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

{"slug":"what-is-iyengar-yoga","recentPosts":[{"id":"cldixctfr0tox09k7rfoglac8","slug":"yoga-for-bodybuilders","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Effective Yoga Poses for Bodybuilders (Complete Guide)","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga for bodybuilders can help you build more muscle, reduce your chances of injury, improve flexibility and mobility, and lower inflammation.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn the best poses for bodybuilders to improve overall physical health.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-30T14:47:12.900063+00:00","coverUrl":"b8qfyhfhved6qjzxviyd.jpg","content":{"text":"If you’re a bodybuilder, or competitive weightlifter, chances are yoga is not part of your overall fitness routine. After all, yogis are known for long, lean muscles — which is the opposite of what bodybuilders work so hard to create. But contrary to popular belief, incorporating yoga into your weight lifting routine won’t detract from your gains, and it will compliment your efforts in the gym.\\n\\nWhy Bodybuilders Need Yoga\\n\\nIntense weight lifting can put enormous stress on your joints, increasing your risk for injury and inflammation. By increasing your flexibility, lowering inflammation, and improving mobility in your joints, you can counteract any negative effects for better health. Yoga can also prevent you from developing arthritis that could potentially be caused by years of repetitive movement, and reduce any stiffness you might feel after a heavy day at the gym.\\nAlong with improving your range of motion and overall flexibility, yoga can also help improve your posture. From a competition perspective, this can imprtove your performance and potentially level up your chances of doing well.\n\\nYoga can help add to your bodybuilding efforts by toning and strengthening smaller muscle groups that may get neglected through classic weight lifting routines. Yoga postures isolate those minor muscle groups, giving your whole body the workout you never knew you needed. A regular yoga practice can also improve your balance — which will make you more stable and less prone to injury.\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Bodybuilding\\n\n\\nBefore you get started with your own yoga practice, there are a few things you should consider. There are many styles of yoga to choose from, and if you’re just starting out it’s important to start slow at a beginner level. When your body is already a fine-tuned machine, that may be hard to hear. But yoga involves holding postures with very specific alignment — practicing incorrectly can actually cause injury.\\nStart by working with a certified yoga instructor. At \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, you can enroll in online courses from the comfort of your very own home. You can also sign up for private lessons where your instructor can design your course to cater to your unique needs.\n\\nWhile practicing yoga, it’s also important to pay attention to how your body feels. This should come easy to most bodybuilders, who already have a high degree of body awareness. If a yoga pose causes pain or discomfort, take a break from the posture or use a modification like a yoga block, strap, bolster, or blanket. Developing increased flexibility takes time, and it’s wise to take it easy and slow.\\n\n\\n10 Effective Yoga Poses for Bodybuilders -\\n\n\\nYou can get started with your yoga practice by incorporating the following 10 poses into your weekly workout schedule. Try performing these yoga stretches after your weight lifting routine, or on rest days in-between.\n\\n1. Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\n\\nThis classic primary pose is essential to any yoga routine, and there’s a reason why — it efficiently stretches your torso, hamstrings, calves, and lower back, while strengthening your shoulders.\\n\\nWith your hands and knees on the floor, push your hips upward until you are balancing on your hands and feet, and your body resembles an inverted “v” shape. Reach your heels toward the floor, stretching your hamstrings and activating your thighs. Keep your head between your arms, lengthening your side-body as you stretch. Stay here for several breaths.\\n\n\\n2. Low Lunge Pose\n\\n\\nThere’s a chance you’ve already been practicing this pose before performing squats, since it opens up your hips and stretches your glutes.\n\\nFrom Downward Dog, you can transition into Low Lunge by bringing your left foot forward and bending your left leg at the knee. With your right leg behind you, gently kneel on your right knee. Inhale as you reach your arms up over your head, parallel with your ears. Expand your chest, lengthen your spine, keep your chin level and your gaze focused forward in front of you. Repeat on the other side.\\n\n\\n3. Standing Forward Fold Pose\\n\\n\\n\n\\nThis pose also stretches your lower back, hamstrings, and calves — and it’s a great posture for lowering your blood pressure and encouraging your body to relax.\\n\\nStand at the front of your mat, feet hip distance apart. Exhale and bend forward from the waist, with your knees slightly bent and touching your hands to the floor in front of your feet. Inhale and exhale, allowing your torso to extend without rounding your back. Lengthen and soften your neck, and let the muscles of your thighs and lower back open and release any built-up tension. Hold the pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n\n\\n4. Cat-Cow Pose\\n\\n\\nWhile this yoga move may seem incredibly simple, it’s a staple for increasing flexibility in and around your spine, torso, neck, and lower back.\\n\\nStart in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your spine. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n\n\\n5. Cobra Pose\\n\\n\\nAfter an intense ab workout, Cobra pose is your best friend. This subtle backbend stretches the abdominal muscles to reduce stiffness, soreness, and decrease your body’s inflammatory response.\\n\\nStart by laying down on the floor on your stomach with your legs straight and your arms folded under your head. Place your palms on the mat parallel to your chest. Slightly lift your head off the mat, keeping your head and back aligned, and press your thighs together. Now, steadily pull your elbows towards your rib cage keeping your hands underneath your shoulders. With a deep inhale, press your hands into the mat, curl your shoulders backward, and lift your upper body off the mat, arching your back. Hold this position for a few breaths and then rest.\\n\n\\n6. Bridge Pose\n\\n\\nYou can continue to stretch the muscles in your chest, neck, hips, and spine with Bridge pose. This posture also calms the body while stimulating your digestive organs for a more regulated metabolism.\n\\nStart by lying on your back with your knees bent. On your next exhale, tuck your chin and lift your hips, being careful not to allow your knees to splay outward. Interlace your fingers on the floor underneath you and lift your hips higher, while staying in the pose for 5-10 breaths.\n\\n\\n7. Plank\n\\n\\nThis is another pose you may already be familiar with. Plank pose builds strength in your core and lower back, and works to improve your balance and stability.\\n\\nLie face down on your mat, and using your palms to push up from the floor, lift your body until you are balanced on your palms and the toes of your feet. In this pose, your body should be positioned in a straight line, with your gaze directed at the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths, or for 30-60 seconds if you are feeling strong in this pose.\\n\n\\n8. Locust Pose\n\\n\\nSciatica pain is quite common among bodybuilders, since the sciatica nerve can easily become stressed when lifting heavy weights. Locust pose alleviates sciatica pain, increases strength, and stretches your abdominal muscles simultaneously.\n\\nLie face down on your mat, resting your forehead on your forearms and your legs stretched straight out behind you. With an inhale, extend your arms to your sides and lift your lower legs off the mat, keeping your upper legs (thighs and core) flat on the mat. