Vinyasa Flow

This is a type of yoga that aligns a deliberate sequence of poses, (Sanskrit: Asanas), with the breath to achieve a continuous flow.  Inhalation is usually connected to upward or open movements, while exhalation is linked to downward or twisting movements.  

A Vinyasa Yoga class is led by an instructor who cues each movement and most of the inhalations/exhalations.  It typically begins with slower, simple movements to warm the muscles, joints and connective tissue, then moves into any variation of Sun Salutations, (Sanskrit: Surya Namaskar), 12 postures, or more, repeated and built upon.  

After any number of sun salutations, more standing poses are done, moving with breath.  Depending on the instructors preference, some core work may be done, followed by back bends, then the rest of the class is made up of poses done while sitting or lying on the mat for short holds.  

The final 2-7 minutes is in Corpse pose, (Sanskrit: Savasana), lying supine (on your back) on the mat in stillness with effortless breath and (hopefully) a quiet mind.  

This class will change with each instructor, most will follow the basic outline, but each instructor’s creativity and experience will shine through in these classes!

A common set or sequence of poses in a Vinyasa class, often referred to as a ‘flow’, involves downward facing dog, high plank/chaturunga, upward facing dog and back to downward facing dog. There are many variations and modifications of this sequence that are often taught each class.