-
Step 1
Notice if the yoga teacher is constantly moving around the room correcting the students' poses. In Iyengar yoga, emphasis is put on achieving a perfect pose. In other yoga traditions it is believed that the student will find his own way to the ideal pose by imitating the teacher over time.
-
Step 2
Check to see if props are used during the class. Iyengar yoga uses props to help achieve proper alignment in yoga poses. The use of props is a relatively new innovation in yoga and started with B.K.S. Iyengar. Props such as straps, blocks and pillows help make yoga more accessible to all. In an Iyengar yoga class, it is common to see props used.
-
Step 3
Observe the length of time that poses are held for. In Iyengar yoga, poses are held for an extended period of time to achieve proper alignment. Other forms of yoga put emphasis on the flow from one pose to the next in conjunction with inhalation and exhalation. In Iyengar yoga, a pose is held for a duration of time, then you are allowed to rest in corpse or child's pose.
-
Step 4
Keep track of the amount of standing poses done in the class. Standing poses are emphasized in Iyengar yoga to build leg stretch and flexibility. This gives you a firm foundation as you move into more advanced poses.
