Twisting vs. Revolving: What’s the Difference?
In yoga, we often hear “twist” and “revolve” used as if they mean the same thing. But in Iyengar Yoga, there’s a meaningful difference—and once you feel it, you’ll start to see your practice differently.
Twisting can sound like just cranking your body around—maybe turning from your shoulders or neck without much thought to what’s happening below. But in Iyengar Yoga, revolving is something more intentional, more organized, and more effective.
Instead of just “going for it,” a revolved pose builds from the ground up. Your foundation is firm, your legs are steady, and your spine lengthens first. Only then do you begin to rotate—gradually, from the deepest parts of the body.
It’s not about pushing harder. It’s about making space so the movement can come from a place of balance and awareness.
Revolved poses teach us patience. There are no shortcuts. You learn to slow down, pay attention, and work from the base of the pose. That process of learning how to move well—without rushing or forcing—is what helps you build both precision and clarity.
And just like on the mat, these small shifts in how we approach something can change everything.
If you’re curious to experience this for yourself, join us in class. We’ll guide you through the work of revolving—step by step—with support and insight along the way.