Yoga is practised and taught widely throughout the world. There are many different forms and it has come to mean different things for different people. People practise Yoga for physical health and its spiritual values. It can be practiced by anyone, regardless of faith or physical ability.

Different people use Yoga for different purposes: it might be for stress release and relaxation, for flexibility, for sports training, for birth preparation, for recovery from injury, or for spiritual enlightenment.

The Sanskrit word yoga has the literal meaning of “yoke”, from a root yuj meaning to join, to unite or to attach. As a term for a system of abstract meditation or mental abstraction it was introduced by Patañjali in the 2nd century BC. Someone who practices yoga or follows the yoga philosophy with a high level of commitment is called a yogi or yogini.

Iyengar Yoga

BKS Iyengar lives in Pune, India and has spent his life in the study of yoga. This has given rise to a unique system, which is practiced world-wide. This system focuses on alignment of the body through a graduated sequence of postures. The practice of yoga asanas encourages the body to become stronger and more flexible.

Classes consist of simple exercises gradually moving towards the more advanced postures, this is followed by 10 minutes relaxation and breathing techniques giving freedom from stress and tension. Through regular yoga practice both the circulatory system and the respiratory system become healthier and thus the body is better prepared to fight off diseases.

IYENGAR® teaching certificates are internationally recognised and are a benchmark of excellence. Teachers of IYENGAR® method must be fully qualified and certificated by Iyengar’s Institute of Pune, India and also bear the Certification Mark (the triangular logo). All IYENGAR® Yoga teachers are experienced practitioners of yoga who have successfully completed rigorous assessments of their own practice and teaching. Therefore you can ensure safe teaching.

“Why think of the Heavens when we have no real contact with Mother Earth”   BKS Iyengar

Upcoming classes – Iyengar Yoga in Cardiff