Vinyasa Yoga, also known as “flow yoga,” is one of the most popular styles of yoga practiced today. In Vinyasa, you move smoothly through a series of asanas (poses) in an uninterrupted sequence. Each of your movements will be closely linked with your breath.
In Vinyasa Yoga, the pace and intensity can vary greatly depending on your teacher. This variety is one of the most exciting things about this style, and you can learn something new about yourself and your practice every time you take to the mat.
If you’re looking for a style of yoga that offers mental and physical benefits, our Vinyasa Yoga classes are a great choice. During class, you may experience:
Your Vinyasa Yoga class is designed to progressively build upon sequences that encourage deep stretches and a strong connection to your breath. Your class may challenge your flexibility, strength, or stability and will lead you through a range of twists, inversions, and core-strengthening poses, all linked with breathwork.
Once the pace has heated up, and you have reached your peak pose, your teacher will guide you back down through some cooling postures.
Because Vinyasa Yoga is a high-energy, dynamic practice, it promotes full-body health and fitness and stimulates your cardiovascular system.
Moving through a sequence of twists, backbends, and balancing poses will improve your stability and core strength. Of course, Vinyasa Yoga benefits more than just your physical body.
Studies have shown that practicing Vinyasa Yoga can reduce stress and improve sleep, and may lower cholesterol.
Try a complimentary Vinyasa Yoga class with one of our teachers to discover the benefits today.
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Our styles of yoga
Explore other styles of yoga to balance out your practice:
You may be wondering: “What is Vinyasa Yoga, exactly?” and that’s understandable. Many styles of yoga are similar and it can take some time to understand the differences. Let’s break down the differences between three popular styles of yoga: Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Hatha.
Ashtanga Yoga is often referred to as “power yoga.” It is very similar to Vinyasa, except Ashtanga follows the same sequence of poses in the same order every time. Vinyasa, on the other hand, gives you much more freedom and flexibility in flow sequences.
Both Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga include a Sun Salutation sequence (Chaturanga to Upward-Facing Dog to Downward-Facing Dog), but Vinyasa can incorporate a large variety of other asanas as well.
Hatha Yoga is practiced at a much slower pace than both Vinyasa and Ashtanga, with more emphasis on stretching and breathwork. You can expect to hold each pose for longer during a Hatha Yoga class.
Vinyasa Yoga is great for most yoga practitioners. In particular, Vinyasa Yoga benefits anyone who finds it hard to relax or enjoys working up a sweat during their practice.
That said, if you are recovering from an injury, have underlying health conditions, or are just easing back into a workout routine, you should check with your doctor to make sure that Vinyasa Yoga is right for you.
If Vinyasa Yoga is a bit too fast-paced for you right now, you could benefit from other yoga styles like Yin Yoga or Yoga Nidra.
The origins of Vinyasa Yoga lie in Ashtanga Yoga, which can be traced back to around 200 B.C. In the mid-1900s, a yogi named Sri Krishnamacharya decided that the movements between each Ashtanga asana should be considered just as important as the postures themselves.
Thus, the new style of Vinyasa was born, to keep consistent deep breathing and body consciousness throughout the practice. Over time, the sequences became more fluid and varied, but the focus on breathwork and fluid movement remained the same.
Yes, your breath matters a lot in Vinyasa Yoga! Your teacher will sync each movement in your flow with your breath. Your breath will be what joins your mind and body during your practice, helping you go deeper into poses and improve your focus and inward connection.
If your breathing becomes labored, or you discover yourself holding your breath, it’s your clue to slow down, listen to your body, and refocus. You can always take a Child’s Pose or Downward Dog to regain your balance and catch your breath. After a few breaths, you can decide to continue the salutation or wait until the next one to begin again.