Vinyasa Yoga Guide: Definition, Beginner’s Level, and Important Information Before You Go

Vinyasa Yoga is an excellent option for those who want to sweat, build strength and stretch their muscles.

Yoga Alliance is the largest non-profit yoga association in the world that certifies schools and teachers. She says that Vinyasa is done for many reasons. One of them is to improve your health.

Vinyasa Yoga is a combination of movement and breath with a flow.

According to Shala Wrsley, who is a yoga instructor and yoga teacher trainer at the Asheville Yoga Center, North Carolina, the word “vinyasa” comes from the Sanskrit words Nyasa, which means to place, and the prefix “vi,” which means to do something in a particular way. Worsley has also been certified by Yoga Alliance.

Worsley says that Vinyasa can be a sequence of poses performed in the same manner and order each time, like in Ashtanga. However, this is only sometimes the case. The poses, the order of the poses, and the transitions vary from class to class. Worsley says that vinyasa yoga classes (except Ashtanga Vinyasa) can vary greatly depending on where you are, the type of yoga community, and the teacher’s training and philosophy.

She explains that even though the speed and difficulty of Vinyasa can vary, the common factor is the sync between the movement and the breath. Vinyasa belongs to a larger category of yoga known as “hatha,” which is classified by the coordination between movement and breathing. According to Rishikul Yogashala, a yoga education organization in India, the “flow” of the vinyasa class distinguishes it from other types of hatha. (2)

Each inhales or exhale should trigger a specific movement. Exhaling, for example, could signal that you need to lift your hips into a Downward Facing Dog from a Child’s Pose. Inhaling would indicate moving to the next pose in the sequence.

Popular Styles of Vinyasa Yoga Include Ashtanga and Power Yoga

Different kinds of yoga fall under the banner of Vinyasa. Some vinyasa styles are branded as “power,” “flow,” or “style” by their creators. In some cases, instructors must be trained specifically to teach that style of yoga. Some of the most popular styles are:

• Ashtanga Yoga has its roots in the ancient Sanskrit text (where all yoga practices have their origins). In the United States in the 20th century, K. Pattabhi Jois was credited with popularizing a particular version of this style of yoga. It is Vinyasa because it links breath to movement. But unlike other vinyasa styles, Jois’ style of yoga has the same poses performed in the same order each time. (2)
• Baptiste yoga Founded by Baron Baptiste in the early 1990s, this method is based on three pillars, including asana, which is Sanskrit for “yoga postures,” meditation, and inquiry. The last two pillars help participants become mentally and physically stronger. According to the website, classes are intended to be challenging and active. More than 170 Baptiste Yoga studios are affiliated in the United States. (4)
• Jivamukti YogaThis vinyasa style of yoga combines physical yoga and spiritual development. This flowing yoga class includes chanting, breathwork, and spiritual teachings. It also features eclectic music and meditation. Jivamukti has six different types of classes. Beginners can choose a style that is slower moving. (6)
• YogaThe phrase “power yoga” was allegedly coined by Bryan Kest. According to Kest’s website, “power yoga” is used generically, but it refers to a form of Ashtanga that includes elements of mindfulness, moderation, and meditation. Worsley says that if you take a power yoga course, you can expect to improve your strength and flexibility. You’ll likely get hot and sweaty in a power-yoga class.
• Slow Vinyasa Some yoga classes are called “slow flow,” “slow vinyasa,” or “slow Flow” (this is a generic term for yoga classes, not a particular style). Fleming says that a slower class allows the teacher to guide students into and out of the poses more. She adds that the slower pace makes this type of Vinyasa more beginner-friendly.