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths.\n\\n9. Boat Pose\\n\\n\\nFor increased core strength, balance, and overall stability, there are few better poses to perform on a regular basis than Boat pose. Use this posture to compliment your ab workout.\\n\\nStart by sitting on your yoga mat with your legs stretched out in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lean back slightly so that your weight is evenly balanced on your sitting bones. Inhale, engage your core, and as you exhale lift both your legs to a 45 degree angle, and extend your arms straight out alongside your legs. If this pose feels too difficult, try bending your knees and bringing your hands behind your knees for support. Keep your spine long and your core engaged as you hold this pose for 30-45 seconds.\n\\n10. Corpse Pose\\n\\n\\nIf you’re asking what could be gained by simply lying down flat on your back and remaining still for several minutes, the answer might surprise you. Corpse pose is one of the most important postures in yoga, since it gives your body an opportunity to integrate all of your stretching and strengthening work. It also calms the mind and body, reduces stress responses, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces inflammation.\\n\\nSit on your yoga mat and lower your body to the floor, relaxing your legs and letting your arms rest on the floor at your sides, palms up. Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing. Relax the muscles in your face and neck, and visualize every part of your body letting go of all tension. Hold this pose for 5-7 minutes.\\n"},"category":["fitness"]},{"id":"cldebisqj8am10bk2riasiyyy","slug":"self-love-yoga-event","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event: Empower Yourself This Valentine’s Day","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Empower yourself this Valentine's Day with our Self Love Yoga & Meditation Event. Find inner peace and self-acceptance through yoga and meditation practices","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-27T09:24:55.671424+00:00","coverUrl":"rvpz4az7wyk8pdo4fvyg.png","content":{"text":"Announcing our free Self Love Event February 13-14!\\n\n\\nEmbrace yourself and practice self love this Valentine’s Day and every day with the help of MyYogaTeacher’s expert yoga teachers.\\n\\nYoga has been a powerful tool for self-improvement and personal growth for centuries, and self-love yoga is no exception. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-doubt, self-criticism, and negative self-talk. Self-love yoga can help to change that by promoting self-acceptance and self-compassion.\\nThis special yoga and meditation event\\n focuses on building self-acceptance, self-worth, and self-compassion through a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness practices.\\nSelf-love is the foundation of all healthy relationships, including the relationship with ourselves. Without self-love, we cannot truly love and accept others!\\n\n\\n\\nHow to join the Yoga for Self Love Event:\\n\n\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\n\n\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\n\n\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know!  We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\n\n\\nMake this event the start of something wonderful for your mental, emotional, and physical health! So you, too, can be happier, more self-confident, and more productive!\\n\\n\\nNurturing Relationships Through Self Love \\n\\nMonday, February 13 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\n\\nSelf love isn’t selfish! It’s critical to creating deeper, more meaningful relationships and becoming the best version of yourself you can be! Join us in this discussion based self love class with a guided meditation and walk away prioritizing your health and happiness!\\n\n\\n\\nEmbrace Yourself: Balancing the Heart Chakra\\n\\nTuesday, February 14 at 5 pm PST/ 8 pm EST\\n\\nReady to love yourself (and others) more and better? Need more compassion and kindness in your life? Join this yoga for self-love class designed to open your heart chakra and help you walk away feeling empowered to have more meaningful relationships and showing more love\n\\nThis special event will offer a unique opportunity to nurture yourself and discover the power of self-love.  Don't miss out on this transformative experience. Sign up today and awaken your inner strength and self-love.\\nAnd don’t forget to check out other yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\n\n\\n\\nAnnelise Piers\\n\\n\\nShika Sood\\n\\n\\nSwati Dalvi\\n\\n\\nAbhishek Bodhi\\n\\n\\nPreeti Goswami\\n\\n\\nRohan Shroff\\n\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\n\n\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Self Love Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":["myYogaTeacher"]},{"id":"clda2r496083c0ak7xfyb3sqr","slug":"beginners-guide-to-shakti-yoga","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What is Shakti Yoga? Beginner’s Guide to Shakti Yoga","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Shakti yoga is an energizing, dynamic yoga routine that awakens your inner feminine power for greater vitality, awareness, and focus.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn about Shakti yoga, and what you can expect from a typical class.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-24T10:08:22.599414+00:00","coverUrl":"j6pbujfzshx7tpqftipc.jpg","content":{"text":"Maybe you’ve seen it offered at your local yoga studio or online, but you haven’t tried it because you’re not quite sure what it is. Shakti yoga, or Shakti yoga flow, is a dynamic, energizing form of yoga that isn’t as commonly known as other types of yoga — like Kundalini, Vinyasa, Flow, or Power yoga.\\nIt can be intimidating to learn a new kind of yoga you’re unfamiliar with, but if you’ve never given Shakti yoga a try, we recommend giving it a chance. Shakti yoga not only increases your energy levels, but it also improves your awareness, focus, and awakens your inner god or goddess. We’ve put together a beginner’s guide to help you know what to expect from your first class, and the benefits that come from this powerful practice. \n\\nOrigin of Shakti Yoga\\n\\nThe root of Shakti yoga lies in Hinduism, where Shakti is revered as a female goddess that embodies divine feminine power, known as The Great Divine Mother. We can think of Shakti as a goddess, but to gain a deeper understanding of the power of Shakti, it’s helpful to consider her as an essence that lives inside all of us — regardless of our gender identity. \n\\nShakti is formless and yet can take on any form — different goddesses, energies and personalities — and she can activate other Hindu gods. Think of Shakti as a limitless, boundless energy that can be called upon through mantras, chants, breath work, meditations, and yogic movement. Her energy lives coiled at the base of your spine, and you can gain access to it through Shakti yoga flow.\\n\\nWhat is Shakti Yoga?\\n\\nParticipating in Shakti yoga can awaken this energy and move it up your spine, channeling it through your chakras. Like a Vinyasa class, Shakti yoga utilizes dynamic, flowing movement in a yogic dance that facilitates the build-up of your Shakti energy and releases it throughout your chakras and your body.\\nWhile Shakti yoga classes may vary depending on your instructor and the structure of the class, generally you can expect flowing movement that is rooted in spirituality and connected to your breath. Shakti yoga also commonly utilizes specific chants designed to encourage the movement of this powerful energy flow. \\n\\nWhat are the Benefits of Shakti Yoga?\\n\\nSo, how does the channeling and release of Shakti energy benefit you as the practitioner? There are many ways in which Shakti yoga can bring a welcome dose of feminine vitality to your daily life. \n\\nOn a spiritual level, when you take a Shakti yoga class, you can expect to come away with an increased felt sense of vibrancy in your being. Your consciousness will be enlivened and you’ll feel a greater connection with your body, your spirit, and all living things.