What Is Vinyasa Yoga: Breathe and Flow Your Way to Better Health
What Is Vinyasa Yoga?
Vinyasa is a flow style of yoga in which you move from one asana or posture into the next in a fluid sequence. While it's related to Ashtanga, Vinyasa poses can vary from class to class while Ashtanga classes follow the same series of asanas each time.
Vinyasa yoga is a fluid and flowing style of yoga. The classes are fast-paced with an emphasis on connecting the movements with the breath. It's often referred to as "flow yoga" and focuses on movement and transitions, rather than spending time in a particular pose.
Vinyasa comes from the Sanskrit prefix vi, meaning "in a special way," and the suffix nyasa, meaning "to place." So, Vinyasa is understood to mean "to place the body in a special way." This tells us that despite being a fast-paced practice, Vinyasa is about more than just moving your body about in space.
Instead, it is synchronized movement between breath and body, done with focus and intent. A moving meditation.
Where Did Vinyasa Yoga Come From?
Vinyasa can be traced back to 200 BC when Patanjali began formulating Ashtanga and the eight limbs of yoga, but Krishnamacharya is attributed with the creation of the practice, as is Rishi Vamana.
Since its first mention in the Vedic Period (the earliest age of yoga), followers have refined the technique into what we know as Vinyasa today, using more movement with breath instead of staying in static poses.
Benefits of Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga has several benefits, just like other types of yoga. It can lower stress, improve energy, and improve overall health. Let's explore some of the benefits of Vinyasa yoga.
Connecting With Your Breath
Breath and breathing are powerful tools. We use breathing to soothe our nervous systems and even combat pain. Vinyasa is a wonderful practice that connects us with our breath and helps us control our bodies’ response to discomfort, pain, stress, and other physical and mental experiences.
Heart Health
Vinyasa classes are often fast-paced. The pace of the movements helps increase your heart rate and improve cardiovascular health. A 2013 study in the Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy found that the quick movements of Vinyasa make it an excellent choice for light-intensity cardio exercise.
Strength
A regular Vinyasa practice can increase whole-body strength. The poses in Vinyasa are challenging and move quickly, working all parts of your body, so you improve functional strength.
Stability and Balance
There are several balancing poses in yoga, so it's no surprise that yoga can improve stability and balance. According to one 2015 study, people with low vision were able to improve their sense of balance and reduce their risk of falling after a course of Ashtanga-based yoga (like Vinyasa).
Range of Motion
Vinyasa involves your entire body in movements that you probably aren't doing over the course of your daily life. Moving your body in this way improves and expands your range of motion. A better range of motion, in turn, can help you avoid injuries.
Stress Relief
Vinyasa classes can be treated as moving meditations. The constant flow of movement combined with breathing can help you calm your mind and soothe your nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety. A 2012 study found that women using CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) to quit smoking were able to lower their stress and anxiety—and quit smoking—through the practice of Vinyasa yoga.
What to Expect in a Vinyasa Yoga Class
Vinyasa classes tend to offer up a lot of variety when it comes to poses, but you'll probably always find sun salutations.
Sun salutations are an ancient sequence of asanas used to express gratitude and thankfulness to the sun. Many Vinyasa classes incorporate sun salutations or an abbreviated version at the beginning of the class as a warmup. Sun salutations also provide a basic template that yoga teachers can then build on.
During a Vinyasa class, you should expect to move from one pose into the next fluidly. And, while most Vinyasa classes have a faster pace, there are slower Vinyasa classes out there. The exact poses, pace, and focus will depend on the yoga teacher and their style.
Vinyasa classes tend to pull from other types of yoga and some of the most popular yoga styles actually fall under the realm of Vinyasa. So, if you see classes that mention Baptiste, Jivamukti, and even CorePower (and other power yoga classes), you can bet that they're Vinyasa classes and you can expect poses to flow.
To stay safe in a Vinyasa yoga class, you'll want to make sure that you go at your own pace, particularly if you're a beginner. The faster pace of most Vinyasa classes means that there are usually fewer alignment clues given, so be sure to reach out to the teacher before class to make sure the class is right for you. If you're brand new to yoga, you might want to consider a Hatha class to become more familiar with the poses before getting into a slower Vinyasa class and then moving onto a more traditionally-paced Vinyasa class.
Practice With myYogaTeacher
Vinyasa is an incredibly diverse practice that doesn't stick to a single philosophy. Yoga teachers are free to create sequences using any movements they want, leaving a lot of room for them to put their own mark on their classes. Finding a teacher that you really enjoy and resonate with can make for a fulfilling Vinyasa yoga experience.
With myYogaTeacher, you get access to dozens of experienced yoga teachers and more than 35 live online classes each day. If you think you want to give Vinyasa yoga a try, here are just a few of the classes we offer:
- Vinyasa Yoga: Using a series of movements and breathing to energize your body, this class builds strength and flexibility while also creating a sense of wellbeing.
- Breathe and Flow: An introduction to foundational yoga asanas with a full-body flow to help you stretch, strengthen, and rejuvenate. This class includes pranayama (breathing) and meditation.
- Hatha Vinyasa: A classical style of yoga put together in a dynamic, flowing way to balance your body and mind. Includes breathing techniques to purify energy channels and remove mental blocks.
- Slow Vinyasa Yoga: This class offers a steady and mindful flow for beginner yogis or those looking for a slower pace while still building strength, improving flexibility, and increasing stability.
