Improve Alignment and Technique with Chair-Supported Standing Poses Standing poses are a foundation of yoga practice – known for developing strength, stability, and postural awareness. In this sequence, however, we take a fresh look at this classic asana group by introducing the support of a yoga chair. The chair is not used passively to reduce effort, but actively, as a …
Tight hamstrings are one of the most common challenges faced by yoga practitioners—particularly in forward bends and poses that require coordinated action between the legs, pelvis, and spine. In Iyengar Yoga, this issue is addressed methodically, using props and sequencing to safely improve flexibility while maintaining spinal integrity. Hamstring tightness can limit access to key asanas, contribute to postural imbalances, …
A carefully structured sequence of yoga poses for sciatica designed to decompress the lower back, release the piriformis, and bring relief from sciatic nerve pain. What is Sciatica? Sciatica is a condition caused by pressure or irritation of the sciatic nerve – the longest nerve in the body – as it exits the lower spine or passes through the pelvis. …
Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose) is a foundational standing pose that develops stability, strength, and mobility. From a wide-legged lunge, the front knee bends directly above the ankle while the torso extends laterally over the front thigh. One arm reaches toward the floor while the other stretches upward or overhead. Practising Parsvakonasana systematically improves hip opening, spinal rotation, balance, and …
Viparita Karani, commonly known as Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose, is a deeply calming restorative inversion. Practiced regularly, it can relieve fatigue, calm the nervous system, reduce swelling in the legs, and support healthy circulation. In this Viparita Karani tutorial, we’ll guide you through three key variations of Viparita Karani—ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced—with a free instructional video and detailed images to support …
Shoulderstand—known in Sanskrit as Salamba Sarvangasana—is one of the most revered and beneficial inversions in yoga. This pose involves balancing on the shoulders with the legs extended vertically and the hands supporting the back. In the Iyengar tradition, it is often referred to as the “mother” of all asanas. Yet despite its many benefits, Shoulderstand requires thoughtful preparation, intelligent prop …
Why Practice Iyengar Yoga Chair Twists? This Iyengar Yoga class explores the realigning and back-releasing benefits of chair-supported twisting poses through a structured, accessible sequence. It’s ideal for anyone seeking to improve spinal mobility, relieve back tension, and develop a clearer understanding of supported chair yoga twists. The sequence begins with standing twists using a chair for support, including variations …
For yoga practitioners, cultivating a consistent, varied, and progressive practice is key to unlocking its full benefits. Yoga Selection recognises the importance of these elements, offering an ever-growing library of 800+ online Iyengar Yoga classes designed to support intermediate and advanced practitioners. Since 2016, two new classes have been added each week, covering all the main asana groups and a …
Yoga props are essential tools that can significantly enhance your yoga practice, offering support, deepening your experience of each pose, and allowing you to explore new dimensions within your body. While they’re often introduced to beginners, props are invaluable for practitioners of all levels, providing opportunities for more precise alignment, greater flexibility, and safer progression in challenging asanas. In this …
What Are Iyengar Yoga Standing Poses? In Iyengar Yoga, standing poses are foundational asanas that emphasise balance, strength, alignment, and body awareness. These poses focus on grounding through the feet while building stability and mobility in the legs, hips, spine, and shoulders. They serve as the starting point for most yoga practices and are essential for improving posture and preparing …