\n\\nShakti yoga also increases your energy reserves. If you’ve been feeling tired, depressed, and like your internal battery is running low, a Shakti yoga session can animate you physically, emotionally, and mentally. It can improve your circulation, recharge your nervous system, build strength and flexibility, and increase your sense of self-awareness. \n\\nSince the goal of Shakti yoga is to awaken this powerful energy, you may come away feeling like the goddess herself, as you’ve taken on her all-encompassing and healing spirit within your own body. If this sounds amazing, that’s because it is — Shakti energy can make you feel as if you are buzzing with vitality and like you’re glowing with endless light.\n\\nShakti Yoga Routine\\n\\nA typical Shakti yoga session utilizes the same kinds of Hatha yoga poses you’d find in a Vinyasa or Power yoga class. Since this type of yoga is meant to invigorate your body and soul, expect standing and strength building poses that may be somewhat challenging. Asanas like Warrior I, II and III, Dancer’s pose, Sun Salutations, Plank, Downward-Facing Dog and Upward Facing Dog are a few common poses in most Shakti yoga classes.\\nEach pose will be linked together with dynamic movement in conjunction with your breath. While performing Shakti yoga, continuous chanting — or mantras — harnesses your kundalini energy and channels it up your spine and through your chakras. If you already have experience practicing Hatha yoga, the poses will feel familiar to you, and if you’ve been to a Vinyasa or Flow yoga class, the Shakti movement will provide a similar experience. Don’t worry if you stumble a bit with some of the chants — as you repeat them throughout the class, you’ll become accustomed to the Sanskrit words, even if they feel a little foreign at first.\n\\n5 Beginner Shakti Yoga Poses :\\n\\nYou don’t have to wait for the next Shakti class to show up on your yoga studio’s schedule. You can start practicing this divine form of yoga at home by performing the poses below in a flowing manner.\\n\\n1. Sun Salutation Pose\n\\n\\nStart by standing at the top of your mat in Mountain pose with your hands in prayer position. Inhale deeply and sweep your arms above your head into Upward Salute. Exhale and fold forward into Standing Forward Bend. Inhale and lengthen your spine as you shift into Extended Forward Fold. Exhale, bend your knees, step backward with your right leg to perform a lunge. \\nInhale, plant your palms on the mat, and step your left leg back to join your right leg in High Plank pose. Exhale and sink into Low Plank, or Chaturanga Dandansana. You can modify this to Four-Limbed Staff pose if needed. Inhale and dynamically flow into Upward Facing Dog. On your next exhale, lift your hips into Downward Facing Dog. \n\\nInhale and step your right foot forward to perform a lunge on the opposite side. As you exhale, step forward into Standing Forward Fold. Return to Mountain pose by inhaling and rolling yourself upward to standing position, one vertebrae at a time. Press your palms together in prayer position to finish the sequence. Repeat at least 2 more times. \n\\n2. Dancer’s Pose\n\\n\\nStand in the middle of your mat with your weight evenly balanced on both feet. Shift your weight onto your left foot, while bending your right knee and grabbing your right foot with your right hand. Lift your left arm up toward the ceiling. Bend at your waist and slowly lean forward, lifting your right leg and engaging your core. For better balance, keep your gaze on a fixed point in front of you. Hold for 3-5 breaths, then repeat on the other side.\n\\n3. Warrior I Pose\\n\\n\\nStart in Downward Facing Dog and step your right foot forward. Keep your toes angled toward the front of the mat, and your front leg knee bent at 90 degrees, while strongly engaging your back leg. Your back foot should be slightly angled. Inhale and bring your arms to either prayer position, or in an Upward Salute position above your head. Extend the front side of your body allowing your back to softly bend. Stay here for five to ten breaths.\n\\n4. Warrior II Pose\\n\\n\\nStep your right foot forward on the mat with your toes pointed forward and your right knee bent. You left foot will stay behind you, parallel to the mat. Keep your hips squared and arms stretched over your front and rear legs, distributing your weight evenly between both legs. Stay in this pose for 5-6 breaths.\n\\n5. Warrior III Pose\\n\\n\\nStart in Mountain pose, with your feet hip distance apart. Step your left foot back, turned at a 45 degree angle, and bend your right knee, keeping your right foot pointing forward at a 90 degree angle. Your torso and pelvis should be squared with the front of your mat. Shift your weight to your right (front) foot, lifting your left (back) leg off the ground, extending it straight back behind you, and straightening your right leg. \\nKeep your standing knee slightly bent and avoid locking it. Extend your arms forward above your head, so that your entire body is positioned in a straight line, parallel to the floor. Engage your core, extend your body from your fingertips to the toes of your lifted foot, and focus your gaze on the floor in front of you. Hold for a few breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n\n\\n2 Powerful Shakti Yoga Mantras :\\n\\nTo deepen your Shakti yoga practice, try incorporating mantras with your routine. Even if you don’t know the meaning of every word, the sounds and syllables are designed to awaken your Shakti energy. Repeat as often as you can during your practice.\n\\n1. Adi Shakti Mantra\\n\\nAdi shakti, adi shakti, adi shakti, namo namo\\nSarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, Sarab Shakti, namo namo\\nPritham bhagvati, pritham bhagvati, pritham bhagvati, namo namo\\nKundalini mata Shakti, mata Shakti, namo namo\\n\n\\nTranslation:\\n\n\\nI bow to the primal power\\nI bow to the all-encompassing power\\nI bow to the creative power at the beginning\\nI bow to the divine mother of all peace\\n\n\\n2. Maha Shakti Mantra\\n\\nYa devi sarva bhuteshu\\nShakti rupena samsthita\\nNamastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaha\\nYa devi sarva bhuteshu\\nChetanetyabhidhiyate\\nNamastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namaha\n\\nTranslation:\\n\n\\nOh Goddess, who lives within everything in the form of power,\\nSalutations to you, salutations to you, salutations to you\\nOh Goddess, whom we name with the word awareness,\\nSalutations to you, salutations to you."},"category":[]},{"id":"clczdmysytyzn0ak616x0ikhn","slug":"yoga-for-fitness-event","author":null,"title":"Join the Yoga Movement: Free MyYogaTeacher Yoga for Fitness Event for Everyone!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Join MyYogaTeacher's new free Yoga for Fitness Event starting soon and get fit faster with yoga!","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":["Fitness","HathaYoga","Ashtanga","Yoga","Vinyasa","Hatha"],"createdAt":"2023-01-16T22:27:36.746406+00:00","coverUrl":"fegu2jin0qfhgaefpml6.png","content":{"text":"Are you ready to get fit, flexible, and unleash your inner radiance?! Don’t miss our 3-day FREE Yoga for Fitness Event January 29-31!\\nYoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, and balance, as well as reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This event will feature a variety of yoga styles and levels to suit everyone from beginners to experienced yogis.\\nOur authentic, expert yoga instructors from India will guide you each day through sessions focused on improving your physical fitness and overall well-being. Plus, the even is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to come give it a try!\\nHow to join the Yoga for Fitness Event:\\nMembers\\nJust click the links below to one or all of the classes you’d like to attend and register as you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nNon-Members\\n\\nClick this link to sign up for your free two week trial\\n to get access to this incredible event! No credit card required.\\nAre you a nonmember who signed up for a trial in the past but it’s lapsed?