What distinguishes Iyengar Yoga is the very high degree of attention paid to alignment. Props may be used to increase awareness and to make the poses accessible. Sometimes, we hold the poses longer than students might be used to in a flow-style class. There is an emphasis on movement, but then learning how to calmly abide in the body.
Props will always be available in an Iyengar Yoga class but will not always be necessary. They are not there to complicate the practice but to simplify it and make it accessible to all. In a beginners’ class, it is always good to be guided by the teacher when it comes to props. An experienced teacher is able to advise each individual about how and when to use props.
In a word - everybody! It is a both suitable for beginners and intermediate/advanced students. It was designed by Late Shri B.K.S Iyengar in a way that each and every one can reap benefits of Yoga in spite of whatever physical difficulty they might be facing.