is accessible and beneficial to just about anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or health issues.</p><p>Iyengar, unlike Vinyasa, focuses on poses that are held for an extended time instead of flowing through each pose quickly. In fact, there&#39;s no flow to Iyengar yoga. Instead, practitioners hold each pose for a length of time, focusing on perfecting alignment.</p><p>[CTA-DEFAULT]</p><h2><strong>Origins of Iyengar Yoga</strong></h2><p>The term &quot;Iyengar yoga&quot; is what students of B.K.S. Iyengar began calling his style of yoga in the 1970s to differentiate it from the <a title=\"https://myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-101-what-is-yoga\" href=\"https://myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-101-what-is-yoga\"><u>other styles of yoga</u></a>.</p><p>Iyengar was born in India in December 1918 and learned yoga from his brother-in-law, T. Krishnamacharya to improve his health. Iyengar started teaching yoga himself in 1936 but it wasn&#39;t until 1975 that the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute was founded in Pune, India. This was the precursor to the founding of the Iyengar Yoga Institute in 1982, in London.</p><p>Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers must complete rigorous training to earn the right to describe their instruction as Iyengar Yoga.</p><h2><strong>Benefits of Iyengar Yoga</strong></h2><p>Iyengar yoga, like all styles of yoga, offers several benefits. Here are a few of the predominant benefits you can expect:</p><h3><strong>Improved Alignment</strong></h3><p>Iyengar yoga prioritizes proper alignment over moving deeper into a pose. This emphasis on alignment helps practitioners relieve pain, adjusts the spine, and improves muscle and joint health.</p><h3><strong>Increased Body Awareness</strong></h3><p>This style of yoga is particularly beneficial with it comes to increasing body awareness, or proprioception. Thanks to the focus on precise alignment and breathing, practitioners are able to better understand how their bodies take up and move in space in a more accurate way.</p><h3><strong>Overall Healing</strong></h3><p>Iyengar yoga goes beyond postures. This practice extends into living in a yogic way, meaning living a life that&#39;s free from self-harm and harm to others. There&#39;s an expectation that practitioners will study and live yoga philosophy and the eight limbs of yoga.</p><h2><strong>What to Expect in an Iyengar Class</strong></h2><p><a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/iyengar-yoga-practice\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/iyengar-yoga-practice\">Iyengar yoga</a> focuses on three things:</p><ul><li><div><strong>Alignment:</strong> Props are used to help practitioners get into poses while supporting their bodies and respecting their bodies&#39; boundaries. The emphasis on alignment is intended to help practitioners achieve balance between the mind, body, and spirit without putting their bodies in stressful positions or putting themselves at risk.</div></li><li><div><strong>Sequencing:</strong> While Iyengar classes don&#39;t have a set series that is followed for every class (like Ashtanga does), each class will follow a sequence chosen by the instructor to lead practitioners through a safe progression.</div></li><li><div><strong>Timing:</strong> Iyengar prioritizes alignment and stability over flow. This means that the poses will be held for a longer amount of time than you may be used to if you&#39;ve only ever practiced Vinyasa or power yoga.</div></li></ul><h3><strong>Iyengar Yoga Poses: A Quick Sequence You Can Do at Home</strong></h3><p>This Iyengar yoga series comes from the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York:</p><ol><li><div>Start in Tadasana and warm up by moving between Tadasana and Urdhva Hastasana three times.</div></li><li><div>From Tadasana, move into Urdhva Baddhanguliyasana, interlocking your fingers above your head. Repeat this movement, alternating the interlocking pattern of your fingers.</div></li><li><div>Move into Vrksasana. Alternate sides and repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Utthita Trikonasana. Alternate sides and repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Utthita Parsvakonasana. Alternate sides and repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Parsvottanasana. Alternate sides and repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Prasarita Padottanasana. Repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Adho Mukha Svanasana. Repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Urdhva Prasarita Padasana. Stay here for five minutes.</div></li></ol><p>Each of these poses should be held for up to a minute or longer. If you&#39;re pressed for time, prioritize repetitions over holding the poses for time.</p><h2><strong>Differences Between Iyengar and Vinyasa Yoga</strong></h2><p>Here are the key differences between Iyengar yoga and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\"><u>Vinyasa yoga</u></a>:</p><ul><li><div>In Iyengar, postures are held longer. Vinyasa yoga links breath to movement and practitioners flow through poses quickly. Poses in Iyengar are held for up to a minute before practitioners transition (instead of flowing) to the next posture.