- Yoga With Dance: In this non-traditional class, you'll find a mix of contemporary dance, Indian folk martial dance, and yoga. The class is designed to improve body posture and alignment, breathing, flexibility, and strength (and it's perfect for non-dancers, too).
We also have tons of power yoga classes that are built on Vinyasa's fast-based flowing style. No matter what type of yoga you're looking for, myYogaTeacher has you covered. We'd love to offer you a free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher. You'll get access to 35+ live online classes every single day, all taught by our experienced and talented Indian yoga teachers. See you on the mat!
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{"slug":"what-is-vinyasa","recentPosts":[{"id":"cl8kb5f23jq1w0ciscs2h2bxw","slug":"benefits-of-yoga-for-pregnancy","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"What are the Benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Yoga for Pregnancy is excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor. Read more to understand the benefits of Yoga for Pregnancy","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:42:36.767798+00:00","coverUrl":"kvvlqndsbow5dsckhw7i.jpg","content":{"text":"When you get pregnant, people come out of the woodworks with advice, remedies and old wives tales. Everyone’s got an opinion on how you should spend your pregnancy. But the one thing we know for sure is, yoga is great for mom and baby alike. If you’re curious about prenatal yoga, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down why this type of yoga is excellent for moms (and babies).\\nWhat is prenatal yoga?\\nPrenatal yoga was designed for women who are expecting. Rather than taking a regular class and having to worry about modifications or safety, this class is specifically designed for pregnancy. The practice can help women with common pregnancy aches and pains, ease hormonal and emotional stress and help women’s bodies prepare for birth and their postpartum journey. A regular yoga practice when pregnant has tons of amazing benefits!\\nBenefits of Prenatal yoga: \\nWe asked women who’ve done prenatal yoga while pregnant for their reviews, one said “ It’s excellent for stress relief, pain relief, and preparation for labor.” And they all said they’d recommend it to friends! \\nSo let's break down the benefits: \\nRelaxation : \\nPregnancy can be very stressful! But yoga will help you to relax physically, mentally and emotionally and create a safe, relaxing environment for birth. Prenatal helps you with coping and breath techniques for all stages of your pregnancy.\n\\nPreparation for birth : \\nFor first time moms, and even sometimes vets, labor can be scary. This practice will help you to learn birth techniques so you’re relaxed and ready to go!\n\\nYoga can Help with Labor : \\nIn a 2015 study\\n, It was found that a regular yoga practice in the last 10-12 weeks of pregnancy can improve the mother's comfort during labor and help facilitate the labor process. The “yoga group” in this study on average was in labor two hours less than those who didn’t practice. Past your due date? Prenatal Yoga is also known to help induce labor\n\\nCommunity : \\nYoga classes have always been known to help us build community but during pregnancy, it's so important to have a group of women who understand what you’re going through. Taking part in a prenatal class puts you in a group of women who get it. You’ll have a built in support system and maybe even first friends for your baby!\\nFrequently Asked Questions about Prenatal Yoga:\\nIs Yoga for Pregnancy safe?\\nYes. Yoga is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, you should always consult your doctor & make sure you’re practicing with a teacher who understands the prenatal experience and can keep you safe. Our teachers are experts in yoga and are ready to help you on your journey. If you’d like to check out our offerings, you can get started today with a two week free trial! \\nWhen during pregnancy can you practice yoga?\\nDuring your first trimester, you can stick to your regular practice with some modifications. \\nYour second trimester is a GREAT time to start prenatal yoga! At this point, you’ll be starting to officially come into your “pregnancy body” and you’ll need to be practicing poses more specific to prenatal. The second and third trimester are considered the “prep period” for your body to prepare for labor. So it's a great time to keep moving and stretching in your new skin as you make room for the baby to grow! \\nWhat yoga poses should you avoid doing? \\nFor the most part, yoga is considered safe during pregnancy. You really only need to focus on any poses that put pressure on your abdomen. You should avoid any and all twisting poses, backbends and inversions.. \\nYoga for Pregnancy Poses you can perform at Home :\\nIt’s important to stay active during your pregnancy for both mom and baby! You should try to get in some sort of movement daily for at least 30 minutes. You can stick to low impact workouts or walks but if you want to do some yoga at home, it’s a great way to end your day. Yoga while pregnant can help with pain, help you sleep better and fight tiredness and fatigue. \\nHere are some poses you can practice at home to keep you moving! And as a bonus, most of these poses will also help your body prepare for giving birth!\\n1. Bound angle pose (Baddha Konasana) :\\n\\nBaddha Konasana pose will help you open your hips, releasing any pain in your back. It can also help to reduce swelling\\nHow it helps with labor: Opening the hips will help you to stretch the muscles needed to open the birth canal.\\n2. Cat-cow pose (Marjaryasana Bitilasana) :\\n\\nMarjaryasana Bitilasana pose release back and shoulder pain and also reduce pressure from the belly\\nHow it helps with labor: Back pain is a common occurrence during the birth process. This pose will help to keep your muscles limber and help to avoid muscle spasms and pain in your back during labor. \\n3. Yogi squat (Malasana) :\\n\\nBeen sitting too long? This is a great hip opener and will also release lower back pain. \\nHow it helps with labor: This pose will widen the pelvic floor making the birth easier,which may help to reduce injury during birth.