\\nIf you’re not a member but signed up for a free-trial in the past, and it has expired, just reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to let us know!  We'll reset your trial and give you full access to the event.\\nDiscover all the best ways yoga can help you get fit fast. So you can live your life to the fullest and move with more ease.\\nWe've put together an entire schedule of yoga for fitness classes dedicated to helping you relax and sleep better.\\nCheck out the educational, inspiring, and exciting event classes and expert yoga instructors making this event happen!\\n(Click the class links to register for any or all of these amazing sessions!)\\n\\n Hatha Yoga for Physical Fitness with Ankit\\n\\nSunday, January 29 at 6:00 am PST/ 9:00 am EST\\n\\n\\nHatha yoga is focused on the physical practice of yoga and is perfect for helping you build strength, get fit, and improve flexibility. Bonus? You’ll feel more relaxed and rejuvenated after this hatha yoga class! Join us for asanas, Sun Salutations, and other strength building poses!\\n\\nFind Fitness in Flow: Vinyasa Yoga with Monica\\n\\nMonday,  January 30 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nReady to get fit while finding your flow? The fluid movement of this challenging vinyasa yoga class is perfect for building up a sweat, improving flexibility, and building strength, making it a perfect class for overall fitness! Join us!\\n\\nAshtanga Yoga for Increased Fitness with Sujit\\n\\nMonday, January 31 at 5:00 pm PST/ 8:00 pm EST\\n\\n\\nDo you like structure in your yoga class? Need a workout focused on building strength through muscle training? This is for you! Join the ashtanga yoga class designed to help you get fitter and stronger faster!\\nWhether you're looking to improve your physical fitness, reduce stress, or simply try something new, our free yoga for fitness event is the perfect opportunity. So come and join us, and discover the many benefits of yoga for yourself!\\nExperience getting fit in a way that works for you and \\nwith\\n you! We’re here to support you on your journey now \\nand\\n when the event is over!\\nSo join us for this free event! And don’t forget to check out other fitness related yoga classes MyYogaTeacher offers as a part of your membership or free trial! Or reach out to the yoga instructors below offering 1-on-1 sessions to address specific issues!\\n\\n\\n\\nShweta Jain\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nMonica Agarwal\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nArchana\\n \\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nAnd remember: If you’re a nonmember who’s two-week free trial has ended, reach out to \\ncare@myyogateacher.com\\n to have your trial reset so you can easily sign up for these awesome classes!\\nWelcome to MyYogaTeacher’s Yoga for Fitness Event!\\nSee you soon!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"clct2nkfx04xw0bk3fr4lrcjp","slug":"yoga-poses-for-osteoporosis","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis: Maintaining Bone Health","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga can prevent and in some cases reverse osteoporosis and osteopenia by stretching and strengthening muscle tissue to rebuild and maintain bone density.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to prevent osteoporosis with a few simple yoga poses.","tags":[],"createdAt":"2023-01-12T12:33:31.959847+00:00","coverUrl":"pmkhkhuxo5s9dq2qkevm.jpg","content":{"text":"Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis with Yoga\\n\n\\nIf you suffer from the painful symptoms of osteoporosis, or if you are at risk of developing this limiting disease, there is help (and health) in starting your own regular yoga routine. In fact, doctors are now prescribing yoga as treatment and prevention for osteoporosis and osteopenia, making it an important part of maintaining physical health and wellness throughout your 50s and 60s — and beyond.\\n\\nOsteoporosis and osteopenia are conditions that commonly emerge throughout our later years, and if left untreated they can affect your mobility, bone density, and even your ability to remain self-sufficient. These conditions cause bones to be come weak and brittle, and over time more vulnerable to fractures and even breakage. \\n\\nBut a recent\\n \\n2016 study\\n discovered that yoga can be used in conjunction with other treatments to prevent the loss of bone density and in some cases reverse early onset of osteoporosis. Plus, as an added benefit, yoga is also a low-cost and low-risk treatment option, meaning there is little to lose by giving it a try.\\n\\nHow Yoga Can Treat Osteoporosis\\nThe process by which yoga treats and prevents osteoporosis is simple — through stretching and strengthening your muscle tissue you can build bone density and prevent fractures. Yoga postures exert subtle force upon your bones, prompting them to build up density and become stronger.\\n\\nYoga also improves your balance, which can help prevent falls — which may result in fractures or breakage. Along with building strength and flexibility, yoga also increases your mobility, endurance, and energy levels, helping you stay active no matter your age.\\n\\nIt should be noted that yoga may not cure osteoporosis on its own, and for some advanced cases it may not be effective in reversing this disease. Results vary on an individual basis, depending on your age, bone density, and other factors such as weight and co-existing conditions\\n\\nPracticing Yoga for Osteoporosis\\nIf you’re thinking of starting your own yoga regimen to prevent or reverse osteoporosis, there are a few things you should know. It’s important to first consult your doctor before practicing yoga for osteoporosis or osteopenia, to find out if there are any specific precautions you should be taking and whether or not it’s a safe activity for you. \n\\nPatients with advanced osteoporosis who have suffered fractures, breaks, or acute bone loss may need to avoid practicing yoga. If you’ve recently undergone surgery or if you’re still healing from an injury, you should wait until you’ve fully recovered before getting started.\n\\nMost importantly, you should take care to listen to your body when practicing yoga for osteoporosis. If a particular yoga pose causes pain or strain on your bones or joints, stop for a moment and take a break. Or, try using a modification like a bolster, block, or yoga blanket if applicable.\\n\\nIn their 2016 study, scientists found that the best results for using yoga as treatment for osteoporosis came from regular practice. Try performing yoga poses at least 3-4 times per week, or daily if you can. The more regularly you practice, the more bone density you’ll build, and the more strength and balance you’ll develop in your body.\\n\\n8 Yoga Poses for Osteoporosis:\\nIf you’ve been cleared by your doctor to practice yoga and you’re ready to get started, there are some simple yoga poses you can do at home to help prevent osteoporosis. You can also try taking a yoga class specifically designed for patients with osteoporosis. Here at\\n \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, certified instructors can help you stay safe and injury free while giving you the independence to practice yoga in the comfort of your home.\\nReady to get started? \\nFollow the steps below to begin your own personal yoga journey.\\n\\n1. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)\\n\\nThe foundation of all balance poses, Mountain pose helps you find stability and improve your posture.\\nStart by standing at the front of your mat. Keep your feet hip distance apart, and you can rest your arms at your sides or bring your hands together in prayer formation. Inhale and feel your chest opening and your collar bones widening as you focus on balancing your weight proportionally on both of your feet. Gaze straight forward and maintain this pose for 1-2 minutes.\\n \\n2. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)\\n\\nFrom Mountain pose, you’ll begin to transition into Tree pose to further improve your balance and stability.