</div></li><li><div>Iyengar emphasizes alignment whereas Vinyasa practitioners are encouraged to be curious and explore the practice on their own.</div></li><li><div>Iyengar classes tend to set aside time to discuss <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-philosophy-patanjali\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-philosophy-patanjali\"><u>yoga philosophy</u></a> and cues tend to be given in Sanskrit. This isn&#39;t as common in a Vinyasa class.</div></li><li><div>In Iyengar, sequences are put together with the intent of preparing practitioners for each progressive pose.</div></li></ul><h2><strong>Differences Between Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga</strong></h2><p>Here are the key differences between Iyengar and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\"><u>Ashtanga</u></a>:</p><ul><li><div>Ashtanga connects movement with Ujjayi breath and is meant to increase the heart rate and make practitioners sweat.</div></li><li><div>Ashtanga uses a set series of poses that don&#39;t vary, no matter who is leading the class.</div></li><li><div>Ashtanga focuses on cleansing and purifying whereas Iyengar focuses on alignment.</div></li></ul><h2><strong>Start Your Iyengar Yoga Practice With myYogaTeacher</strong></h2><p>Anyone can practice Iyengar. Thanks to the focus on alignment and the use of props, it&#39;s perfect for those of us who want to start practicing yoga but might have physical limitations. Of course, that doesn&#39;t mean Iyengar is easy. You&#39;ll probably still break a sweat and start feeling the burn in your muscles.</p><p>If you&#39;re interested in starting your Iyengar practice, we invite you to <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\"><u>sign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher</u></a>. With myYogaTeacher, you&#39;ll get access to 40+ live online classes every single day, each led by highly experienced Indian teachers.</p><p>Each Iyengar Yoga class follows a unique sequence that focuses on one or two parts of the body. You&#39;ll learn to pay close attention to anatomical details and alignment of each pose as well as how to modify each pose with props like belts, blocks, pillows, and more to cultivate strength, flexibility, stability, and awareness.</p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<h2><strong>What Is Iyengar Yoga?</strong></h2><p>Iyengar yoga is the practice of pranayama and asanas that&#39;s combined to emphasize body alignment, planned sequencing and timing, and the use of props like blocks, straps, bolsters, and benches to support the body.</p>\n            <picture>\n              <source \n                type=\"image/webp\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/3oVHISACS6iFSo6qBMVM\" \n                alt=\"triangle iyengar.png\"\n                title=\"triangle iyengar.png\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <source \n                type=\"image/jpg\"\n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/3oVHISACS6iFSo6qBMVM\"\n                alt=\"triangle iyengar.png\"\n                title=\"triangle iyengar.png\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n              <img \n                data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/3oVHISACS6iFSo6qBMVM\"\n                alt=\"triangle iyengar.png\"\n                title=\"triangle iyengar.png\"\n                \n                \n                class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n              />\n          </picture>\n        <p>All types of yoga work through physical postures, meditation, and pranayama to bring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. And Iyengar yoga is no different.</p><p>Iyengar yoga uses precise body alignment supported by various props to give practitioners confidence and courage. It&#39;s a methodical yoga practice that is accessible and beneficial to just about anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or health issues.</p><p>Iyengar, unlike Vinyasa, focuses on poses that are held for an extended time instead of flowing through each pose quickly. In fact, there&#39;s no flow to Iyengar yoga. Instead, practitioners hold each pose for a length of time, focusing on perfecting alignment.</p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"},{"type":"HTML","value":"<h2><strong>Origins of Iyengar Yoga</strong></h2><p>The term &quot;Iyengar yoga&quot; is what students of B.K.S. Iyengar began calling his style of yoga in the 1970s to differentiate it from the <a title=\"https://myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-101-what-is-yoga\" href=\"https://myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-101-what-is-yoga\"><u>other styles of yoga</u></a>.</p><p>Iyengar was born in India in December 1918 and learned yoga from his brother-in-law, T. Krishnamacharya to improve his health. Iyengar started teaching yoga himself in 1936 but it wasn&#39;t until 1975 that the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute was founded in Pune, India. This was the precursor to the founding of the Iyengar Yoga Institute in 1982, in London.