\\nRemember, if you’re practicing at home, it’s always best to consult your doctor and make sure yoga is safe for your pregnancy.\\n\\nOther ways to practice self-care during pregnancy\\nBeing a mom is the hardest job in the world. And there are no days off. Starting with pregnancy, we feel out of control of our body, its growth and the way we feel. Remember to take time during this beautiful process to practice self-care so you can be present, happy and relaxed. \\nBook a prenatal massage :\n\nA prenatal massage is GREAT for mom and baby. It can help reduce stress and swelling without meds, help you to sleep and get your body ready for labor and delivery. \\nTake a bath :\n\nTaking a warm bath while pregnant can also help to reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. It’s a great way to relax and rest your growing body. If you’re feeling pain or swelling, it can be very beneficial to relax in a warm bath. \\n\\nAyurveda for Pregnancy :\\n\n\nThis week, MyYogaTeacher has a special Ayurveda event running where you’ll learn how to align with your best self through nutrition and health changes. This specific class is designed to help you have your most healthy pregnancy with nutrition guidelines for a mom and foods to help with baby's development! \\n\nYou can also choose to work 1 on 1 with an instructor of your choice through your MyYogaTeacher membership! Let us help you have your healthiest pregnancy possible! \\n\\nGet started today!\\n"},"category":[]},{"id":"cl8ka13l4ionz0ck2fe0pme7l","slug":"chronic-neck-pain-relief-yoga-poses","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Are you suffering with Chronic Neck Pain? 10 yoga poses to find relief!","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-27T14:11:15.683866+00:00","coverUrl":"rbh6duxy7hy3y207sg1c.jpg","content":{"text":"Do you suffer from chronic neck pain? Nearly 30-50% of adults suffer from recurring neck pain. \\nNeck pain can be a common occurrence for people who:\\nhave long commutes or sit at a desk all day\\nwho have issues with posture \\nwho have chronic sleep issues\\nOur neck and shoulders can also be a place where we may carry tension or pain due to stress. In any case, the good news is yoga can help you to relieve your neck pain and move on symptom free! \\nDaily changes you can make to avoid neck pain\\nStay in alignment. Keep good posture and try not to carry heavy bags on one side of your body. Also, if you sit at a desk and work on a computer, move your monitor to eye-sight so you’re not looking up or down. Need help finding your center? \\nWe can help here at MyYogaTeacher! \\n\\nStay active! It’s important to stay mobilized. If you sit all day, take breaks to move around and give your body a break from being stuck in one position. Can’t take breaks at work? Try to go for a walk on lunch or maybe before or after your workday. \\nCheck your sleep environment. Make sure your mattress and pillows are still in good shape. Look into the best pillows for your sleep type or body. Getting quality sleep will help you avoid tossing and turning and can be your remedy to wake pain free. \\nIf you’re feeling like you need to move, starting with any slower yoga practice will help! Yin, hatha and restorative classes will all leave your body feeling relaxed, renewed and free of pain. Want to flow on your own? Here are our top ten poses to try! \\n10 Yoga Poses to relieve Chronic Neck Pain :\\n1. Easy seat with ear to shoulder stretch\\nThis pose releases your neck and shoulders and helps relieve tension and stress.\\nStart by sitting with your legs crossed and a straight back. Shoulders down. Bring your ear down to your shoulder. To deepen the stretch, bring your opposite arm overhead. \\n\\n\\n\\n2. Child’s Pose\\nReleases tension in the upper body including the neck and chest.\\nBring your knees as wide as the mat and sit into your heels. You can bring your chest to the mat and extend your arms forward or come to rest on a pillow or bolster. Try to hold this pose for up to 5 breaths. \\n\\n\\n\\n3. Downward facing dog\\nHelps to relieve neck pain by strengthening the upper body and releasing the spine. \\nStart by coming onto all fours. Check your alignment- make sure your shoulders are over your wrist, and your hips over your knees. Without changing the position of your hands and feet, push up and back to bring your heels into the ground. Relax your head, neck and shoulders down. \\n\\n\\n\\n4. Bridge Pose\\nReleases chest, neck, spine and hips.\\nLay down on your mat, bring your feet as close to your glutes as possible. Bring your hands to the sides of your body palms down. Push into the feet and hands while you lift your core and back to the ceiling. Try to relax and breathe here. \\n\\n\\n\\n5. Wide Leg forward fold\\nReleases spine, neck and back. If you’re in pain perform this stretch slowly, and come up one vertebrae at a time. \\nBring your feet as wide as you can, feet facing forward. Hinge at the hips and slowly bend forward and down towards your feet. You can hang here or grab yogi toe lock around your big toe. \\n\\n\\n\\n6. Cow face pose\\nStrengthens core and spine.\\nSit up tall and stack your knees directly over one another. Reach one arm back around your waist and one arm over your shoulder with your palms reaching towards one another. If you can, clasp your hands. If not, rest them on your back, you will still benefit from the pose. \\n\\n\\n\\n7. Sphinx pose\\nThis pose will help to physically open up the shoulders and neck. Looking side to side slowly is a great addition to the pose. \\nLie on your stomach and bring your hands next to your chest facing down. On your inhale press into the ground and lift your upper body. \\n\\n\\n\\n8. Thread the Needle \\nIncreases mobility and releases tension in the upper body. \\nCome on to all fours. Check your alignment, make sure your hips are over your knees, shoulders over your wrist. Reach one arm out to the side and thread it through the opposite side under your ribs. You can stay here or open up the opposite side by reaching the hand to the back or straight up and over. Make sure to do both sides. \\n\\n\\n\\n9. Legs up the wall\\nReleases tension and stress from the upper body by reversing blood flow. \\nFind a wall near your practice space and sit next to the wall as close as possible. Lower your head, neck and shoulders