What distinguishes Iyengar Yoga from other styles of yoga?

The most distinctive aspect of Iyengar yoga is that it involves very little vinyasa flow (fluid transition from one pose to the next in conjunction with breathing). Instead, poses are held for longer durations while the alignment is perfected. Between poses, students rest in child's pose or corpse pose.

Therefore, Iyengar yoga is not as intense a cardiovascular experience as a more flowing style such as Ashtanga.

Holding the poses, however, is strenuous, builds strength, and is excellent for increasing flexibility.

The absence of vinyasa flow is another reason why the Iyengar method brings yoga within reach of a broad population. It's a great place to start for people who are not physically fit enough to attempt a flowing style practice. This includes people who are ill, elderly, and overweight.