What is Vinyasa Yoga?

The word “Vinyasa” gets tossed around in yoga classes and studios all the time. But what exactly is Vinyasa yoga, and how do you know if it’s the right yoga for you?

What is Vinyasa Yoga?

The word "Vinyasa" means movement, and that's what Vinyasa yoga is all about: moving the body from one yoga pose into another, and the movement of the breath as you flow through a sequence of poses.

How is Vinyasa Yoga different from other types of yoga?

Some styles of yoga, such as Hatha and Iyengar, invite students to hold poses for a period of time (anywhere between five to ten breaths, for example). Whereas in a Vinyasa class, students might not hold poses for nearly as long, and instead move much more freely from pose to pose in an almost dance-like series of movements, depending on the instructor and his/her style of teaching.

Who can do Vinyasa Yoga?

Everyone can do Vinyasa Yoga, depending on the type of Vinyasa class they sign up for. Athletic students might enjoy a fast-paced class packed with strong, challenging poses, while others might prefer a slow-flow Vinyasa class, in which you move and breathe at a rhythmic or more effortless pace.

Is Vinyasa Yoga beginner-friendly?

It certainly can be! There plenty of Vinyasa classes open to beginners as well as more intermediate students. Such classes might move more slowly through the sequence of poses, and include more accessible poses--while still stretching and strengthening the whole body.

Is Vinyasa just another word for "exercise yoga"?

Not necessarily. Many Vinyasa classes consist of fast-paced flows and strong poses. These types of classes certainly lend themselves to more of a "workout" style of yoga, but yoga is so much more than exercise: it's a way of connecting with your mind, body, and breath--some of us need to (or just like to) get sweaty while doing so.