Unlike slow-paced types of yoga meant to soothe and relax, in Vinyasa yoga classes you’ll really work up a sweat. Vinyasa translated from Sanskrit means “to place in a special way,” which is often interpreted as moving with intention and in conjunction with your breath.
Sometimes Vinyasa yoga classes are called Vinyasa Flow or Flow classes. Flow in yoga occurs when your movement and breath are linked together and flow as you go in and come out of postures. It’s slightly more fast-paced than other yoga classes, where you’re instructed to hold a pose for a few moments. The result is an invigorating practice that gets your heart and muscles pumping.
Beginner friendly
Vinyasa yoga has no strict set of rules and you’ll find classes where the instructor may incorporate a variety of things, like including other yoga styles or relaxing music. Consider Vinyasa yoga a healthy challenge and a way to learn basic pranayama (breathing).
A cardio workout
Studies have shown that regular Vinyasa yoga practise improves cardiovascular health. This makes Vinyasa yoga a great workout alternative when the weather is too hot or too cold for outdoor cardio exercise, like walking or running.
Defined muscles
During Vinyasa yoga, you will typically perform a yoga push-up, where you move from plank to Chaturanga or four-limbed staff pose to upward facing dog to downward dog and to Chaturanga again. These yoga push-ups are a crucial part of Vinyasa classes and will leave you with toned shoulder and arm muscles The Chaturanga push-ups will also feel less overwhelming and repetitive as they are incorporated in a yoga sequence.
Burn calories
The high intensity impact of this cardio workout can burn a significant amount of calories. In 45 minutes of Vinyasa, one can burn 415 calories.
Re-energize
Vinyasa is a whole-body workout, getting your blood pumping, burning calories, and improving strength, flexibility and agility. It’s a functional exercise that can be invigorating, not just for the body but the mind as well. In Vinyasa yoga, you can release your stresses in a healthy way.
Reduce headaches
One study has proven that practising energy-boosting yoga for five days a week for six weeks can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. The research involved patients who added yoga to their usual care for their migraine issues.
De-stress
Scientific data can back up the fact that people coping with depression respond positively to practising yoga. Studies have proven that regularly performing yoga effectively reduces stress and anxiety. Yoga encourages mindfulness and being more aware of your breath and body in the present.
Go with the flow
If you’re prone to distractions or you find it difficult to sit still and relax, Vinyasa yoga might be for you. The smooth and continuous Vinyasa flow can enhance your concentration, removing yourself for a moment from counterproductive distractions and worries. You can take this habit off the mat and apply it your daily life as well.
Quit bad habits
Another scientifically proven benefit of Vinyasa yoga is that smokers find it effective in curbing their habit. One study showed that smokers who practised Vinyasa specifically were more likely to drop the habit of smoking than those who didn’t do yoga. The participants were noted to have reduced anxiety as well.
Variety and fun
Vinyasa yoga has been compared to Ashtanga yoga, which also involves continuous movement of postures through breath. However, Vinyasa is considered to be more flexible and classes will vary from session to session as well as your instructor. There are no set rules, unlike Ashtanga. Also, the flow in Vinyasa makes it appear and feel graceful, almost like dancing.