</p><p>Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers must complete rigorous training to earn the right to describe their instruction as Iyengar Yoga.</p><h2><strong>Benefits of Iyengar Yoga</strong></h2><p>Iyengar yoga, like all styles of yoga, offers several benefits. Here are a few of the predominant benefits you can expect:</p><h3><strong>Improved Alignment</strong></h3><p>Iyengar yoga prioritizes proper alignment over moving deeper into a pose. This emphasis on alignment helps practitioners relieve pain, adjusts the spine, and improves muscle and joint health.</p><h3><strong>Increased Body Awareness</strong></h3><p>This style of yoga is particularly beneficial with it comes to increasing body awareness, or proprioception. Thanks to the focus on precise alignment and breathing, practitioners are able to better understand how their bodies take up and move in space in a more accurate way.</p><h3><strong>Overall Healing</strong></h3><p>Iyengar yoga goes beyond postures. This practice extends into living in a yogic way, meaning living a life that&#39;s free from self-harm and harm to others. There&#39;s an expectation that practitioners will study and live yoga philosophy and the eight limbs of yoga.</p><h2><strong>What to Expect in an Iyengar Class</strong></h2><p><a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/iyengar-yoga-practice\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/iyengar-yoga-practice\">Iyengar yoga</a> focuses on three things:</p><ul><li><div><strong>Alignment:</strong> Props are used to help practitioners get into poses while supporting their bodies and respecting their bodies&#39; boundaries. The emphasis on alignment is intended to help practitioners achieve balance between the mind, body, and spirit without putting their bodies in stressful positions or putting themselves at risk.</div></li><li><div><strong>Sequencing:</strong> While Iyengar classes don&#39;t have a set series that is followed for every class (like Ashtanga does), each class will follow a sequence chosen by the instructor to lead practitioners through a safe progression.</div></li><li><div><strong>Timing:</strong> Iyengar prioritizes alignment and stability over flow. This means that the poses will be held for a longer amount of time than you may be used to if you&#39;ve only ever practiced Vinyasa or power yoga.</div></li></ul><h3><strong>Iyengar Yoga Poses: A Quick Sequence You Can Do at Home</strong></h3><p>This Iyengar yoga series comes from the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York:</p><ol><li><div>Start in Tadasana and warm up by moving between Tadasana and Urdhva Hastasana three times.</div></li><li><div>From Tadasana, move into Urdhva Baddhanguliyasana, interlocking your fingers above your head. Repeat this movement, alternating the interlocking pattern of your fingers.</div></li><li><div>Move into Vrksasana. Alternate sides and repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Utthita Trikonasana. Alternate sides and repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Utthita Parsvakonasana. Alternate sides and repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Parsvottanasana. Alternate sides and repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Prasarita Padottanasana. Repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Adho Mukha Svanasana. Repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Urdhva Prasarita Padasana. Stay here for five minutes.</div></li></ol><p>Each of these poses should be held for up to a minute or longer. If you&#39;re pressed for time, prioritize repetitions over holding the poses for time.</p><h2><strong>Differences Between Iyengar and Vinyasa Yoga</strong></h2><p>Here are the key differences between Iyengar yoga and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\"><u>Vinyasa yoga</u></a>:</p><ul><li><div>In Iyengar, postures are held longer. Vinyasa yoga links breath to movement and practitioners flow through poses quickly. Poses in Iyengar are held for up to a minute before practitioners transition (instead of flowing) to the next posture.</div></li><li><div>Iyengar emphasizes alignment whereas Vinyasa practitioners are encouraged to be curious and explore the practice on their own.</div></li><li><div>Iyengar classes tend to set aside time to discuss <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-philosophy-patanjali\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-philosophy-patanjali\"><u>yoga philosophy</u></a> and cues tend to be given in Sanskrit. This isn&#39;t as common in a Vinyasa class.</div></li><li><div>In Iyengar, sequences are put together with the intent of preparing practitioners for each progressive pose.</div></li></ul><h2><strong>Differences Between Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga</strong></h2><p>Here are the key differences between Iyengar and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\"><u>Ashtanga</u></a>:</p><ul><li><div>Ashtanga connects movement with Ujjayi breath and is meant to increase the heart rate and make practitioners sweat.