Iyengar Yoga

Peter Scott first discovered Iyengar Yoga while on an extended trip to the USA in the 70s. He fondly remembers his first Iyengar Yoga class –

“It only had 3 people, but it was challenging, supportive, wonderful and weird. Different, in a groovy and soulful way. I was hooked and here we are.”

In the decades since, he has developed into a deeply knowledgeable teacher of Iyengar Yoga, with 40 years of study with the Iyengar family under his belt. His dedication to this practice is further enhanced through his teaching around the world and learning how to best support his students through their own journey.

Peter conducting an Iyengar yoga pose outdoors on a yoga mat near a lake
A woman in a Iyengar yoga pose to the left and beautiful lily flower to the right

Peter is both a student refining his Iyengar Yoga practice and a teacher committed to improving students’ skills through self-observation and perseverance, Peter is certified as one of the top 50 Senior Iyengar teachers in the world.

As a respected pioneer in teaching Iyengar style yoga to folks all over the world, Peter now offers online Iyengar yoga classes. His ability to support and engage students transcends the screen, allowing students to commit to their yoga practice with experienced and compassionate guidance throughout the process.

Peter stretching his arms and rib cage towards the sun

The difference

How is Iyengar Yoga different?

There are a few main things that set Iyengar Yoga apart: alignment, sequencing, timing, and the use of props.

The Iyengar method of yoga is based on the eight limbs of yoga as taught by Patanjali over two millennia ago, but further refined by Yogacharya BKS Iyengar almost 80 years ago.

He is credited as being a pioneer in bringing yoga to the West, and continued to play an important role in yoga internationally till his passing in 2014.

“Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.”
– BKS Iyengar

BKS Iyengar believed that yoga has a transformative effect when done with intention and purpose.

Iyengar Yoga is an approach that focuses on stability and strength for the mind and body through the use of simple props including blocks, straps, and bolsters. These props help students engage more deeply with each asana.

When learning Iyengar Yoga, detailed instructions and practical guidance are imperative. Having a yoga instructor like Peter Scott, who has a compassionate and patient approach to teaching, will go a long way in helping you understand the function of each asana, and develop a deeper awareness of your own abilities

Another thing that sets Iyengar Yoga apart is that little emphasis is placed on speed – it’s far more important to focus on precision in each asana, and maintaining it. Mastery of each pose requires time and patience, and so each student is always encouraged to develop at their own pace. For this reason also, this style of yoga is open to people of all abilities, allowing them to work around injuries and limitations instead of against them.

What is Iyengar Yoga good for?

Beginners prefer the slower pace
One of the main reasons people choose to learn Iyengar Yoga is it’s slow pace. There’s no jumping from pose to pose, which makes Iyengar Yoga suitable for beginners and others who prefer a slower pace for their yoga practice.

Prioritises balance and strength
In Iyengar Yoga classes, you can expect a greater focus on achieving balance and proper alignment in your poses. More importantly, you will develop strength and stamina through holding these poses.

There’s greater focus on mastering poses
Unlike other approaches like Ashtanga yoga, Iyengar is not concerned with “flow” or vinyasa. Instead, a class will generally focus on one main asana or pose, while using other related poses to warm up and prepare the body for achieving that pose beforehand.

HOW TO DO IYENGAR YOGA?

An Iyengar Yoga class works within your abilities, so having detailed instructions is a large part of the process. Having an experienced Iyengar Yoga teacher like Peter Scott is vital to your practice of Iyengar Yoga.

Peter’s classes are designed to help you build strength, stability, and stamina one pose at a time. There’s no rush to change from one asana to the next – instead, you will be given practical guidance which focuses on adjustments that will help you perfect each pose.

Each Iyengar Yoga class is different, but in general will involve a set of poses that will each help you understand the structure of simpler asanas before moving on to more complex and challenging poses. Peter takes his time to work with each individual student to help them break through any limits, so they can approach each asana with confidence and purpose.

Communication is key, particularly in Iyengar Yoga. In each lesson with Peter, you can expect constant feedback and insight that will help you overcome any obstacles or difficulties.

Iyengar Yoga classes – whether in an individual or group setting – is an incredibly rewarding experience, with many students feeling rejuvenated and strengthened each time.

Peter performing Iyengar Yoga class for students and teachers to learn online

Online Iyengar Yoga

Peter has taught Iyengar Yoga to students all over the world, and is recognised for his ability to understand each individual’s requirements and encourage them to their fullest potential.

Through his experience in teaching Iyengar Yoga internationally, Peter has discovered that this method of yoga works especially well with students who seek to understand yoga more deeply and have a desire to discover and overcome their limitations.

“Yoga allows you to find a new kind of freedom that you may not have known even existed.”
– B.K.S. Iyengar

Peter balancing himself on a yoga class chair on a yoga mat

While studio Iyengar Yoga is the most popular way for students to learn this type of yoga, recent events have shown that there will be circumstances where that is not possible. Peter no longer wants to limit his teaching to in-person sessions, and is now teaching students how to do Iyengar Yoga at home.

This method of teaching allows Iyengar Yoga to transform more lives than ever before, with yoga students from the world over learning the techniques and improving their skills with Peter’s guidance and expertise.

Whether you opt for group sessions or personal sessions, Peter is among the best online Iyengar Yoga teachers you can find. His decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of Iyengar Yoga allows him to impart knowledge to a level that is unparalleled.