onto your mat, then roll onto your back and stretch your legs up the wall. You can stay in this restorative pose for up to 10 minutes. \\n\\n\\n\\n10. Savasana\\nSavasana releases any stress, lowers heart rate and calms the body. \\nCome onto your back on your mat, and release your body down. This is known as corpse pose because it is a full and final rest at the end of our practice. Release and let go of any and all tension. \\n\\n\\n\\nClasses to help relieve neck pain \\n\\nYoga fusion for joints \\n- This class will help you roll out your joint pain and stretch your tight limbs and joints. \\n\\nYoga for Back Pain\\n - Sometimes, neck pain can be caused by tightness in the spine. Experts say yoga helps soothe muscle pains. Try this class to strengthen and lengthen your neck and back for pain relief! \\n\\nYoga for Neck and Shoulder Pain\\n - Do you sit all day at work? Struggle with your posture? This class will help relieve upper body tension. \\n\nSo if you’re ready to make your neck pain a thing of the past, join us today. Our trial includes two free weeks of group fitness classes, one on one classes and so much more! \\nGet started on your yoga journey now!\\n"},"category":["yoga_poses"]},{"id":"cl8cuq5nnh5860biyek2vhu2w","slug":"reproductive-rights-for-women-yoga-workshop","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop - Supporting Women Through Yoga","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":null,"readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-22T09:28:27.679552+00:00","coverUrl":"dkjwcigamkavxe0yziwq.jpg","content":{"text":"Announcing MyYogaTeacher’s first ever Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\nHere at MyYogaTeacher, we believe in the wisdom of women to make their own choices about their health. \\n\\nThat’s why we’re excited to offer the\\n Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop on October 2 from 9 AM - 11 AM PST (12 PM - 2 PM EST) for only $10!\\nIn the past, our community events have been free. So why are we charging a nominal fee for this one?\\nBecause ALL proceeds from the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop go to support the \\nCenter for Reproductive Rights\\n charity, a nonprofit organization, the \\nonly\\n global legal advocacy organization dedicated to advancing reproductive rights.\\nIn the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe vs Wade and on the day before the new term of the Supreme Court begins, we think this workshop is a perfect way to silently protest this new ruling through self-care and donations to an organization like the Center for Reproductive Rights.\\nThis will also be a time of healing and processing with a couple of awesome expert yoga instructors!\\nHow to join the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop\\nWhether you’re a member or not, \\nJust click this link and register \\nas you would any other group class! Simple as that.\\nIntroducing a very special guest yoga instructor coming just for this event!\n\\nMeet Harpinder Mann, RYT-500!\\n\\n\n\\nHarpinder is a yoga, meditation, mindfulness teacher, and decolonizing activist based in Los Angeles. She works with women of color who want to reclaim their power and intuition through the lens of a spiritual, joyful, and sustainable path. Her studies have spanned from reading the Japji Sahib since she was 3, to over 700 hours of yogic training within the traditions of Raja, Vinyasa, Kundalini, and Prenatal Yoga. \\nWe’re super excited to have her lead the beginning of the workshop. Afterwards, MyYogaTeacher yoga instructor, \\nTrupti Parikh\\n, will lead us in asanas, and a discussion session will follow.\\nAre you ready to experience a workshop where we solely focus on supporting and advocating for women’s health \\nwhile\\n improving our mental, emotional, and physical health?\\n\\nJoin us for the Reproductive Rights for Women Yoga Workshop!\\n\\nTogether, we make a difference."},"category":["workshops"]},{"id":"cl8a9804vy5de0biznpg4ai2t","slug":"yoga-benefits-for-runners","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"Yoga For Runners : Why Runners Should Incorporate Yoga Into Their Training?","subTitle":null,"seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Adopting an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Read now to learn more","readTime":null,"excerpt":null,"tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-20T13:50:56.406936+00:00","coverUrl":"tbdacuzob0fuqml8dyjd.jpg","content":{"text":"Training for a big race? Setting some goals you want to crush before the year ends? No matter what your reasons, yoga can be a great way to cross train for running from a 5k to a marathon! Running is great for your heart and body but can also be a huge strain on the muscles. Having an active yoga practice to complement your running routine can have tons of benefits! Let’s dive into how yoga can help!\\n1. Breathing\\nProper breathing and breath stabilization are both incredibly important principles in Yoga and Running. If you can practice proper breathing while running, you can maintain speed longer because you will take long deeper breaths to match your long strides, instead of short breaths which cause instability and speed decline.\\nPracticing Pranayama for runners - \\nAdding a pranayama breath practice before a run can help you to maintain focus as well as speed. Even if running is a release for you, and feels relaxing, Using breathwork to relax and focus can help you clearly see the physical and mental road ahead. Pranayama can also help if things are going off course on your run. If you need to regain control, you can come back to your breath and refocus. With these practices together, your run really can be a religious experience, or a way to relieve stress! \\nTo start a pranayama practice, all you need to do is focus on controlling your inhale and exhale. Start by standing tall and relaxed, or sitting tall and calm if you prefer. Close your eyes and focus inward. Start by breathing in for two and out for two. As you continue to grow your practice, you can build up to breathing in for six and out for six. You can even play with pausing for two to four breaths in between your inhale and exhale. When you finally build a practice you’re confident with, you can start to set intentions and visualize your success. With this practice, you’ll begin to see your running dreams come true!