Vinyasa Yoga is one of the most versatile and exciting forms of yoga. It ranks among the highest viewed of Yoga videos. People around the world are clamoring to participate in this exciting form of yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga is the most fun yoga and one of the most in-demand types of yoga because of its versatility, benefits, and pace. This type of yoga leaves room for a lot of personalization and differing experiences. It also has many benefits that other types of yoga simply do not have.
In this article, you will learn what exactly Vinyasa is and how it compares to other types of yoga. You will also get some background on the benefits of vinyasa and how teacher styles might vary from class to class.
What is Vinayasa?
Vinyasa yoga is also known as flow yoga because you are meant to flow through postures. It is also sometimes called Ashtanga. Vinyasa focuses on connecting breath with movement. It is not a series of static poses but rather a conscious choice of breath paired with a particular movement or exercise.
There are a few basic poses and movements that most teachers stick to: plank, chaturanga, and downward-facing dog. Sometimes the movement of these three poses is call vinyasa.
You will also find yourself in multiple variations of the warrior pose, chair pose, and more.
It requires a hyper focus on your own breathing as well as the movement of your body. It is a difficult practice to get bored with because of the focus and intention it requires.
What makes it so exciting?
Vinyasa is so fun because it is one of the most athletic types of yoga. You are directed to move through your poses quickly, although pace may depend on the teacher in the room.
While you may feel the poses themselves stretching your muscles and joints, they are also mean to build strength. This is more of a workout than the other types of yoga. You may feel sore after one class, but you will definitely come back for more. It quickens your heart rate and creates a fire in your core as you move and build strength.
Yoga itself has many benefits ranging from mindfulness, better posture, increased flexibility, and more. Vinyasa specifically increases muscle strength, encourages fat loss, and still leaves room for the mind-body connection.
There are multiple theories behind the inception of vinyasa, or flow yoga. Whichever origin story you choose, you can be sure that it has been around for many years. It has been tested by many and has spread across the world. This type of yoga is resonating with people for a reason. Those reasons may include the fact that while this is a form of exercise it also meets the needs of the mind. It requires the yogi to pay close attention to his or her body in order to match the movement with breath but also to avoid any over-extensions.
This focus requires a person to quiet the noise in their mind and listen to their body. This practice can bring so much peace and contentment. It is very helpful in grounding you to the present moment which can sometimes be very difficult in our day to day lives.
How does it compare to other types of yoga?
Other types of yoga certainly have their benefits. For example, Yin Yoga is extremely meditative. It is helpful for relaxation and mindfulness. It can help center your nervous system and calm any stress or anxiety. This type of yoga would be helpful at the end of a stressful or busy week. It can also be beneficial while healing from an injury.
Hatha yoga focuses more on the poses themselves. It can be a lot of fun to twist your body and see what it can do. This type of yoga, though, does not move quickly through these poses and is more static in its nature. Your teacher may direct you into a pose and have you hold it for multiple breaths. He or she might walk around and help students get “deeper” into the pose.
There is also hot yoga. Hot yoga is the progression through 26 poses 2 times. These poses and the progressions never change. The room is set at a high temperature which depends on the teacher. It might be set at 98 degrees, but by the end of class it might crank up to 105 because of the people and the movement in the room.
Yin Yoga is relaxing, and hatha yoga can be interesting. Hot yoga can certainly be challenging. Vinyasa yoga, though, remains the most fun and popular type of yoga. This is because the other types of yoga have a set plan or rulebook. Of course, teachers may push the boundaries a bit, but it is more or less the same yoga despite a different teacher or class.
Vinyasa, on the other hand, is built on the teacher’s perspective and experience. Of course, there are the few poses and flows that resurface, but the order and pacing is unique to the teacher.
You could go to two vinyasa classes at the same yoga center taught by two different teachers and have two very different experiences. This is what makes it so exciting.