</div></li><li><div>Ashtanga uses a set series of poses that don&#39;t vary, no matter who is leading the class.</div></li><li><div>Ashtanga focuses on cleansing and purifying whereas Iyengar focuses on alignment.</div></li></ul><h2><strong>Start Your Iyengar Yoga Practice With myYogaTeacher</strong></h2><p>Anyone can practice Iyengar. Thanks to the focus on alignment and the use of props, it&#39;s perfect for those of us who want to start practicing yoga but might have physical limitations. Of course, that doesn&#39;t mean Iyengar is easy. You&#39;ll probably still break a sweat and start feeling the burn in your muscles.</p><p>If you&#39;re interested in starting your Iyengar practice, we invite you to <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\"><u>sign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher</u></a>. With myYogaTeacher, you&#39;ll get access to 40+ live online classes every single day, each led by highly experienced Indian teachers.</p><p>Each Iyengar Yoga class follows a unique sequence that focuses on one or two parts of the body. You&#39;ll learn to pay close attention to anatomical details and alignment of each pose as well as how to modify each pose with props like belts, blocks, pillows, and more to cultivate strength, flexibility, stability, and awareness.</p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"what-is-iyengar-yoga","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"free-trial-o","redirectURL":"#","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice with Authentic Indian Yoga Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz6nq0tqdr0c258titvagg","name":"[CTA-REVIEWS]","description":{"html":"<p>Find out what all the hype is about! <strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>103,478 Happy Students &amp; 12,086 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reviews</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz7nzktu400b752fym6wpw","name":"[CTA-HATHA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private hatha yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(including tons of daily Hatha yoga classes). No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Post Nasal Drip &amp; Clear Your Sinus Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyirvl8g25ce0c70cldmca2g","name":"[CTA-TRATAKA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>with experienced Trataka teachers. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Candle Gazing Meditation) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Learn Trataka (Candle Gazing) Meditation Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyisqh482ck60b79rp1r1jcg","name":"[CTA-YIN]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong>, work with an experienced yoga therapist to reduce (and even eliminate) your back pain. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>(like ‘Yoga for Back Pain’) with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Therapy – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Relieve Back Pain Safely &amp; Effectively Today!</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitki4w2liz0b30tqpzhy4i","name":"[CTA-KRIYA]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for Kriya Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation <strong>and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation Today!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckyitxgyg2pot0b79lu1fcpp1","name":"[CTA-BREATH]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions </strong>for yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) and <strong>2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>, like ‘Stretch and Breathe’, ‘Kriya, Pranayama, and Meditation’, and many others. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong> Learn Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Pranayama!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckykb6i2o1o7f0b368s1m7qow","name":"[CTA-LYMPHATIC]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions</strong> for lymphatic drainage &amp; immunity enhancement. <strong>PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group yoga classes</strong> (including daily yin-yoga) when you sign up today! No credit card required to sign up.</p><p></p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions –  </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>for Lymphatic Drainage &amp; Boosting Your Immune System!</strong></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl2vqlpyfe3yh0biohgxyx2hg","name":"[CTA-LEAD]","description":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>Lead Form</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cl4gnwnrlga640ck37gutx7sn","name":"[CTA-GC]","description":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p>CTA-GC</p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"}],"post":{"id":"ckqirozc8kydm0a895xrjpijb","slug":"what-is-iyengar-yoga","author":{"name":"My Yoga Teacher","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"What Is Iyengar Yoga: Improve Body Alignment With Long Poses & Props","createdAt":"2021-06-30T00:55:29.016022+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-05-17T11:40:38.970515+00:00","coverUrl":"jc4h9m76ft8o8k6zvblq.jpg","seoDescription":"Discover Iyengar yoga! What is iyengar yoga and how is it different from other forms of yoga? Check out MyYogaTeacher's online iyengar yoga classes!","content":{"text":"What Is Iyengar Yoga?