\\nBring your awareness to your left foot and firmly ground it into the mat. Begin to shift your body weight to your left foot, while gently lifting your right foot. Depending on your ability to balance, you can place the sole of your right foot on your left calf or thigh. As you do this, be sure to keep your pelvis aligned, your spine straight, and your gaze focused forward. Give yourself a moment to steady yourself, and then, if you feel comfortable, press your hands together in prayer formation. Hold for 5-6 deep breaths and repeat on the other side, then return to Mountain pose.\\n \\n3. Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana 2)\\n\\nThis standing pose also improves your balance and builds strength in your legs and core. If you have trouble balancing and wish to modify this pose, try practicing it next to a wall or with a chair.\\nMove to the back portion of your mat and step your right foot forward. Your right toes should be pointed forward and your left (back) foot should be kept parallel with your mat. Bend your right knee at 90 degrees, taking care not to overextend. Your right knee should not move forward past your toes. With your hips evenly squared, stretch your arms out to both sides, so that your right arm extended out in front of you and your left arm behind you. Open your chest and focus on activating your legs so that you are grounded into your mat. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n4. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)\\n\\nThis pose also requires strength and balance, and can be modified by performing it next to a wall. You can also place a block next to your front foot for easier hand positioning. \\nJust like with Warrior II, step your right foot forward for Triangle pose, keeping your left (back) foot parallel with your mat. Inhale and stretch out both your arms the same as in Warrior II, but keep your right leg straight with a slight, soft bend in your knee. As you exhale, hinge at your hip  and bend forward, placing your right fingertips on the floor, or you can place your hand on the block positioned next to your right foot. Turn your upper body and reach your left hand toward the ceiling, and either turn your head to gaze up at your hand, or keep your eyes focused straight ahead. Hold for 3-5 breaths and repeat on the other side.\\n \\n5. Cat-Cow Pose (Chakravakasana)\\n\\nThis pose is excellent for increasing mobility in your spine and hips.\\nMove to a tabletop position on your mat, with your hands and knees on the floor. Inhale and look up, lifting your chin and gently arching your back. Feel the stretch in your chest and abdomen. As you exhale, drop your chin and look down toward your naval as you curl your spine forward. Continue this movement 5-10 times.\\n \\n6. Locust Pose (Shalabhasana)\\n\\nLike Cat-Cow, Locust improves your spinal mobility with a soft backbend, but in this pose you will also be working your core muscles, glutes, and shoulders.\\nFrom Cat-Cow, lower yourself onto the mat so that you are lying face down on your stomach with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides. On your inhale, strengthen your core and lift your head, legs and arms at the same time, balancing your body on your lower abdomen, pelvis and upper legs. Engage your glutes and press both of your legs together while holding them up. Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths, and then relax back onto your mat.\\n \\n7. Child’s Pose (Balasana)\\n\\nAfter the strengthening work of Locust pose, give your body a rest with Child’s pose\\nAfter Locust you’ve likely returned to lying face down on your mat. Press your palms and knees into the floor as if you were rising back into tabletop position, but this time bring your hips back so that your buttocks are resting on your heels, and your big toes are touching each other. Extend your arms forward so that your palms are resting on the mat in front of you, and bring your forehead to the mat. Breathe gently and allow your body to fully sink into this pose, supported by the floor. Hold for 5-6 minutes.\\n \\n8. Corpse Pose (Savasana)\\n\\nAfter practicing the above stretching and strengthening poses, it’s important to let your body fully digest the movement by resting in Corpse pose. \\nCome to a seated position on your mat. Slowly lower your body to the floor, so that you are lying flat on your back with your legs extended straight and your arms at your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and bring your focus inward. Bring your awareness to your body and check in with each and every body part, noticing if you feel any tension and allowing yourself to fully relax. Soften your face, neck, and shoulders, and let yourself melt into your mat while visualizing any tension leaving your body. Rest in this post for 5-7 minutes."},"category":["pain_management"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"clas104kemz1o0bimrwa5ir7s","slug":"yoga-gift-card","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"10 Reasons To Give The Gift Of Yoga This Holiday Season","createdAt":"2022-11-22T09:40:07.784715+00:00","coverUrl":"eomsfhhpzm6rc4ndnem3.jpg","content":{"text":"As the holiday season takes off, it’s not always easy to find the perfect gift for all the special people in our lives. Trying to be unique or give something that stands out can be difficult. But yoga is the gift that keeps on giving! When you give someone the gift of yoga, you’re reminding them how important it is to take time for themselves. Helping them to create space and routine they may not have otherwise. Thinking of giving a \\nMyYogaTeacher gift card\\n for the holidays? There's so many reasons to give the gift of yoga and mindfulness this season! If you’re a yogi, you know the many benefits of yoga and how helpful it is to your day to day life! But maybe there’s someone in your life who has yet to discover the gift of yoga! \n⁠\n⁠\\nHere are the top 10 reasons to give the gift of yoga to someone you love. \\n It’s good for the environment!\\n Gifting a virtual gift card means no wrapping paper. Even if your recipient lives overseas it’s easy to just email the gift right to their inbox!\\nIt promotes self-care! \\nWhen you give the gift of yoga, you’re giving someone you love the chance to take time out of their busy schedule to practice self-care and self love. It’s such a beautiful way to show gratitude to those around us. \\nIt becomes a routine. \\nDid you know it takes 21 days to build a habit? When you give the gift of a month with \\nMyYogaTeacher \\nto someone, it will become part of their routine and lifestyle. And they’ll be grateful you gave them such a beautiful gift. Which brings us to the next reason….\\n \\nYoga creates a community. \\nFor those of us who are still working from home or may live far from those we love, MyYogaTeacher’s online classes give us a chance to create a yoga community while staying home. We look forward to our weekly classes with expert teachers and the friends we make along the way. \\n It’s good for the body! \\nUsually around the holidays we tend to indulge in the name of celebration. Yoga is a great way to balance out celebrating with mindful movement. \\n \\nIt will last long after the holidays.\\n A lot of times, we buy gifts for the moment and the facade wears off quickly. Rather than another useless gadget, yoga gives you the opportunity to learn something new. \\n Yoga can jumpstart your New Year’s goals! \\nMost of us start our fitness goals after the holiday rush. But by giving the gift of yoga, you give your loved ones a leg up on the gym game! \\n If you’re a member, it’s an opportunity to spend more time together. \\nPurchasing a gift card for a friend or family member means you can take classes together even if you’re apart! \\nYoga improves your outlook. \\nIf your loved one has had a tough year or is moving through a hard season in their life, yoga is a great way to increase happiness and overall outlook by introducing them to a mindful practice.\\n It relieves the effects of holiday stress. \\nBetween the shopping, parties and traffic, the holiday season can be \\nvery stressful\\n. Giving the gift of yoga to a stressed out holiday shopper could be just what they need to reset for the end of the year. \\n\n\\nA\\n giftcard to our virtual yoga platform\\n is great for so many people! Having a hard time knowing if it’s right for your recipient? Here’s our top five list! \\nFor that special someone who needs to relax.