Iyengar yoga

noun

Iyen·​gar yoga ī-ˈyeŋ-gər- 

variants or less commonly iyengar yoga

: a system of yoga (see yoga sense 2) emphasizing precision of body position in each asana posture and often using assistive props (such as rectangular blocks or cloth straps) to increase stability, flexibility, and alignment

Strict adherence to form is very important in Iyengar yoga to achieve long-term health benefits and prevent injury when performing the postures.

—Nancy Dale

an Iyengar yoga class/instructor

Word History

Etymology

after B.K.S. Iyengar (Bellūru Kṛṣṇamācār Sundararāja Ayyaṅgār) †2014 Indian teacher and author who developed the system

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above