\\n\\n2. Flexibility/Strength\\nIt would be great if in life, we only ever needed to do one thing to get to our goals. But in reality,just like we can’t have cookies for every meal, cross training for runners is essential to maintaining a long term healthy routine. While you could easily just add weight training or stretching a la cart into your week, yoga gives you more by going deeper and getting into those smaller, harder to access ligaments and tendons you might otherwise miss with strength training . Adding yoga into your running routine can reduce the risk of injury and help to maintain your goals. The more flexible your muscles are, the less likely they are to tense up or be stressed during running so you can move with more confidence and ease. Not to mention, it’s always great to look forward to a nice long stretch after a run. \\n\n3. Conditioning \\nWe all know running is GREAT for your cardiovascular health, can add years on to your life and keep your heart pumping at its best! But it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a veteran, running can make your body sore. Yoga is great for conditioning those tired and fatigued muscles without having to “take a day off” to rest. In between your runs or on conditioning days, you can take a class focused on your back or knee health, or even a class to open tight hips after a long run. There’s nothing the magic of yoga can’t do! \\n\n4. Balance/Posture\\nEven though running is a “walk in the park” compared to ballet where balance is concerned, you still need to do your best to focus on alignment while you move.\\nYoga can improve your running form by elongating the limbs so you cover more ground in less time. You'll be PR’ing in no time! Proper alignment is also important when running because as you increase your speed, the level of impact (and injury) becomes greater. Maintaining your body's alignment during movement assures you arrive at the finish line aliment free! Love a tree pose? Want to learn to fly into a warrior? Lots of yoga poses force you to balance on one leg, which helps you to build a unilateral movement practice much like the ebbs and flows you take while running. \\n5. Stress and Mental Clarity\\nFeeling stressed before a big run? Worried about your PR? Yoga can help! Focus your breathing and set an intention. You’ve got this!\\nFocus and clarity are so important when running so you can know where you’re headed and stay on track. Add your yoga practice in before training or race days and you’ll feel your worries melt away. According to scientists at \\nHarvard,\\n adding just minutes of yoga to your week can improve your outlook, slow down the body and decrease stress. You’ll find your body will be more relaxed, focused and ready to run for those goals when you release your tension with yoga. \\nGetting started:\\nSo what do you need to get started? Simple! Yourself, a mat, some water and a quiet space are all you need! Are you ready to add yoga into your running routine? \\nGet started with a two week free trial of our classes and one on one sessions!\\n\\nLet’s figure out where your yoga practice would serve you best! \\nDoing yoga BEFORE your run will help you to warm up your muscles and ligaments. By fully warming up your body before you hit the pavement, you decrease the chances of injury, help with an easier recovery and can improve your PR as you continue to train! \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice before a run :\\nHigh Lunge - This pose stretches the legs from top of the thighs down to the ankle\\n\\nWarrior II - Helps with focus and stamina. Great before heading out!\\n\\nSide angle bend - This stretch helps to stretch the side body and release any tension in the shoulders and spine. \\n\\nPrefer to do yoga after your run? That’s a great option too! Yoga is great for recovery after a run! Finishing your running routine with a yoga stretch helps you to rebalance. You can stretch muscles or limbs that became tight during your run and strengthen anything that may have become fatigued. You can also refocus and deepen your breath to reset for the next part of your day. \\nBest Yoga Poses to practice after a run :\\nButterfly Pose - a basic hip opener to ease into your stretch\\n\\nHalf Pigeon - A great pose for multiple alignments! Working through the psoas and hip flexors. Make sure to practice on both sides.\\n\\nHappy Baby - This pose is great for finishing up your hip opener extension while giving a nice massage to the back and stretching the soles of the feet.\\n\\nWant to take a class? Try some of our favorite classes for runners!\\n\\nYoga for Strength and flexibility \\n\\n\\nYoga for Knee Pain\\n\\n\\nYoga for Back health\\n\\nReady to join us for class? \\nGet started with a free trial now! \\n\\nRemember, with a great training plan for your runs, and an ongoing yoga practice you’ll be ready to run to your greatest finish line feeling and looking your best! Just like peanut butter and jelly, yoga and running are great together!"},"category":["fitness","yoga"]},{"id":"cl81n0o6wh1g80ajz2gpco553","slug":"yoga-at-home","author":{"name":"Will","teacherMytSlug":"will-1","pictureUrl":"will.jpeg"},"title":"How to Start Doing Yoga at Home","subTitle":"Everything you need to know for an at-home yoga routine","seoTitle":null,"seoDescription":"Get a beginner’s guide to starting yoga at home with tips and suggestions for setting up your own practice, including online yoga classes and private lessons.","readTime":null,"excerpt":"Learn how to perform yoga at home with this quick and easy guide","tags":[],"createdAt":"2022-09-14T13:07:13.39269+00:00","coverUrl":"cqivxw3vkrcihpumlny7.jpg","content":{"text":"There are lots of reasons for doing yoga at home instead of a yoga studio, some of which include distance, busy schedules, kids, financial concerns, and health issues. The good news is you can set up your own yoga practice at home, and still get all the benefits of a regular yoga routine — without the studio. It can also be a great way to integrate yoga into your life on a regular basis, and it’s easy to do in your own home.\\nCan Anyone do Yoga at Home?