\\nFor someone in recovery from an injury.\\nFor someone who loves to workout.\\nFor the college student or teacher on holiday break.\\nFor a busy parent. \\nHead over to our website to grab your \\ngift cards\\n so you can do yoga with someone special in your life this holiday season. \\n"}},{"id":"ckmc16phcvra00b72uzy158de","slug":"laughter-yoga-practice","author":{"name":"Prakash","teacherMytSlug":"prakash-1","pictureUrl":"vihnq8enbbdyhd6kt13c.jpg"},"title":"Laughter Yoga: Laugh Your Way to a Better Life","createdAt":"2021-03-16T13:08:00.209121+00:00","coverUrl":"cvu0qbjqutitsktgov6q.jpg","content":{"text":"You've probably heard the expression, \"laughter is the best medicine,\" right? That's the basis of laughter yoga.\\n\\nLaughter yoga is a wonderful practice that involves the standard things you expect from a yoga practice: pranayama, asanas, and mantra meditations. Where laughter yoga differs from traditional yoga practices is the addition of laughter. The purpose? To cultivate joy, relieve stress, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.\\n\\nIf you've never experienced laughter yoga, please join me in my next laughter yoga class on myYogaTeacher. You can \\nsign up for a free two-week trial for myYogaTeacher\\n and get access to my laughter yoga classes as well as 35+ other live online yoga classes every day.\\n\\nWhat Is Laughter Yoga?\\n\\nLaughter yoga is movement and breathing exercises using laughter. It's really as simple as that. It was created by Dr. Madan Kataria, a Mumbai-based physician, in 1995. In addition to benefits like reducing stress, increasing energy levels, and improving your quality of life, Dr. Kataria believes that laughter yoga promotes positivity and increases the ability of people to deal with stress and stressful situations.\\n\\nBenefits of Laughter Yoga\\nBefore we dive into our practice, let's take a look at a few \\nbenefits of laughter\\n. Laughter:\\nImproves mood\\nReleases endorphins and feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine\\nSuppresses stress hormones like cortisol\\nReduces pain\\nLowers blood pressure\\nStrengthens the immune system\\nLowers stress levels and rates of depression\\nIncreases social connectedness\\nImproves relaxation\\nHeightens feelings of security and safety\\nAlso, research conducted by Vanderbilt University Medical Centre revealed that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes burns between 10 and 40 calories. Not much, but there are worse ways to burn a few calories.\\n\\nAccording to the \\nresearch\\n, your body can't tell the difference between fake and real laughter, so you can reap the benefits of laughter even when you're faking it.\\n\\nLaughter Yoga Contraindications\\n\\nLaughter yoga, like any other form of exercise, might not be right for everyone. It involves a measure of physical strain and intra-abdominal pressure. If you're dealing with any of the following, you shouldn't practice laughter yoga:\\nAny kind of hernia\\nAdvanced (bleeding) piles\\nAny persistent cough\\nEpilepsy\\nHeart disease\\nHigh blood pressure\\nSevere backache\\nFirst or third trimester of pregnancy\\nHave given birth within the previous two months\\nAnything with acute symptoms\\nIncontinence of urine\\nMajor psychiatric disorders\\nSurgery within the last 3 months\\nA Laughter Yoga Practice\\nA typical laughter yoga practice has five segments:\\nWarmup\\nDeep breathing exercises\\nChildlike playfulness\\nLaughter exercises\\nLaughter meditation\\nHere are some ideas for each segment that you can use to create your own laughter yoga practice.\\n\\nWarmup\\nLaughter yoga starts with a warmup. Even though this type of yoga isn't necessarily strenuous like other yoga formats, it's still important to warm up your body to ensure that it's ready for whatever comes its way. The warmup should include various stretches and body movements.\\n\\nYou can always do a standard yoga warmup (sun salutations, for example) to prepare for laughter yoga. The Laughter Yoga University recommends these exercises:\\n\\nClapping\\nClap your hands parallel to one another, taking care to get full contact in your fingers and palms to stimulate acupressure points and increase energy. You can then move into rhythmic clapping.\\n\\nMovement\\nFrom there, you'll get into movement, swinging your arms and moving your hands up and down. Anything that feels good and warms up your body.\\n\\nChanting\\nAdd some chanting into the mix. Instead of the standard chanting, laughter yoga uses laughter sounds like \"ha ha ha\" and \"ho ho ho.\" They should be powerful exhalations that use your diaphragm.\\n\\nDeep Breathing Exercises\\nDeep breathing exercises are an important part of laughter yoga. Here's an example of a deep breathing exercise you can use in your laughter yoga practice.\\n\\nStand in a relaxed position. Bend forward at the waist while exhaling through your mouth. Really focus on emptying your lungs completely. Let your arms dangle. Hold this position briefly, letting the bending movement push your diaphragm and help you empty your lungs.\\n\\nSlowly return to standing while inhaling through your nose, taking as deep a breath as you can. Raise your arms up over your head and stretch your body slightly backward. Hold your breath for a count of five.\\n\\nExhale slowly, bringing your arms down and coming back into a forward fold. Hold, emptying your lungs completely. You might try holding your breath a bit longer and letting the exhalation come out in a laugh.\\n\\nFeel free to alternative deep breathing exercises with laughing exercises or using the deep breathing exercises to break up the laughter exercises as needed.\\n\\nChildlike Playfulness\\nOne of the objectives of laughter yoga is to encourage childlike playfulness. This might mean chanting or moving after exercises in a way that keeps you energized and enthusiastic about your laughter yoga session.\\n\\nLaughter Exercises\\nThere are three basic types of laughter exercises:\\nYogic Laughter:\\n These exercises are based on pranayama or yoga postures.\\nPlayful Laughter:\\n These exercises are designed to move practitioners from simulated laughter into real laughter.\\nValue-Based Laughter:\\n These exercises are intended to build positive feelings and program new auto-responses into your subconscious.\\nLet's explore some different exercises for each of these types.\\n\\nYogic Laughter Example: Lion Laughter\\nLion laughter is based on Simha Mudra (Lion Posture). To do it, stick your tongue out as far as you can, keeping your mouth wide open, eyes wide, and hands stretched like a lion's paws. Roar like a lion and then laugh from your belly.\\n\\nThis exercise is great for the tongue, throat, and facial muscles as well as improving blood supply to the thyroid.\\n\\nPlayful Laughter Example: One-Meter Laughter\\nMove one hand over the opposite outstretched arm (like you're pulling back the string of a bow and arrow. Pull the hand back in three jerking movements, chanting \"Ha! Ha! Haaaaa!\" Then, stretch both of your arms wide and throw your head back, laughing. Repeat on the other side and then do the whole sequence again.\\n\\nValue-Based Laughter Example: Appreciation Laughter\\nJoin the tip of the index finger to the tip of the thumb and move your hands forward and backward in forceful jerking movements. If you're doing this practice alone, think of people you are grateful and appreciative of. Laugh in a gentle manner.\\n\\nLaughter Meditation\\nIn laughter meditation, the laughter exercises are left behind and we instead practice free-flowing laughter. Just come into a comfortable position and start with your eyes closed. Then, just let yourself laugh however you want to laugh.\\n\\nLaugh Your Way to a Better Life\\nLaughter yoga has steadily increased in popularity since its creation in 1995. And with good reason. Laughter yoga just feels good. It involves several beneficial aspects of a traditional yoga class with the added benefit of making you happier and more joyful.