what is vinyasa flow yoga?

Vinyasa Flow Yoga combines structured sequencing of postures with the movement of the breath to create a flowing yoga practice. It promotes muscle tone and flexibility of the joints, increases cardiovascular and respiratory strength while clearing the body of toxins, leaving you feeling calm and centred.

The Sanskrit term 'Vinyasa' comes from two root words Nyasa which denotes 'to place' and vi which denotes 'in a special way.' So Vinyasa Yoga involves placing the body into special postures for health and spiritual benefit. The flow comes when these special postures are linked together performing one movement on an inhalation and the next on an exhalation. This encourages the movement of the body to come not from the mind, but from the pattern of the breath. Gradually as the respiratory system strengthens, the breath becomes longer and easier, bringing a more peaceful state of mind both on and off the yoga mat.

In every class you find a common sequence of postures known as surya namaskara, which means 'sun salution.' This sequence is used to limber and heat the body, and focus the attention towards the breath. The room is heated to 22-24 degrees so that our bodies may stretch comfortably and safely.

But what if I'm not flexible? If you are thinking "I'm not flexible enough to do yoga," it is like saying "I'm too dirty to bathe." If you are inflexible then you stand to take the most benefit from a physical yoga practice.