\\nAnyone can perform yoga at home, and you don’t have to be an advanced yogi to try. Even beginners can practice yoga in a home environment, all you need is adequate floor space, a few (optional) pieces of equipment, and guidelines for practicing the primary yoga poses. \\nIf you’re a beginner, it’s recommended to first learn from a certified yoga instructor, so you can progress with the proper technique and alignment to avoid injury. Thanks to online learning platforms like\\n MyYogaTeacher\\n, you can still practice yoga at home with the help of a qualified teacher.\\n11 Tips on How to Perform Yoga At Home\\nThe idea of starting a yoga practice in your very own living room can seem daunting or intimidating at first, especially if you’re accustomed to attending classes in a yoga studio. But with a little bit of preparation and creativity, you can set up your own yoga space and develop a mindful yoga routine that can benefit your life.\\nHere are some suggestions to help get you started:\\n1. Make Space in Your Home for Yoga\\nIt’s easy (and fun) to make your own yoga space, and you can design it as a temporary space or a dedicated one, depending on your needs. All you need is enough floor space to move around and stretch out the full length of your body — a little more than the length and width of your yoga mat. This can be your living or bedroom floor, your kitchen, or your backyard. Just make sure there isn’t any furniture or objects lying around that could get in your way or cause injury.\\n2. Decorate With Calming Accessories\\nYou can also create a comfortable and inviting space for yoga by hanging calming or inspiring artwork on the wall, lighting a candle or incense, and keeping a few house plants nearby for a pleasing atmosphere. The more you can tailor and dedicate your space for yoga, the easier it will be to motivate yourself to keep up a steady routine. Hanging a mirror in front of your practice space is also helpful in maintaining the correct alignment while performing postures.\\n3. Be Prepared With the Right Equipment\\n\\nYou’ll want to invest in a yoga mat, and it’s wise to also keep modifying props on hand — like blocks, bolsters, blankets, and a strap. If you’re just starting out and you’d like to improvise for props, you can use pillows, blankets, and other items around the house to suit your needs. Just make sure your props are sturdy, supportive, and nearby for when you need them.\\n4. Practice Regularly\\nThe best part about practicing yoga at home is it can be done any time you want. The challenge lies in your dedication and commitment to the practice even when your couch appears more inviting.\\n \\nAccording to this study\\n, it can take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to create a new habit. It’s important to be patient with yourself and identify guidelines for your practice that you can realistically follow through with. \\n5. Schedule Your Yoga Session\\nSet yourself up for success by committing to your yoga practice at a certain time of day, and for a specified number of days per week. It’s best to start out easy with goals that are achievable and progress as you gain momentum. For instance, if you’ve never been an early riser, don’t expect yourself to suddenly start practicing yoga at dawn. If that’s the case, try scheduling your yoga session for late morning, afternoon or evening, and keep your existing schedule in mind when planning a time that works for you.\\n6. Keep it Simple\\nRegardless of your experience or ability level, practicing yoga at home means watching out for your own safety. Make sure you have props handy for when you need them, and avoid overdoing it with strenuous poses. When it doubt, keep your routine simple. Even if you’re an advanced yogi, those basic, primary yoga poses are still an important part of a holistic yoga practice, and may be less likely to cause injury.\\n7. Listen to Your Body\\nThe best way to avoid getting hurt while practicing yoga at home is to listen to your body. If any posture causes you discomfort or pain, stop practicing it immediately — no matter how easy or difficult the pose. Don’t push yourself too hard, and remember to focus on your alignment. If you are unsure of how to execute a specific pose, try learning it from a certified instructor before performing it on your own at home.\\n8. Take an Online Yoga Class\\n\\nBy far the best way to practice yoga at home is with an online class. This way, you get all the benefits of doing yoga at home in your own time, with the added help of an instructor who can make sure you’re performing poses safely and effectively. You can find\\n \\nonline group classes\\n for every type of yoga at\\n \\nMyYogaTeacher\\n, with over 42 classes offered throughout the day. Private, 1-on-1 instructors are also available for at-home yoga, giving you plenty of options to get the right kind of training while still practicing in the comfort of your own home.\\n9. Squeeze in a Short Practice\\nThe beauty of an at-home yoga practice means you can squeeze in a quick session when you just have 20-30 minutes of time. Even short yoga routines are beneficial for your body and mind, and performing a few of the primary yoga poses on a daily basis will change your life for the better. Try incorporating the Sun Salutation flow series into your morning routine when you first get out of bed in the morning, or practicing some relaxing poses like Legs-Up-The-Wall or Savasana in the evening. \\n10. Switch it Up and Make it Fun\\nYoga doesn’t always have to be serious, and you can make your home yoga practice fun and spontaneous for you and your family. Practicing with your kids is a great way to help them learn mindfulness and self-awareness, while stretching and strengthening their growing bodies. You can also take your practice to the backyard to enjoy sunshine and good weather, or invite friends over to share in the experience. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!\\n11. End Every Practice With Savasana\\nWhen practicing yoga at home, it can be tempting to skip important parts of the journey due to time constraints, distractions, or disinterest. If there is one element of yoga you should never skip, it’s Savasana, or otherwise known as Corpse pose. Always end your practice with 5 minutes of relaxation to help your body integrate the routine. Keep a blanket nearby to warm your body after it has cooled down, and consider an eye pillow to help you relax. Your body and mind will thank you as you move on to the rest of your day, having given yourself the gift of healthy movement to better your life."