What is Vinyasa?
The word Vinyasa is a blend of two words from the Sanskrit language. It combines the words Nyasa and the prefix Vi.
"Nyasa" translates in English to "to place", and the prefix of "Vi" means "in a special way". So Vinyasa basically means "to place in a special way". Although a Vinyasa can be performed in almost any styles of Yoga, like Hatha, Yin, Flow, etc, the style of Vinyasa originates from the Ashtanga practice, where we combine a sequence of poses in a "flow", moving consciously from one pose to the next with the breath. The difference between Ashtanga and Vinyasa is the order of the poses. An Ashtanga class follows the same sequence of postures, this sequence is uniformed worldwide and is a very strict practice, there are six series in Ashtanga. However in Vinyasa Yoga, the teacher has the freedom to sequence the poses in any order, with any theme or peak pose. The speed in which a Vinyasa class flows is largely dependent on the teacher, but it can be slow and gentle or fast and powerful. |
Vinyasa classes flow, and are often called Yoga Flow. During a class we match movement to breath as we seamlessly move from one pose to another. It is a great class for unwinding the body and mind, whilst building core strength, balance and posture.
It is a soulfully uplifting style of yoga, which focuses your mind on the present moment and concludes in a deep relaxation, or Savasana.
Vinyasa is suitable for all levels.
Gentle Vinyasa offers all of the same benefits as above, using the same principles and postures, but is delivered in a softer and slower manner.
Both of the below videos are examples of Vinyasa "flow" to breath, a gentle class would move slower.
It is a soulfully uplifting style of yoga, which focuses your mind on the present moment and concludes in a deep relaxation, or Savasana.
Vinyasa is suitable for all levels.
Gentle Vinyasa offers all of the same benefits as above, using the same principles and postures, but is delivered in a softer and slower manner.
Both of the below videos are examples of Vinyasa "flow" to breath, a gentle class would move slower.
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