\\nIyengar yoga is the practice of pranayama and asanas that's combined to emphasize body alignment, planned sequencing and timing, and the use of props like blocks, straps, bolsters, and benches to support the body.\\n\\nAll types of yoga work through physical postures, meditation, and pranayama to bring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. And Iyengar yoga is no different.\\nIyengar yoga uses precise body alignment supported by various props to give practitioners confidence and courage. It's a methodical yoga practice that is accessible and beneficial to just about anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or health issues.\\nIyengar, unlike Vinyasa, focuses on poses that are held for an extended time instead of flowing through each pose quickly. In fact, there's no flow to Iyengar yoga. Instead, practitioners hold each pose for a length of time, focusing on perfecting alignment.\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nOrigins of Iyengar Yoga\\nThe term \"Iyengar yoga\" is what students of B.K.S. Iyengar began calling his style of yoga in the 1970s to differentiate it from the \\nother styles of yoga\\n.\\nIyengar was born in India in December 1918 and learned yoga from his brother-in-law, T. Krishnamacharya to improve his health. Iyengar started teaching yoga himself in 1936 but it wasn't until 1975 that the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute was founded in Pune, India. This was the precursor to the founding of the Iyengar Yoga Institute in 1982, in London.\\nCertified Iyengar Yoga Teachers must complete rigorous training to earn the right to describe their instruction as Iyengar Yoga.\\nBenefits of Iyengar Yoga\\nIyengar yoga, like all styles of yoga, offers several benefits. Here are a few of the predominant benefits you can expect:\\nImproved Alignment\\nIyengar yoga prioritizes proper alignment over moving deeper into a pose. This emphasis on alignment helps practitioners relieve pain, adjusts the spine, and improves muscle and joint health.\\nIncreased Body Awareness\\nThis style of yoga is particularly beneficial with it comes to increasing body awareness, or proprioception. Thanks to the focus on precise alignment and breathing, practitioners are able to better understand how their bodies take up and move in space in a more accurate way.\\nOverall Healing\\nIyengar yoga goes beyond postures. This practice extends into living in a yogic way, meaning living a life that's free from self-harm and harm to others. There's an expectation that practitioners will study and live yoga philosophy and the eight limbs of yoga.\\nWhat to Expect in an Iyengar Class\\n\\nIyengar yoga\\n focuses on three things:\\nAlignment:\\n Props are used to help practitioners get into poses while supporting their bodies and respecting their bodies' boundaries. The emphasis on alignment is intended to help practitioners achieve balance between the mind, body, and spirit without putting their bodies in stressful positions or putting themselves at risk.\\nSequencing:\\n While Iyengar classes don't have a set series that is followed for every class (like Ashtanga does), each class will follow a sequence chosen by the instructor to lead practitioners through a safe progression.\\nTiming:\\n Iyengar prioritizes alignment and stability over flow. This means that the poses will be held for a longer amount of time than you may be used to if you've only ever practiced Vinyasa or power yoga.\\nIyengar Yoga Poses: A Quick Sequence You Can Do at Home\\nThis Iyengar yoga series comes from the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York:\\nStart in Tadasana and warm up by moving between Tadasana and Urdhva Hastasana three times.\\nFrom Tadasana, move into Urdhva Baddhanguliyasana, interlocking your fingers above your head. Repeat this movement, alternating the interlocking pattern of your fingers.\\nMove into Vrksasana. Alternate sides and repeat.\\nMove into Utthita Trikonasana. Alternate sides and repeat.\\nMove into Utthita Parsvakonasana. Alternate sides and repeat.\\nMove into Parsvottanasana. Alternate sides and repeat.\\nMove into Prasarita Padottanasana. Repeat.\\nMove into Adho Mukha Svanasana. Repeat.\\nMove into Urdhva Prasarita Padasana. Stay here for five minutes.\\nEach of these poses should be held for up to a minute or longer. If you're pressed for time, prioritize repetitions over holding the poses for time.\\nDifferences Between Iyengar and Vinyasa Yoga\\nHere are the key differences between Iyengar yoga and \\nVinyasa yoga\\n:\\nIn Iyengar, postures are held longer. Vinyasa yoga links breath to movement and practitioners flow through poses quickly. Poses in Iyengar are held for up to a minute before practitioners transition (instead of flowing) to the next posture.