},"category":["yoga","therapy"]}],"randomPosts":[{"id":"cl74jtlu93yyq0ak0ti37gc8g","slug":"yoga-practice-for-women","author":{"name":"Divya","teacherMytSlug":"divya-1","pictureUrl":"divya-1.jpg"},"title":"The Importance of a Yoga practice for Women.","createdAt":"2022-08-22T09:21:21.098639+00:00","coverUrl":"llizejqjzzeaxaxii2ey.jpg","content":{"text":"Why adding Yoga to your routine can make you feel like your most calm and confident self.\\nWe all know women have a lot on their plate. With all the things we have to get done in a day, it’s hard to remember to add taking care of ourselves to the list. We sometimes find time for a trip to the gym, a podcast episode or a quick walk between our to-do list, but the benefits of taking even 10 minutes to do yoga or a meditation can carry us through stressful days, help us sleep better or relieve pain and anxiety. Let’s break down why yoga is so important to the feminine being.\\nYoga is important for your mental health\\nA consistent yoga practice promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety and stress and can aid in mental clarity and a calm mind. Yoga is a great way to end your workday or transition from work back to your home life. If you have a high stress job, or you’re spending your day with kids, taking just five to ten minutes to breathe and stretch can put you in a clearer mindset to switch roles or tasks with ease. For example, Pranayama, the practice of focusing your breath takes only a few minutes and can help you adjust or focus your breathing, mind and heart. Pranayama is the yogic practice of focusing on breath. In Sanskrit, prana means \"vital life force\". In stressful situations, we can always come back to our breath. This is especially a great practice for women, as we tend to be a “lifesource” for our families.\\nLet’s find the right poses to ease your mind!\\nSuggested Poses for stress relief:\\nStanding Forward Fold :\\n\\nThis pose releases tension in the neck and back and is a physical and mental “letting go”\\nEasy Seat :\\n\\n Gentle hip opener, relieves physical and mental exhaustion.\\nChilds Pose : \\n\\nReleases the Nero and lymphatic systems.\\nSuggested Poses for anxiety relief:\\nHead to Knee forward bend :\\n\\nCalms the mind.\\nBridge pose : \\n\\nReduces anxiety and fatigue.\\nCamel Pose : \\n\\nBoost Energy.\\nSuggested Poses to calm the mind:\\nLegs up the wall : \\n\\nAllows your body complete relaxation.\\nCorpse Pose :\\n\\nQuiets your system and lowers your blood pressure\\nCat Pose :\\n\\nHelps to relieve stress and calm the mind.\\nYoga is important for your physical health\\nYou can find little ways to add yoga into your life every day to keep your body in tip top shape! You can add yoga to the end of your workout to lower your heart rate or choose it as a workout on “low impact” days. Believe it or not, yoga can actually take the place of strength training and cardio programs if you take the right classes! \\nMyYogaTeacher has so many options to support your active lifestyle! Yoga can improve flexibility, strength and even help with range of motion. So if you’ve got goals, we’ve got a class to fit them! \\n A normal yoga practice can keep your hormones in check and help with menopause and menstrual symptoms. Not feeling well? Tired? Yoga can also aid in normal digestion or help you maintain a healthy sleep cycle.\\nNow that you know yoga can help your physical body, let's find the right styles for you!\\nFor flexibility – If you’re trying to improve flexibility, you’re in luck! Most styles of yoga are GREAT for stretching and flexibility. If you’re looking to just stretch, we’d recommend a \\nrestorative \\nor \\nyin yoga class.\\n\\nFor Pain relief- If you’re in pain, try a focused Yin Yoga class for your injury or ailment. We have some great choices! Just use the search feature on our website! There are classes that are as specific as \\nyoga for knee pain \\nor yoga for digestion!\\nFor Strength – If you’re a warrior who loves to sweat, Vinyasa is your go to style. Try this low impact style that’s sure to raise your heart rate faster than any treadmill run. Are you a more advanced Yogi?\\n Try a Power Yoga\\n class!\\nYoga is important for your emotional wellbeing\\nMost yogis believe that yoga is a mind, body and soul practice meaning that it’s not just for fitness or for mental clarity, but it’s a life experience that can add joy and comfort to your everyday life. For most of us, the practice of yoga is what we take back to our lives long after we leave the mat. \\nYoga can improve your energy-\\n A study done by Oxford\\n, found that a yoga practice and yoga breathing can restore your energy better than any other visualization or relaxation practice.\\nYoga helps connect the mind and body- While our mind and body are always physically connected, Yoga makes us stop, think and question that connection. It trains us to concentrate on our breath and connect our thoughts to one body part, or move at a time. Which helps us to increase focus.\\nAnd last, but certainly not least, yoga is great for socialization! Group fitness classes help us to make friends, or find friends who share our common interests or goals. Who doesn’t love taking a class with their friends? And with our site, you can take class together from the comfort of your own homes!\\nReady to fit yoga into your life? Let’s find a way to make it work for you!\\nWhen can you fit in yoga if you have a busy schedule? Unlike a traditional studio or gym, Our website makes it easy for you to fit yoga in when it works for you! Classes run live from 6am to 9pm. And you can take classes at home, on vacation or even at work on your lunch break. You can take your practice anywhere with our \\nvirtual options\\n. Don’t think you can commit to a live class? Watch your recordings later on your own time! \\nAre you a stay-at-home mom? Do you feel like you can’t get away for a workout? Do it with them! Make yoga time a part of your family’s routine to either start or end the day. We even have kid’s classes you can take together! \\nTry one today!