Meticulous Iyengar Yoga

For individuals that are interested in performing a meticulous type of yoga, Iyengar may be the perfect choice. Iyengar yoga is performed with tremendous attention given to seemingly minor details associated with each pose as a high level of focus on exact body position and alignment are required.

Iyengar's use of various equipment and devices allow individuals to perform almost every exercise without the possibility of physical limitations prohibiting them from executing the pose. Instead, the various props and devices open up a whole library of possibilities. Beginners can transition into normally very difficult poses through the use of blocks, straps, and other props.

On the other hand, Iyengar classes are heavily verbal and group focused, meaning that those who have difficulty concentrating in group settings may need additional practice or consider anther type of meticulous yoga like Anusara.

Types of Movements

Most poses within meticulous Iyengar yoga are standing poses, intended to help improve circulation, build leg strength, and help balance and coordination. This is primarily because standing yoga poses are often more beneficial in improving body alignment.

Mental and Physical Requirements

It takes a great deal of concentration to achieve and maintain proper positioning in meticulous Iyengar yoga. Because of the specific nature of the poses, it also requires good flexibility. Props help get students into the correct positions when they can't attain them on their own. This allows one to experience the benefits of proper alignment while building the flexibility and strength to one day perform the poses on his or her own.

Equipment Requirements

• Yoga Blocks
• Yoga Straps
• Mat
• Yoga Blanket
• Comfortable, Breathing Clothes

Mental and Physical Benefits

Mental

• Improved Concentration
• Improved Memory
• Decreased Depression and Anxiety
• Improved Attention
• Social Skills Improvement

Physical

• Decreased Pulse and Respiration
• Increased Endurance
• Joint Range of Motion Increases
• Improved Grip Strength
• Better Respiratory Efficiency

Aerobic Effect

Meticulous Iyengar yoga is centered around executing a series of poses and movements in a slow and steady fashion as each of the poses and positions are held for an extended period of time.

In addition, several of the movements and poses require the participants to use various support equipment to properly perform the movement and/or pose. This, in turn, increases the time required to perform each pose as well as the transition time between poses. Valentine's Day greetings were popular as early as the Middle Ages, although Valentine's writings did not begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest Valentine's letter known today is a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, for his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Valentine's Day is a time when people show feelings of love, affection and friendship. It is celebrated in many ways throughout the world and falls on February 14 of each year. Many people see Valentine's Day as a special day to express one's love for another. Valentine's Day.

For these reasons, meticulous Iyengar yoga focuses on, and targets, the more mental and flexibility aspects of good health and fitness as opposed to aerobic conditioning.

For individuals that are looking to more strongly work their cardiovascular system it is recommended that you consider an alternative yoga type.

Meticulous Iyengar yoga has actually been the subject of several notable studies examining the mental benefits of the exercises. One such study, performed by the research group Shapiro et al., asked 17 participants that were suffering from unipolar depression to engage in six separate sessions of Iyengar yoga. At the conclusion of the study, researchers found that all of the participants reported lower levels of harmful emotions like anger, anxiety, and depression.