Not only is there room for personal taste and style, but it is more of a flow. Other types of yoga direct you from one pose to another which is great, but in Vinyasa you are constantly moving. There is little down time. You might sit in a posture or a pose for a beat, but this is usually because it is a challenging or strengthening pose.
When you can get your breath well-aligned with your movement, it creates a centered, balanced, and strong feeling in you.
Benefits of Vinyasa
Beyond Vinyasa being the most fun because of its pace and ability to vary, it also retains some incredible benefits.
According to the National Library of Medicine one of the most obvious benefits is increased flexibility which can result in less aches and pains.
Because Vinyasa yoga is so movement based rather than static poses, it can increase your stamina and endurance. You might see the benefits of this in other exercises or daily activities. Vinyasa yoga promotes strength as well as flexibility which aids in preventing injury in other areas of your life. Your joints also get a workout or a chance to test out boundaries which creates more strength and flexibility in the future.
Who can practice it?
Like most yoga practices, Vinyasa is for all levels. You might find that some classes or teachers push you a bit more, but you are always encouraged to do what is best for you and your body. There might be some flows or poses you need to alter to adjust based on your needs, and you are always welcome to do so. The practice is yours and yours alone.
Even if you are new to working out, exercising, and movement you will be welcomed at a Vinyasa class. If you are anxious about heading into this new territory look up some videos to get you started and more comfortable with the flow.
Teacher Styles
It is always a great idea to look up Yoga classes near you and take a peek at the reviews. Some teachers might be known for moving quickly and pushing the class to challenge themselves. Other teachers might be better for just getting started and providing hands-on support.
Some teachers who want to provide more support may physically help you move through or into poses and movements. If the teacher is going to do this, they will let you know at the beginning of class and give you the option to opt out of being physically helped. There are teachers who will be able to provide helpful variations to the exercises they are moving the class through. This is fantastic and helps to ensure that everyone in the class feels they can participate in some way.
There are also teachers who will explain what they are doing and why they feel that their choice makes the most sense to them. Other teachers will simply direct and coach you without little to no background information.
It all depends on what you are looking for and what you are comfortable with. You may have to give a few different teachers a try before you find the style that you are most comfortable with. Everyone is different, and you might be looking for something different than what your current teacher has to offer. There’s no harm in trying a new one. Other types of yoga serve a purpose and meet a need for a variety of people. They may leave you feeling restored or balanced.
Vinyasa yoga leaves you feeling invincible. It can be an incredibly challenging workout that also helps connect you, your breath, and your body. You will leave the class knowing that you pushed and challenged yourself and your body.
It is a different feeling than a meditative and pose-focused yoga which both have their own litany of benefits.
Whether you are an established yogi or someone just breaking into the Yoga world, you can count on Vinyasa yoga to challenge and excite you.
Frequently Asked Questions
To find a yoga studio near you that fits your needs, you could simply Google “yoga near me,” however the Mindbody website is a great tool. You can set your location, and it will gather studios near you and their pricing. This takes care of a lot of the comparison work.
The best way to know if you are doing this type of yoga is to go to a class near you. You will certainly benefit from the experience of an expert in the room. It would be a good idea to let your instructor know if it is your first time. You could also let them know that you are looking to be taught not simply to participate. You don’t want to waste time or money doing something incorrectly, but remember everyone starts somewhere.
The price of Vinyasa classes can vary. It can depend on what studio you visit and where you live. The Mindbody website is so helpful because it will list prices for you. Your gym membership might even include access to classes. For specialized yoga classes you will find that classes range from $15 to $20 for a single session. Many yoga studios offer free classes to first time attendees; some even offer a free month! Make sure to look for any potential deals or promotions.
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Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a legal expert to address your specific needs.
Meet Shawn Chun: Entrepreneur and Yoga Fan
I’m a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online yoga business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a yoga business owner in public at a studio or anywhere else I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to retain clients, find good employees and keep the business growing all while trying to stay competitive.
That’s why I created Yoga Business Boss: I want to help future yoga business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.