yengar yoga information hove brighton horsham sussex

Find Out More About Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar Yoga, The Iyengar System, is the world’s most practised form of Yoga. Unlike some modern Yoga franchises, you may be surprised to hear that, as we tend not to be great at self-promotion. Iyengar Yoga teachers are trained over many years, unlike the current ‘200-hour’ schools that have sprung up.

Iyengar Yoga is a popular method as it is very methodical and safe. Iyengar Yoga is based on the ancient art of Hatha Yoga (the ‘Yoga of Effort’) and is not influenced by the ‘New Age’ practices that some other schools have adopted. As you learn, there is a gradual, logical progression.

We begin with a moment to centre ourselves in class, then warm up and perform various poses (listed below). There’s also an awareness of breathing. The breathwork is considered more advanced than asana. Towards the end of the class, we watch the breath in Pranayama (guiding the breath). We finish with relaxation.

yengar yoga information hove brighton horsham sussex

The Iyengar Yoga Postures

The asanas (postures) are designed to bring health to every aspect of the body and are categorised as follows:

Standing (uttistha sthiti)
Sitting (upavistha sthiti)
Forward extension (paschima pratana sthiti)
Lateral extension (parivrtta sthiti)
Inversions (viparita sthiti)
Backward extension (purva pratana)
Abdominal (udarakunchana)
Supine (supta sthiti)

Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers

Some teachers say they have been ‘influenced by’ Iyengar Yoga or ‘studied with’ Iyengar Yoga teachers. Unfortunately, these claims confuse students. Neither of these sayings means that they are qualified to teach Iyengar Yoga. It is a trademark; only Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers can use the logo on their websites. Please check for this logo to verify that the teacher is a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher.

iyengar yoga logo

The training of Iyengar Yoga Teachers is comprehensive, and we undergo continuous monitoring and professional development. Many Yoga Schools that train teachers have a 100% pass rate, unlike Iyengar Yoga.

B.K.S. Iyengar

Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar (Guruji) was taught Yoga by the father of modern Hatha Yoga, Krishnamacharya. He developed it to be the world’s most practised form. In turn, his students that have become certified teachers have this ‘sacred thread’ to connect them with Yoga’s most ancient lineage. B.K.S. Iyengar‘s book from 1967 ‘Light on Yoga’ was the first of its kind to be published and widely read in the West. His student and good friend, the violinist Yehudi Menuhin, promoted it.

B.K.S. Iyengar found the meaning of the Yoga sutras through his practical search and regular Yoga practice until his death at 95 (he passed away in August 2014). Thus, he has helped all experience the wisdom of the Yoga sutras and the many benefits of Hatha Yoga (‘the yoga of effort’). His teaching Style has been named ‘Iyengar Yoga’ and is now followed by certified teachers worldwide.

B.K.S. Iyengar

B.K.S. Iyengar

Iyengar Yoga FAQs

Iyengar yoga is a precise, alignment-focused form of Hatha yoga developed by B.K.S. Iyengar. It emphasises correct body positioning in each pose, uses props like blocks and belts to help students of all abilities, and follows a methodical progression from basic to more advanced postures. It’s the most widely practised form of yoga in the world.

Unlike flow-based styles such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga, Iyengar yoga holds poses for longer to develop strength, stability and body awareness. Teachers undergo rigorous multi-year training (not the 200-hour courses common elsewhere), and there’s a strong emphasis on safety and adapting poses to individual bodies. Props are used extensively, making it accessible to people with injuries or limited mobility.

Yes, it’s one of the best styles for beginners because of its focus on precise instruction and gradual progression. You’ll learn the foundations properly, which helps prevent injury and builds a strong base for your practice. The use of props means you can work at your own level regardless of flexibility.

Regular practice can improve posture, flexibility, strength and balance. It’s particularly effective for relieving back pain, reducing stress, improving breathing, and managing chronic conditions. Because poses are held with attention to alignment, many people find it helps with body awareness and mental focus too.

Yes, it’s widely recommended for back pain because of its emphasis on alignment and its therapeutic approach. Poses can be adapted using props to support the spine safely, and a qualified teacher can tailor the practice to address specific issues. Many students come to Iyengar yoga specifically for back problems.

Classes typically begin with a moment of stillness to settle the mind, followed by warm-up poses and a sequence of standing, seated, twisting or inverted postures depending on the focus of that session. Breathing awareness runs throughout, with more formal breathwork (pranayama) introduced as you progress. Classes end with relaxation.

Look for the official Iyengar yoga certification mark on their website. Certified teachers have completed years of rigorous training and ongoing assessment — unlike many yoga qualifications, not everyone passes. Be cautious of teachers who say they’ve been “influenced by” the method, as this doesn’t mean they hold the qualification.

I teach private sessions in Hove on New Church Road, and can also travel to students in Brighton and the surrounding area. Private sessions are ideal if you’re new to the method and want personalised instruction, or if you have specific health concerns. I also offer online sessions. Email [email protected] to book.

Iyengar yoga is a different yoga than I was used to, however I loved it from the start and think it’s very addictive! How I would describe Iyengar Yoga: it is all the yoga you have ever done or been taught, corrected into the right position …

Dionne Heasman

Anna is just the best #Iyengar #yoga instructor. She has taught me one-to-one yoga, which is so fantastic because you get her undivided attention. When I owned a business Anna hosted a weekly yoga class for my staff after work.

Tanya, North London

Anna is a brilliant Iyengar yoga teacher. I find her classes to be stimulating …hard work sometimes… but I always feel good for going along and getting stuck in! In a typical class, there is always a mixed bag of people with different …

Bev Appleby

I had been practising yoga for 10 years before I met Anna. I realised through Anna’s teaching that I had never been assessed properly before, no-one understood the problems I have with such a stiff and inflexible body and short tight …

Susan Baxter