\\n\\nJoin me for my next laughter yoga class by \\nsigning up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n. You'll get access to laughter yoga classes as well as 35+ live, online yoga classes every single day, from laughter yoga to Hatha to yoga for specific needs (like back health or thyroid function).600600"}},{"id":"cknfz1b6ocvjy0a81nie3aq02","slug":"yoga-for-stress-and-anxiety","author":{"name":"Rohan","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"Practice Yoga for Stress and Anxiety Relief","createdAt":"2021-04-13T11:58:36.28949+00:00","coverUrl":"yoga_for_stress_and_anxiety.jpg","content":{"text":"We've all experienced stress and anxiety at some point. It's a natural, human response to stressful situations and can even save us from danger. Sometimes, it can go deeper than that and become a full-blown anxiety disorder that disrupts our lives.\\n\\nMy class, \\nYoga for Stress and Anxiety\\n can help!\\n\\nYoga for Stress and Anxiety: The Research\\nSince the 1970s, researchers have been looking into stress-reduction techniques and tools. Meditation is one such technique that you hear a lot about, but yoga as a whole practice hasn't gotten the same level of attention until recent decades.\\n\\nAccording to researchers at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, a new study from August 2020 found that yoga was significantly more effective for generalized anxiety disorder than simple education on stress management.\\n\\nAnother study from the Ilam University of Medical Sciences (February 2018) found that yoga plays an effective part in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. The study went on to conclude that yoga can be used as complementary medicine for these conditions.\\n\\nYet another study from The Center for Health Behavior Research at the University of Mississippi (2011) found that yoga offers a host of benefits: enhanced muscular strength and body flexibility, improved respiratory and cardiovascular function, recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduction in stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improved sleep patterns, and enhanced overall well-being and quality of life.\\n\\nIf you're not using yoga for stress and anxiety management, now's a great time to start. \\nSign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n and get access to my class as well as more than 35 other live, online yoga courses every single day.\\n\\nWhat Do Stress and Anxiety Look Like?\\n\\nStress and anxiety can look and feel different for different people. For some, it might be a feeling like waiting for the other shoe to drop. For others, it might be all-consuming. Here are some of the symptoms that typically signal stress and anxiety:\\nPersistent feelings of uneasiness, panic, and fear\\nMuscle tension\\nHeart palpitations or a rapid heartbeat\\nDifficulty sleeping\\nIrritability\\nConstricted breathing\\nCold, sweaty palms\\nRumination on unhelpful, negative thoughts\\nIf your feelings of stress and anxiety are keeping you from living your life, we recommend talking to your doctor about treatment options. But don't forget to practice your yoga!\\n\\nAlleviating Stress and Anxiety Through Yoga\\nOur bodies are pretty miraculous, especially with the body's ability to heal itself. Of course, stress and anxiety can drastically reduce that healing. Fortunately, yoga can help us bring calm, peace, and stillness back into our lives.\\n\\nYoga helps to modulate stress response systems, reducing the stress and anxiety we feel. And, yoga can even help us respond to stress more easily.\\n\\nWe recommend a complete yoga practice that includes more than just asanas. In addition to poses and movement (asanas), you'll want to incorporate \\npranayamas (breathing techniques)\\n, meditation, and yoga philosophy.\\n\\nYoga Practices to Alleviate Stress and Anxiety\\n\\nIn this section, we're going to talk about specific asanas, pranayamas, meditations, and mudras that will help you ease stress and anxiety with yoga. While you can absolutely practice this on your own, I would love to have you join my Yoga for Stress and Anxiety class on myYogaTeacher. You can \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n and not only get access to my class but access to 35+ other live, online group classes every single day.\\n\\nYoga Poses\\nThere are several yoga poses that can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Here's a short sequence that you can practice at any time. Start seated in a comfortable position and move through the poses as feels comfortable and soothing for you.\\nSeated neck rolls\\nMarjariasana (cat pose)\\nBalasana (child's pose)\\nAdho Mukha Shvanasana (downward-facing dog pose)\\nUttanasana (standing forward bend)\\nVrikshasana (tree pose)\\nJanu Shirasasana (one-legged seated forward bend)\\nPaschimottanasana (two-legged seated forward bend)\\nSetu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge pose)\\nSarvangasana (shoulder stand)\\nMatsyasana (fish pose)\\nDhanurasana (bow pose)\\nSavasana (corpse pose)\\nPranayama (Breathing)\\nBreathing is a powerful tool for combating stress and anxiety. Here are a few different breathing exercises you can try when you feel stress or anxiety creeping up:\\nDeep breathing\\nNadi Shodhan Pranayama (alternate nostril breathing)\\nBhastrika Pranayama (bellows breathing)\\nUjjayi Pranayama (ocean breathing)\\nBhramari Pranayama (bee breathing)\\nMeditation\\nMeditation helps you calm yourself, grounding you and producing feelings of stability. There are several different types of meditation to choose from, but research has shown that mindful meditations are great for reducing stress and anxiety. Here's a mindful meditation that walks you through progressive relaxation:\\nFind a quiet place where you won't be disturbed and make yourself comfortable. Close your eyes.\\nStarting with your head, tense the muscles in your face and scalp. Hold this as you inhale for a count of eight.\\nOn the exhale, relax your face completely. Unclench your jaw, relax your forehead and eyes, let everything just fall away. Repeat this clenching and relaxing until your face feels completely relaxed.\\nRepeat this process down your entire body: neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, right arm, right forearm, right hand, left arm, left forearm, left hand, buttocks, right leg, lower right leg, right foot, left leg, left foot.\\nIf you're short on time, you can focus on just your four main muscle groups.\\n\\nMudras\\nMudras can also help you combat stress and anxiety.\\n\\nA mudra is a symbolic or ritual gesture done with the hands and used in combination with Pranayama. They activate our body's potential for healing and growth, stimulating different parts of the body to improve the flow of energy.\\n\\nHere are five mudras I recommend for stress and anxiety:\\nGyan Mudra: Join the tips of your index fingers and thumbs with the other fingers outstretched and together in a relaxed position.\\nAgni Shakti Mudra: Touch all four fingers on each hand to the palms of the same hand (almost in a fist shape). Then, join the tips of the thumbs together.\\nKalesvara Mudra: Bring the tips of the middle fingers together and the first and middle joints of the index fingers together. Then, bring the thumbs together, creating a heart shape, and gently curl the rest of the fingers in. Connect the thumbs to the sternum and reach your elbows out to the side.\\nApan Vayu Mudra: Fold the index fingers to touch the tip to the base of the thumb. Then, bring the tips of the middle and ring fingers to the tips of the thumbs. The pinky finger stays straight and points outward.\\nUttarabodhi Mudra: Interlock the fingers of both hands together and keep the thumbs and index fingers extended and touching. Point the tips of extended index fingers up and the thumbs down.\\nWrapping Up\\nThere's a lot of research that indicates yoga is a wonderful way to reduce stress and anxiety. But we're all different. If you have stress or anxiety that is debilitating, please be sure to reach out to your doctor.\\n\\nIt's also possible that yoga can reveal strong feelings and emotions that you've been suppressing. Practice yoga in a place that makes you feel safe and secure. And don't forget to \\nsign up for a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n so you can join my next class!"