Vinyasa, a Sanskrit word meaning breath synchronized movement, is a form of yoga where movements flow seamlessly from one to another in conjunction with a person’s breathing. In a Vinyasa yoga class you will be asked to move into a pose as you inhale and to move to the next pose as you exhale.
Another name for Vinyasa yoga is Vinyasa Flow. The addition of the term flow is descriptive of the way Vinyasa yoga poses flow one to another as you breathe. In Vinyasa or Vinyasa Flow yoga each pose smoothly transfers into the next pose.
Vinyasa yoga can trace its origins to the Yoga Korunta, an ancient treatise by the master Vamana Rishi. The current practice of Vinyasa yoga is based on this ancient manuscript and has been adapted by Indian yogi masters to include the poses you will find in current Vinyasa classes.
Modern day Vinyasa yoga is considered to link each breath to your movement to your breathing and induce relaxation along with allowing to you receive the benefits of exercise. Your breath will determine how long each pose is held. The flow between poses places importance on the pose itself and the movement between poses.
An example of a Vinyasa yoga pose is the Cat Stretch. This pose requires you to arch your back, (like a cat), as you breathe in and deflate on the exhale. As you complete this pose it will seem to be one flowing and continuous movement.
A Vinyasa Class
You will find that many yoga centers offer Vinyasa yoga classes. Vinyasa yoga classes focus on poses that allow you to breathe in and exhale as you alternate from one movement to another. Sun Salutation movements work well in Vinyasa yoga because each movement in the Sun Salutation series is done while you inhale or exhale.
A standard Vinyasa class will focus on six poses, from the Sun Salutation, and they will be done in a specific order determined by the teacher. The purpose of the poses, movement, and breathing is to use your body’s metabolism to create heat. The heat created during Vinyasa yoga will increase your circulation and cause you to sweat, both of which purify your body of toxins.
A basic Vinyasa class will open with ten Sun Salutations and the associated poses. This opening sequence is followed by poses determined by your skill level. Next you will complete a sequence that utilizes your back muscles, such as the Cat Stretch, which is followed by the ending sequence.
Vinyasa yoga is very diverse and flexible. There is no set structure for a Vinyasa session and teachers have the option to include the poses they think work best with different breathing techniques. When looking for a Vinyasa class you will want to find one that includes movements and instruction that is pleasing to you. Look for a teacher who you feel is experienced and you will be able to develop an excellent relationship with. Vinyasa is the perfect choice of yoga for someone looking for variety in their yoga sessions.
