All You Need to Know About Vinyasa Yoga

 

The Sanskrit word Vinyasa comes from a prefix vi, which means variation, and a suffix, nyasa, which means ‘within prescribed parameters’. The terms Vinyasa is also synonymous with Continuity, Seamlessness, Rhythm, Evolution and Connected Movement.

In essence Vinyasa Yoga can be looked at as a dance of the body, choreographed with asanas and movements that come naturally to the body, all interlinked with our breath. The breath is a crucial component in Vinyasa flow yoga. It is responsible for the extent to which one can take their movements safely and transition to the next without breaking that flow.

The transitions are responsible for connecting one posture to another, weaving a pattern of flow that is native to one self. Many are stifled by the fact that these transitions are often postures in themselves but that is the dance one is a part of while performing Vinyasa. To get better at Vinyasa flow yoga one must be comfortable with these transition movements.

The popular technique of breathing used here is the Ujjayi Breath. This breathing technique is in most harmony with Vinyasa yoga. Fundamentally, it is done by inhaling in the former portion of the movement and exhaling in the latter part through the nose, with all the focus aimed at the transition and acknowledging an overall sensation of relaxation, done consciously.

Vinyasa incorporates many families or classes of movements into a single session consisting of standing postures, forward bends, inverted movements and many more. It is great for building strength and cardiovascular health alongside increasing overall flexibility.

No matter which level of fitness you are on, you can always practice Vinyasa as a way to break the norm and give your body some unexpected resistance to build extra strength, endurance and focus.