}}],"relatedPosts":[{"id":"cl8ydkwnvhu6s0aheyrlyqlrv","slug":"how-to-practice-yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga at Home : 10 ways to start your home yoga practice","createdAt":"2022-10-07T10:59:25.142855+00:00","coverUrl":"ajwcgjkkcaeg1mp3bb9p.jpg","content":{"text":"How to get Started:\\nAre you ready to commit to an at home yoga practice? No matter what your reasons for deciding to start an at home practice, \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n has you covered! We will help you begin your journey from beginner to advanced yogi, all without having to leave the comfort of your own home.\\n1. Set up your yoga space\\nWhen you decide to start an at home practice you want to create a space that inspires movement. Since you’ll be coming to your Zen space often, this should be a spot in your home that promotes joy, comfort and peace.\n⁠\\nWhat you need\\nStart with a quiet space. You don’t want to be in a space where you can hear traffic, noise or your family bickering. Find a space where you’re away from noise. If you can’t find a place that’s quiet, invest in headphones for your practice.\\nPlay some music! Grab a small speaker or headphones and find your tunes. There are tons of great yoga playlist available. Find one that inspires you!\\nVisual aids Images or quotes that motivate you. You can put these up or even make a vision board which will help with intentions when you’re read to set them!\\nYourself! The most important thing you’ll need is you! Come as you are to your space. Thank yourself for showing up and have some grace as you begin your journey.\\n2. Get your gear\\nTo begin a yoga practice at home, there are a few things you’ll need to bring to your physical space. If you’re a yogi on a budget, no worries! We’ll provide you with a swap you already have at home!\\nA Mat or towel : Normally for yoga, we use a mat for our practice. If you don’t have one, you can use a towel or two. Just make sure it’s thick and doesn’t slip too much!\\nA bolster or small pillow and blanket: If you’re interested in a relaxation or deep stretch practice, these are essential.  A small couch pillow can take the place of a bolster and any blanket will suffice.\\nBlocks or books:  Sometimes we use blocks in our practice to help deepen a pose or get us closer in our pose. You can also use a chapter book in place of a block!\\nWith these swaps there’s no excuse to wait till you can purchase props to get started! You have everything you need already!\\n \\n3. Find your Why\\nWhy do you want to build an at home yoga practice?\\nWhat are your goals? Before you get started, sit down and think about your “why”.  Be intentional about why you’re on this journey. Our online classes can be a great addition to your at home practice! \\nYou can grab a free trial and get started with us today! \\n\\n Do you want to get stronger?\\n \\nTry a power\\n or\\n \\nvinyasa practice.\\n\\nAre you looking to find more ways to relax?\\n \\nTry a restorative\\n or\\n \\nyin practice.\\n \\n \\nTrying to lose weight?\\n \\nTry our mindful weight loss class.\\n\\n \\n4.Find Your Style\\nWhat type of Yoga is right for you?\\nLet’s break down some of the most popular styles so you can find the right fit for your home practice!\\nVinyasa\\nA vinyasa practice is meant to build strength in your body and mind. Typically, we move with our breath in a vinyasa class. One breath per movement. This flow class is good for building strength.\n⁠\\nHatha\\nGetting back into a fitness routine? Hatha is great for building into an existing or newly revamped fitness routine. This style is meant to improve overall health and fitness as well as build a mind-body connection.\n⁠\\nAshtanga\\nAn Ashtanga practice is for toning up. This practice helps you to build strength and flexibility. This practice is better for intermediate or advanced students as it uses a lot of upper body and core strength.\n⁠\\nYin Yoga\\nLooking to relax? Yin is meant to relax the body and help alleviate any pain or tension in the body. This style is great for recovery for athletes or those rehabbing an injury!\n⁠\n\\nNow you’re ready to practice:\n⁠\\n5. Begin your journey\\n·         Rule of 5’s – Stick to your goals by practicing the rule of 5’s. Five minutes, Five poses, Five deep breaths(slow inhales and exhales) . This is a great way to get started! Slow and steady wins the race and you can ease into your journey with just five minutes at a time!\\n·         Poses for beginners – Five poses to get you started! These poses are great for everyone beginner through advanced.\\n\\n- Mountain Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n- Forward Fold Pose\n⁠\\n\\n\\n- Downward Facing Dog Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n- Pigeon Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n- Child Pose\\n\\n\\n\\n6. Set an Intention\\nThis is your guiding force. It can change with each practice or always be the same. Pick a mantra or an intention. Let it drive you. Let it help you find your focus\\n \\n7. Find your breath\\nBegin a prana practice! There are lots of different types of breath practices. Find one that helps you find balance and try to add it into your practice.\\nRead more about them in\\n \\nthis article\\n from our website!\\n\\n8.\\n \\nCommit to a schedule\\nFitting yoga into your life should be easy. Take some time to think about your goals.\\nHow much time do you want to commit to your practice daily or weekly?\\nSet a goal to do yoga a certain number of days per week. Remember to make your goal attainable. It can always be adjusted. Yoga is a practice, not a perfect. There are no wrong answers in yoga. Any time you make to move your body is an achievement.\\n \\n9. Enhance your home practice\\nStill building your Zen space? Here are some things to add to your space to create an atmosphere you can really relax in!\\nEssential Oils- Grab a few of your favorite oils and a diffuser so your space’s aroma puts you in the right state of mind to move.\\nJournaling- Sometimes the only way to get out of our heads is to put a pen to paper. If your mind is too busy while you practice, try to journal before. Get a notebook and special pen you can keep in you Zen den!\\nBuilding a meditation practice- Extend your yoga practice by building a meditation practice to add on before or after your flow. This can help you emerge from your space more calm, cool and collected.\\n \\n10.\\n \\nFind your community\\nHow to begin an at home practice with us at MyYogaTeacher. \\n\\nJoin our free trial\\n: You’ll get two FREE weeks of unlimited group classes and two free 1-on-1 sessions. \\nHave a plan! Our expert yoga teachers will help customize a plan that’s perfect for you! \\nTake classes & build your practice every day! \\nNow that you have the tools and information, you’re ready to go! Make a plan and get started! Your body will thank you!"}},{"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"}}],"blogContent":{"id":"ckqirozc8kydm0a895xrjpijb","slug":"what-is-iyengar-yoga","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"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":"#","current_url":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/what-is-iyengar-yoga","student_details":"","facebookUrl":"","twitterUrl":"","copyUrl":"","emailUrl":"","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. 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>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><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 Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live &amp; Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz4d5stsye0b75dtlx1w0n","name":"[CTA-TRENDS]","description":{"html":"<p>Get ahead of the next trend and practice with authentic Indian yoga teachers! Sign up today and <strong>get 2 free private yoga sessions PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>. 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":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"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}