Many people are confused about What is Vinyasa Yoga in precise terms. Simply put, Vinyasa yoga is a term used to cover a broad range of different types of yoga.
Vinyasa is also called flow yoga because it directly focuses on “breath-synchronized movement.” What this means is your yoga instructor will teach you to move from one posture or pose to the next and inhale or exhale while completing the transition as well as the movements themselves. This technique allows the smooth transition through the way that the poses run together and become like a dance. Each movement in the series of Vinyasa is completed on an inhalation or an exhalation.
The different types of Vinyasa Yoga.
These are types of yoga that are associated with Vinyasa because they use inhalation and exhalation during practice:
- Anusara
- Ashtanga
- Bikram/Hot Yoga
- Jivamukti
- Kundalini
- Power Yoga
What you should expect from a Vinyasa Yoga Class.
A Vinyasa yoga class offers a lot of variety, but will include Sun Salutations in most classes. If you are not sure how to do Sun Salutations just watch and go with the flow of the class, you will know what to do next time. You can expect to do movement, not just slow stretching. What else the class will include can vary greatly on the individual instructor but know inclusions are movement (either slow or faster paced) chanting, correct body alignment and meditation exercises at the end. Some very popular Vinyasa yoga styles include Ashtanga and Power Yoga which are more challenging but are likely to be listed in a class schedule by their names.
Is Vinyasa Yoga right for You?
Vinyasa yoga’s strength’s lie is in its diversity and adaptability. Many yoga instructors teach Vinyasa forms as there is no single philosophy, structured rules, or sequence of poses that must be followed. This allows for a lot of room for the instructors individual personalities to shine through. This can be a benefit or a hindrance and it is best for you to find a teacher you enjoy learning from and is someone you can relate to. Don’t give up if your first Vinyasa class doesn’t quite meet your expectations. Try a different instructor. If you enjoy having things a little unpredictable, different and like to move, Vinyasa Yoga is probably right for you.
Yoga and Pilates Tips hope you have enjoyed our description of What is Vinyasa Yoga.
I think, of all the yoga styles you have covered so far, Bev, Vinyasa Yoga sounds like the one I am most attracted to. I get bored with the same thing over and over and it sounds to me like Vinyasa as instructed by the right teacher, would give sufficient variety to keep me interested over time.
Wal Heinrich´s last [type] ..Cheapest Granny Flats In Australia
Thank you for your post on Yoga.
It has been a timely reminder to yes, stop and smell the roses and to appreciate the power of meditation too. We have a beautiful buddist centre close by where I have discovered the beauty of Yoga and meditation.
This is something that I recommend to everyone.
Much Gratitude.
Hi Bev,
I like Yoga and loved reading about Vinyasa Yoga. I became relaxed just by the reading reading..would you believe? I get so much benefit from the Sun Solutions movement whenever I practice it. They are very invigorating movements. Vinyasa Yoga classes is something I will want to join in the not too distant future and when I have the opportunity to do so.
Thank-you Bev, for the wonderful experience here.
Thanks for your comment Wal.
Yoga is all about finding the type that is right for you. I also get sick of a repetitive types of exercise, but it is usually the case that most Yoga instructors know this and will mix things up to keep it fresh. Perhaps it is worth asking an instructor how they structure their classes, before your join, to make sure you get the best experience.
Thanks for your comment Jill,
I’m glad you enjoyed my post. There will be plenty more to follow …. so stay tuned!!
Hello Bev,
Although Yoga is not “my thing”, I found your article very interesting. I noted your ads for Pilates . Do you have a post on this.
Doctor Bill
Thanks for your comment Dr Bill,
Thank you for your interest and your question. In response, I will be including a whole series of articles about Pilates. The Pilates articles are currently in development as as this site is only a couple of weeks old it is still early days. I am planning to have a a couple of pilates articles available by the end of next week. Might I suggests that you bookmark or subscribe to Yoga and Pilates Tips for regular updates.
Thank you Cherie for your comment.
I agree it is vitally important to stop and make time to notice and enjoy the little things in life. Modern life does run at a hectic pace, there is always plenty to do, but it is important to take some time each day to listen to our bodies and be active in our response. A good way to do this is through meditation. There are articles planned in the near future to explore the benefits and how to apply simple meditation techniques as I believe that Yoga, Pilates and Meditation all go hand in hand.