This yoga practice, created by B. K. S. Iyengar, emphasizes the physical alignment of the body during the poses, with the understanding that once balance is created within the body, it is reflected in the mind. Students learn the correct way to do every pose, working to attain perfect poses through constant practice. Props (such as blankets, blocks, straps, pillow, chairs and bolsters) help to perfect poses and attain ideal alignment. The purpose of the props is to assist the student in attaining the ideal alignment, even if the body is not yet open enough.
Unlike more experiential approaches to yoga that encourage students to independently “find their way” by imitating the teacher, the Iyengar Yoga approach is highly verbal and precise. Misalignments and errors actively corrected.
In order to become an Iyengar yoga teacher, one must have studied Iyengar yoga for at least three years, then complete at least two years of rigorous training for the introductory certificate. Subsequent intermediate levels and senior levels of certification may follow, potentially entailing a decade or more of training.