The Yoga Wall

History & Evolution 
of the

YOGA WALL

​

Based on BKS Iyengar’s principles of alignment, ‘the wall’ is used as a prop to deepen asana by opening and creating space in the body using therapeutic techniques. (Inversions in our advanced classes). The original “Yoga Wall” took on the form of ropes attached to wall hooks, designed by Iyengar, which has blessed humanity for decades. As years passed, the Yoga Wall evolved, and introduced new systems of adjustable straps to accommodate body-types of all sorts. In the early 1980’s, the newest system was designed (due to a foot injury on an older system’s wall hooks) by Kedric Wolfe; he knew there had to be a “better way” to use the wall, with simple versatility.

Benefits of the YOGA WALL

In this unique practice, gravity can be appreciated and utilized as a natural form of resistance, which can help students develop strong core muscles.

The YOGA WALL:

• Can help improve overall flexibility and mobility in the joints and spine

• Builds strength in both the large and small muscle groups

• Aides in the ability to access various muscle groups in poses they are not yet able to achieve on the mat

• Offers many therapeutic benefits helping individuals heal from athletic injuries, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and Sciatica

• Can be used as a work-out tool to aid competitive athletes in cross-training and preparation for competitions

• Allows one to do hundreds of poses

• Can help students work through fear and build confidence so that they are able to take what they’ve learned on the Wall to their mats and into their daily lives

• Uses specific postures and positioning, movement and breath, awareness to open the joints, connective tissue and joints

• Allows standing postures, forward and back bends, twists and inversions

• Helps us feel great after doing yoga, because it is a balanced physical practice designed to open the spine in every direction

It is said in Yoga, that “You are only as old as your spine.” Thus, as long as you have a healthy and flexible spine, your ability to participate in life is endless! To open the spine in every direction without compression = hang upside down and practice yoga!