There are numerous yoga styles available to those who are willing to learn. Some yoga styles are standalone, while some combine different styles. So, what is Vinyasa yoga and how it differs from the rest?
Vinyasa is popularly called flow yoga. That is because of the fluid way the yoga poses run together. Because of that, Vinyasa yoga is one of the most popular contemporary styles of yoga. Vinyasa helps with developing a more balanced body thanks to the variable nature of the style.
Even though Vinyasa is one of the most popular yoga styles in the world, its practitioners don't understand it that well.
Let us find out what is Vinyasa yoga and what makes it so popular!
Background of Vinyasa Yoga
This immensely popular style of yoga is essentially a free form variant of a more structured Ashtanga Yoga style. Ashtanga Yoga was developed in the 20th century as a dynamic yoga style. Both styles use a sequence of linked poses called a vinyasa.
So, what is the difference between Ashtanga and Vinyasa? While Ashtanga has a clear structure and set of rules, Vinyasa is a more creative and curious yoga style.
Many different yoga styles get Vinyasa labels these days. What they have in common is that they center on finding your focus during the session rather than on the precision of your movements.
Components of Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa practice can vary depending on the teacher. One thing that doesn't change with Vinyasa is the focus on connecting your movement with breath, an internal concept of yoga. Vinyasa is executed with a deep breathing technique called Ujjayi Pranayama (in Sanskrit).
With the Ujjayi technique, practitioners take deep breaths through the nose to completely fill and empty the lungs. Every movement you make in Vinyasa is coupled with an inhale or exhale. This creates a link between breath and movement that we can call flow. Asanas are occasionally held for a couple of breaths, and Ujjayi is the connection when moving between asanas.
Usually, this yoga style comes in the package with chanting, meditation or music. It incorporates a wide range of poses, such as standing and balancing postures, twists, backbends, inversions, seated poses, and forward folds.
Now, you see that you will get to flow through various types of asanas during the Vinyasa practice. Every session ends with the Corpse Pose (Savasana in Sanskrit), which is great for relaxation after the session.
Another important component of Vinyasa is actually taking a vinyasa. This phrase refers to a sequence of asanas performed between other poses. This keeps a continuous movement flow through the session. A shortened Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskara) can be a vinyasa.
Benefits of Vinyasa Yoga
The continual and nonstop awareness of your breath, while you move through the asanas during the Vinyasa practice, calms your mind and increases focus. This helps with staying present during exercise, but also during real-life situations. Some Vinyasa practitioners have reported that this particular yoga style has helped them stay focused and calm during stressful or make-or-break life situations. Also, there are many reports of improved sleep quality too!
Vinyasa sessions demand more strength and stamina from you. If you want a great workout alternative, this may be the one for you! Generally, Vinyasa yoga practice places less emphasis on the accuracy of your movements. Rather, it focuses on your ability to find your flow, even when in a challenging situation.
Vinyasa benefits also go a far way when it comes to improving your general health. This style promotes persistence and steadiness during the flow of asanas. That builds up your internal health, which greatly helps your body to detox all the negativity out. As the focus of this yoga style is on the fast pace and building your strength and, you will see some positive changes over time on your cardiovascular and respiratory health.
So, now you know what is Vinyasa yoga! It is certainly a fun yoga style that offers diversity and challenge for your mental, physical and spiritual spheres. This yoga style offers unprecedented freedom for you to find your ideal flow. So, go out there, practice, and find your flow with Vinyasa style!
If you choose to practice Vinyasa, we can help you with designing yoga equipment, such as yoga mats, yoga straps and more! Have any other questions or concerns about Vinyasa yoga? Feel free to reach us out through email or live chat.
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