The Institute of Iyengar yoga in Melbourne is based on the traditional approach of eight limbs of yoga. This approach was expounded by Patanjali in his classic treatise, ‘The Yoga Sutras’, which had written over 2500 years ago. This approach of yoga characterizes the practice of asana and pranayama with the innovative approach emphasizing precision and alignment, planned sequencing, timing and the use of props.
Ivanhoe yoga is a great way to work on flexibility and strength. This approach has allowed people of varying ages, levels of health and fitness to enjoy the benefits which a sustained practice can bring – the ability to face the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of contemporary life with strength, vitality, mobility, thoughtfulness and equanimity.
Some types of yoga are about relaxation, some focus on learning poses called asana, while some focus on movements. They usually also incorporate an emphasis on breathing which further helps the individual in relaxing. Yoga poses work by stretching on muscles. They help move better and feel less stiff or tired. When an individual is stronger and more flexible, the posture improves.
Some styles of yoga such as ashtanga and power yoga are very physical. Practising these styles help improve muscle tone. Less vigorous styles of yoga such as Iyengar or Hatha can provide strength and endurance benefits. Many yoga poses help build upper-body strength while the standing poses in particular help build strength in hamstrings, quadriceps, and abs if hold for several long strengths. Some poses also strengthen the lower back.
Some yoga styles use meditation techniques to help calm the mind. Focusing on breathing during yoga makes an individual feel less stressed and more relaxed after practice. For long yoga is known to lower blood pressure and better immune system function. It also slows the heart rate which is beneficial for people with high blood pressure or heart disease.
