Vinyasa Yoga

There are many different forms of yoga, and in this article, we will be taking a closer look at Vinyasa yoga, also referred to as flow yoga.

What is Vinyasa Yoga?

Vinyasa yoga is an active and dynamic form of yoga, where the main focus is on coordinating the breathing with the transitions between poses (asanas). In Vinyasa yoga, you flow rhythmically from one pose to the next as you inhale and exhale. The speed can be fast or slow, depending on the style of the particular class you attend. It is, however, usually more fast-paced than other styles of yoga.

Vinyasa yoga is similar to Ashtanga yoga, where sequences are carried out in a fixed order. The main difference between Vinyasa yoga and Ashtanga yoga is that the sequences must be carried out in a fixed order in Ashtanga yoga, while Vinyasa yoga allows for more creativity and diversity.

What can you expect during a Vinyasa Yoga class?

A Vinyasa yoga class is likely to be physically challenging and will likely cause you to break a sweat. You will usually start with some easier movements to warm up, then build up to the more challenging movements, and then do more relaxing movements towards the end of the class.

Sun salutations almost always form part of a Vinyasa yoga class. The order of the asanas in the sun salutation may vary from class to class, in line with the diverse nature of this style of yoga.

You may notice that the instructor places more emphasis on the transitions from one asana to the next, instead of on the poses themselves. This is because coordinated breathing is one of the most important elements of Vinyasa yoga.

Some classes may focus on strengthening the whole body, while others may focus on specific body parts.

Good to know: You don’t need any special equipment for Vinyasa yoga. A yoga mat, comfortable clothes, and a yoga towel are usually sufficient.

Who is Vinyasa Yoga suitable for?

Vinyasa yoga is a good choice if you are looking for a more active and energetic yoga class with plenty of movement. It is also a good option if you enjoy variety in your yoga practice and don’t want to do the same sequences over and over in the same order.

While some Vinyasa classes may be designed for beginners, it may be better to try this type of class once you are already familiar with some of the asanas. Vinyasa yoga requires you to transition smoothly from one pose to the next as you coordinate the movements with your breath, which may be a bit too challenging if you haven’t already learned the poses themselves.

Are you a beginner and do you want to learn the asanas first? Consider trying out a Hatha yoga class.

What are the benefits of Vinyasa Yoga?

Vinyasa yoga is great for your physical and mental health. The benefits of this style of yoga include the following:

• Improved strength and flexibility.
• Better endurance.
• Improved focus. Due to the dynamic nature of Vinyasa yoga, you have to stay focused to keep up with the changing sequences and to keep your breath coordinated with your movements.
• Greater awareness of your breathing, with a deeper sense of calm and inner peace as a result.
• Improved circulation, leading to a healthy glow and the elimination of toxins from the body.

Does Vinyasa yoga sound like something you would enjoy? And would you like to experience the benefits for yourself? Click here to find out how you can join a class with us.