Vinyasa Yoga Definition

Vinyasa yoga is one of the most commonly practiced styles in the west today. Vinyasa Yoga is a system of yoga that emphasizes the connection between movement and breath. Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic system composed of a specifically designed series of postures that emphasizes strength and flexibility, while working to focus and calm the mind. It is especially well suited for active people that are looking for a workout.

Vinyasa yoga is a term that covers a broad range of yoga classes. The word Vinyasa means “breath-synchronized movement.” In other words, the teacher will instruct you to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale. This technique is sometimes also called Vinyasa Flow yoga, or just Flow because of the smooth way that the poses run together and become like a dance.

Vinyasa Yoga Style

This style of yoga is characterized by a focus on dynamic connecting posture, that creates a flow between the more static traditional yoga postures Vinyasa translates as linking and the system also implies the linking of the movement to the breath. Essentially the breath dictates the movement and the lenghth of time held in the postures. Attention is placed on the journey between the postures not just the postures themselves. The whole practice is defined by specific series of postures, combined with specific breathing patterns.

Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa Flow Yoga purpose

The purpose of vinyasa flow yoga is to create heat in the body, which leads to purification of the body through increased circulation and sweating, a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind. It also improves flexibility, as well as tendon and hard tissue strength, allowing the student to practice advanced asanas with reduced risk of injury.

Vinyasa’s strength is in its diversity. There is no single philosophy, or sequence that teachers must follow, so there is a lot of room for individual personalities and quirks to come through. Vinyasa flow classes are difficult to predict. Flow classes will vary greatly from teacher to teacher. This makes it essential that you find a teacher you enjoy and can relate to. Feel free to contact Monica and discuss details

Vinyasa flow yoga is what is most frequently taught in gyms and in many “serious” yoga studios, especially those on the coasts and in major cities.

In summary, in Vinyasa Flow Yoga each pose flows fluidly and dynamically into the next pose, emphasis is given to standing sequences, it is a vigorous workout and that's why a reasonable level of fitness is required.