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Step 1
Practice breath work. Also known as pranayama, breath control is an integral part of yoga, because it keeps muscles properly oxygenated and helps students avoid unpleasant feelings of breathlessness. In addition, pranayama is an important element in meditation.
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Step 2
Familiarize yourself with the basic yoga postures or asanas. Read "The Art of Yoga" by B.K.S. Iyengar for a fully illustrated study of the various postures that are important to Iyengar yoga.
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Step 3
Study the sequences of the asanas. One difference between Iyengar yoga and other types of yoga is that Iyengar focuses on the proper sequences of postures. Once again, "The Art of Yoga" is particularly informative in a study of the proper Iyengar yoga sequences.
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Step 4
Learn about the different props used in Iyengar yoga. Because body alignment is so important in Iyengar, almost every asana has several associated props. Iyengar instructors recommend the use of these props, so that students can derive the full benefit of each posture, without struggling with alignment and discomfort.
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Step 5
Practice meditation. As with all types of yoga, Iyengar yoga teaches that the various body postures and proper breathing allow students to better regulate the fluctuations of their minds. Good Iyengar yoga students are also students of meditation.
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Step 6
Find a teacher of Iyengar yoga. A good instructor will show you how to properly execute the Iyengar postures, using the correct props and following the best sequence. In addition, a good Iyengar instructor will be able to help you learn to meditate.
