Vinyasa Yoga Flow

The word “yoga” means “union”. Yoga aligns the mind with the body, creating both physical and emotional benefits.

Hatha Yoga is based on working with the life force, prana. In Sanskrit “ha” means “sun,” and “tha” means “moon,” thus Hatha Yoga practices are designed to unite and balance these opposite energies in our bodies.

However, the literal translation of Hatha is “force”, and physical yoga that is primarily focused on mastery of the body is Hatha Yoga. This is the tradition most known to the Western culture.

Vinyasa style yoga is the Hatha Yoga flow. This is a dynamic and flowing form of yoga that emphasizes the coordination of movement with breath.

• Breath and Movement Synchronization: In Vinyasa yoga, instead of holding still in poses, we flow between poses in continuous movement, synchronizing movement with breath, creating a seamless flow.
• Fluid Transitions: In Vinyasa yoga, we move through a sequence of poses with fluid transitions. The practice is characterized by continuous movement, which helps build heat in the body, increase flexibility, and release deep stored emotions.
• Core Strength: Vinyasa sequences incorporate core-strengthening exercises and poses. These strengthen the abdominal muscles and provide stability in various postures.
• Build Endurance: Quite often Vinyasa yoga is taught in a strong athletic way, increasing heart and breathing rate, and can help improve cardiovascular health.
• Variety of Poses: Vinyasa sequences can include a wide range of yoga poses – standing and balancing poses, inversions and backbends. My yoga classes include variations to suit students of different levels, making it suitable to beginners and experienced practitioners.
• Balance and Flexibility: Vinyasa yoga challenges balance and flexibility as we flow through a variety of poses. The practice can help improve physical strength, balance and mental focus.
• Mindfulness:  Vinyasa yoga encourages staying in the present moment, connecting with physical sensations and emotions, cultivating a meditative aspect to the practice.
• Releasing Stress and Improving Sleep: Moving mindfully from one pose to another helps us synchronize breath with the movement, making this style of yoga a moving meditation and creating a calming restorative effect. This variation of calming practice can be helpful for people struggling with anxiety and depression.