\\nIyengar emphasizes alignment whereas Vinyasa practitioners are encouraged to be curious and explore the practice on their own.\\nIyengar classes tend to set aside time to discuss \\nyoga philosophy\\n and cues tend to be given in Sanskrit. This isn't as common in a Vinyasa class.\\nIn Iyengar, sequences are put together with the intent of preparing practitioners for each progressive pose.\\nDifferences Between Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga\\nHere are the key differences between Iyengar and \\nAshtanga\\n:\\nAshtanga connects movement with Ujjayi breath and is meant to increase the heart rate and make practitioners sweat.\\nAshtanga uses a set series of poses that don't vary, no matter who is leading the class.\\nAshtanga focuses on cleansing and purifying whereas Iyengar focuses on alignment.\\nStart Your Iyengar Yoga Practice With myYogaTeacher\\nAnyone can practice Iyengar. Thanks to the focus on alignment and the use of props, it's perfect for those of us who want to start practicing yoga but might have physical limitations. Of course, that doesn't mean Iyengar is easy. You'll probably still break a sweat and start feeling the burn in your muscles.\\nIf you're interested in starting your Iyengar practice, we invite you to \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n. With myYogaTeacher, you'll get access to 40+ live online classes every single day, each led by highly experienced Indian teachers.\\nEach Iyengar Yoga class follows a unique sequence that focuses on one or two parts of the body. You'll learn to pay close attention to anatomical details and alignment of each pose as well as how to modify each pose with props like belts, blocks, pillows, and more to cultivate strength, flexibility, stability, and awareness.","html":"<h2><strong>What Is Iyengar Yoga?</strong></h2><p>Iyengar yoga is the practice of pranayama and asanas that&#39;s combined to emphasize body alignment, planned sequencing and timing, and the use of props like blocks, straps, bolsters, and benches to support the body.</p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/3oVHISACS6iFSo6qBMVM\" alt=\"triangle iyengar.png\" title=\"triangle iyengar.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>All types of yoga work through physical postures, meditation, and pranayama to bring balance to the body, mind, and spirit. And Iyengar yoga is no different.</p><p>Iyengar yoga uses precise body alignment supported by various props to give practitioners confidence and courage. It&#39;s a methodical yoga practice that is accessible and beneficial to just about anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or health issues.</p><p>Iyengar, unlike Vinyasa, focuses on poses that are held for an extended time instead of flowing through each pose quickly. In fact, there&#39;s no flow to Iyengar yoga. Instead, practitioners hold each pose for a length of time, focusing on perfecting alignment.</p><p>[CTA-DEFAULT]</p><h2><strong>Origins of Iyengar Yoga</strong></h2><p>The term &quot;Iyengar yoga&quot; is what students of B.K.S. Iyengar began calling his style of yoga in the 1970s to differentiate it from the <a title=\"https://myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-101-what-is-yoga\" href=\"https://myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-101-what-is-yoga\"><u>other styles of yoga</u></a>.</p><p>Iyengar was born in India in December 1918 and learned yoga from his brother-in-law, T. Krishnamacharya to improve his health. Iyengar started teaching yoga himself in 1936 but it wasn&#39;t until 1975 that the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute was founded in Pune, India. This was the precursor to the founding of the Iyengar Yoga Institute in 1982, in London.</p><p>Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers must complete rigorous training to earn the right to describe their instruction as Iyengar Yoga.</p><h2><strong>Benefits of Iyengar Yoga</strong></h2><p>Iyengar yoga, like all styles of yoga, offers several benefits. Here are a few of the predominant benefits you can expect:</p><h3><strong>Improved Alignment</strong></h3><p>Iyengar yoga prioritizes proper alignment over moving deeper into a pose. This emphasis on alignment helps practitioners relieve pain, adjusts the spine, and improves muscle and joint health.</p><h3><strong>Increased Body Awareness</strong></h3><p>This style of yoga is particularly beneficial with it comes to increasing body awareness, or proprioception. Thanks to the focus on precise alignment and breathing, practitioners are able to better understand how their bodies take up and move in space in a more accurate way.</p><h3><strong>Overall Healing</strong></h3><p>Iyengar yoga goes beyond postures. This practice extends into living in a yogic way, meaning living a life that&#39;s free from self-harm and harm to others. There&#39;s an expectation that practitioners will study and live yoga philosophy and the eight limbs of yoga.