Vinyasa Yoga

Yoga Talk: What is Vinyasa Yoga?

Vinyasa yoga is a way to develop a meditative state of mind and state of spirit through movement, making Vinyasa appealing to a lot of people who are used to a lot of yoga movements or those people who thrive on a lot of movements. People get the yoga benefit through Vinyasa; the body and mind benefit. Vinyasa yoga can be defined simply as a technique in yoga where yoga is characterized by linking breath with flowing movement.

Sun Salutation and Vinyasa Yoga

One hallmark of Vinyasa yoga is the “sun salutation.” This is exemplified by a series of movements that take place in a lot of sequences such as the Chaturanga or low plank, upward facing dog, and downward facing dog. It builds upper body strength and flexibility. From the increasing strength over a repetitive Vinyasa flow, it allows individuals to develop deeper and more challenging balance.

Why Recommend Vinyasa Yoga?

Vinyasa is highly recommended for those who are fresh starters of yoga because Vinyasa offers a slow build-up of the different yoga movements that enable the body to warm up and better respond and adjust to the physical postures. Before directly going to Vinyasa, it is recommended going through Hatha or yoga basic classes first, to help build up the foundation of Vinyasa. As you become more familiar with the postures and you become less dependent on alignment cues, you can then work your way into a Vinyasa class. In Vinyasa, there are a lot of movements that you frequently assume such as the downward dog.

What is the Basis of Vinyasa Yoga?

Ashtanga is the basis of Vinyasa practice and there are at least 54 poses. There are numerous sun salute poses done in a complete practice. The basis of Ashtanga within Vinyasa, focuses on breathing by keeping it full, extending your spine and using your breath for spinal extension and relaxation. The process of relaxing and extending is repeated during an Ashtanga class. Vinyasa gives you an opportunity to focus your mind as you flow from one pose to another, accomplishing various poses.

The Philosophy of Vinyasa Yoga

As you become more aware of your body, your breath, where you are in space, and how you meet the challenges of bodily postures, you carry the discipline and relaxation with you, allowing you to gain a virtue of patience and hard work embodied in a peaceful and serene mind.

Why Share the Practice of Vinyasa?

Many Vinyasa instructors have been sharing Vinyasa to spark the same passion to students and satisfy their individual motives, whether they want to become stronger or be more relaxed. Strength and flexibility can be achieved through Vinyasa along with a healthier respiration. Healing from injuries is also known to be facilitated by Vinyasa yoga.