</p><h2><strong>What to Expect in an Iyengar Class</strong></h2><p><a target='_blank' title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/iyengar-yoga-practice\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/iyengar-yoga-practice\">Iyengar yoga</a> focuses on three things:</p><ul><li><div><strong>Alignment:</strong> Props are used to help practitioners get into poses while supporting their bodies and respecting their bodies&#39; boundaries. The emphasis on alignment is intended to help practitioners achieve balance between the mind, body, and spirit without putting their bodies in stressful positions or putting themselves at risk.</div></li><li><div><strong>Sequencing:</strong> While Iyengar classes don&#39;t have a set series that is followed for every class (like Ashtanga does), each class will follow a sequence chosen by the instructor to lead practitioners through a safe progression.</div></li><li><div><strong>Timing:</strong> Iyengar prioritizes alignment and stability over flow. This means that the poses will be held for a longer amount of time than you may be used to if you&#39;ve only ever practiced Vinyasa or power yoga.</div></li></ul><h3><strong>Iyengar Yoga Poses: A Quick Sequence You Can Do at Home</strong></h3><p>This Iyengar yoga series comes from the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York:</p><ol><li><div>Start in Tadasana and warm up by moving between Tadasana and Urdhva Hastasana three times.</div></li><li><div>From Tadasana, move into Urdhva Baddhanguliyasana, interlocking your fingers above your head. Repeat this movement, alternating the interlocking pattern of your fingers.</div></li><li><div>Move into Vrksasana. Alternate sides and repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Utthita Trikonasana. Alternate sides and repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Utthita Parsvakonasana. Alternate sides and repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Parsvottanasana. Alternate sides and repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Prasarita Padottanasana. Repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Adho Mukha Svanasana. Repeat.</div></li><li><div>Move into Urdhva Prasarita Padasana. Stay here for five minutes.</div></li></ol><p>Each of these poses should be held for up to a minute or longer. If you&#39;re pressed for time, prioritize repetitions over holding the poses for time.</p><h2><strong>Differences Between Iyengar and Vinyasa Yoga</strong></h2><p>Here are the key differences between Iyengar yoga and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-vinyasa-yoga\"><u>Vinyasa yoga</u></a>:</p><ul><li><div>In Iyengar, postures are held longer. Vinyasa yoga links breath to movement and practitioners flow through poses quickly. Poses in Iyengar are held for up to a minute before practitioners transition (instead of flowing) to the next posture.</div></li><li><div>Iyengar emphasizes alignment whereas Vinyasa practitioners are encouraged to be curious and explore the practice on their own.</div></li><li><div>Iyengar classes tend to set aside time to discuss <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-philosophy-patanjali\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/yoga-philosophy-patanjali\"><u>yoga philosophy</u></a> and cues tend to be given in Sanskrit. This isn&#39;t as common in a Vinyasa class.</div></li><li><div>In Iyengar, sequences are put together with the intent of preparing practitioners for each progressive pose.</div></li></ul><h2><strong>Differences Between Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga</strong></h2><p>Here are the key differences between Iyengar and <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\"><u>Ashtanga</u></a>:</p><ul><li><div>Ashtanga connects movement with Ujjayi breath and is meant to increase the heart rate and make practitioners sweat.</div></li><li><div>Ashtanga uses a set series of poses that don&#39;t vary, no matter who is leading the class.</div></li><li><div>Ashtanga focuses on cleansing and purifying whereas Iyengar focuses on alignment.</div></li></ul><h2><strong>Start Your Iyengar Yoga Practice With myYogaTeacher</strong></h2><p>Anyone can practice Iyengar. Thanks to the focus on alignment and the use of props, it&#39;s perfect for those of us who want to start practicing yoga but might have physical limitations. Of course, that doesn&#39;t mean Iyengar is easy. You&#39;ll probably still break a sweat and start feeling the burn in your muscles.</p><p>If you&#39;re interested in starting your Iyengar practice, we invite you to <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\"><u>sign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher</u></a>. With myYogaTeacher, you&#39;ll get access to 40+ live online classes every single day, each led by highly experienced Indian teachers.</p><p>Each Iyengar Yoga class follows a unique sequence that focuses on one or two parts of the body. You&#39;ll learn to pay close attention to anatomical details and alignment of each pose as well as how to modify each pose with props like belts, blocks, pillows, and more to cultivate strength, flexibility, stability, and awareness.</p>"},"category":["yoga"],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}