\\n\\nNot a fan of group fitness? Maybe you prefer to workout alone or have specific goals you want to meet. Our\\n one on one option\\n is great for deepening your practice or working directly with an instructor to meet your goals on your timeline! \\nSo whichever reason speaks to you, even with all the things you have to do for your family or work, You can always make time for yoga and add more joy to your life with a yoga practice. Where there’s a will there’s a way. All you need for yoga is your body and a commitment to yourself! Make the time to start your practice today! Your body will thank you!\\n\\nReady to get started? Grab a free trial!\\n"}},{"id":"ckshtiffsleug0b3179r9ha5f","slug":"yoga-for-thyroid","author":{"name":"Neelmani","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"7 Yoga Poses That Positively Impact Your Thyroid Function","createdAt":"2021-08-18T18:18:01.031661+00:00","coverUrl":"nvq7ezupqfiekkejdf3y.jpg","content":{"text":"Did you know that approximately 20 million Americans suffer with thyroid disorders? Women more than men.\\nThere is probably not a cell in your body that isn’t affected by your thyroid, a little butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your throat. Though it may be little, it is definitely fierce!\\nThe thyroid gland produces hormones that control metabolism (that thing people are always saying makes them fat), muscle and digestive function, bone maintenance, and brain development.\\nThat’s a lot!\\nWhich is exactly why we want to talk about ways therapeutic yoga can help people who suffer from problems with an underactive or overactive thyroid.\\n[CTA-DEFAULT]\\nIn the meantime, I’ll show you some yoga poses that positively impact your thyroid function!\\n1. Shoulder Stand\\nOne of the key benefits of practicing shoulder stand is it brings increased blood flow to the thyroid. Researchers believe circulation to the thyroid gland (or lack of) can play a huge role in whether it is working properly or not.\\nNot to mention, inversion poses increase blood flow to the heart and brain as well!\\nBe mindful of how you feel in this pose, and do not turn your head from side to side. Head and neck should remain in neutral position to prevent injury.\\n\\n\\n2. Plow Pose\\nSimilar to shoulder stand, plow pose stimulates the thyroid and increases circulation to that area of the neck. However, yogis who are overweight or have larger breasts may find this pose too difficult or may struggle to breathe properly. If this happens, slowly lower out of the pose and do a modified version with your feet simply propped up against a wall with a pillow or bolster under your head.\\nIn the modified version, your legs should be straight up with your bottom touching the base of the wall.\\n\\n\\n3. Fish Pose\\nFish pose is an excellent pose for beginners and helps stretch out the muscles of the neck and the thyroid gland, allowing blood to circulate to and through it more easily.\\nThis pose can also be practiced with or without blocks, as seen in the images below! For yogis who do not have a lot of flexibility in their back and shoulders, blocks will make this pose more comfortable and passive versus active.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n4. Bridge Pose\\nBridge pose is also helpful for stretching out the neck muscles and improving circulation to the thyroid gland. Additionally, this pose is effective in relieving headaches and treating asthma!\\nSimilarly to other poses mentioned above, be mindful of your head and neck placement in this pose. It is not advisable to turn your head while performing bridge pose. Also, if you’re unable to reach your heels, simply reach as far as you are comfortably able to or clasp your hands together underneath you.\\n\\n\\n5. Cobra Pose\\nThis pose is an excellent way to stretch your throat, abdominal muscles, quads, and lower back! Almost any pose that opens up the throat and brings better circulation to the thyroid gland and surrounding tissues is helpful for relieving symptoms of hypo- or hyperthyroidism.\\nIf you’re not familiar with some or all of these poses, be sure to check out my class, Therapeutic Yoga for Thyroid on My Yoga Teacher!\\n\\n\\n6. Upward Bow Pose\\nWhile this pose may be too difficult for beginner yogis, it can be modified and is very beneficial for the thyroid and pituitary glands. It also strengthens the arms, shoulders, and abdominal muscles. This pose not only lengthens the neck muscles around the thyroid but also allows for better circulation to that area.\\n\\n\\n7. Supported Headstand Pose\\nSupported headstand pose is an advanced move, so if you’re unfamiliar with it, maybe skip this one. However, if you’re able to safely perform this pose, it is incredibly helpful! It acts directly on the thyroid gland. \\nThis pose helps bring blood flow to the heart as well as stimulating the brain’s pituitary and pineal glands.\\nSupported headstand pose should not be performed without prior yoga experience and should be performed under the supervision of an experienced teacher for the first time.\\n\\n\\nSigns you may have a problem with your thyroid\\nWhile there are many signs of thyroid dysfunction that can look like symptoms of other things, I thought I’d give you some surefire signs that you might want to see your doctor and have your thyroid tested!\\nSo here you go:\\nUnexplained weight loss or weight gain (or finding it hard to lose or gain weight)\\nExtreme fatigue not related to lack or sleep/rest\\nMemory problems\\nHair loss\\nConstipation\\nDepression\\nFeeling colder than usual\\nIf any of these are troubling you, please reach out to your doctor! And remember that yoga is an excellent complement to traditional medicine for thyroid issues.\\nIf you haven’t checked out My Yoga Teacher yet, I hope you’ll \\ngrab your 2-week free trial\\n and try out as many of the 35+ different group yoga classes they offer! Including mine! It’s such an amazing network of yogis from all walks of life, all fitness levels. And most of the yoga instructors are experienced experts from the birthplace of yoga, India!\\nJoin us on the mat!"}},{"id":"ckfqz710g022r0178kxald7li","slug":"the-science-of-the-stress-response-and-how-to-reign-it-in","author":{"name":"Jitendra","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":"jitendra1.png"},"title":"The Science of the Stress Response (and how to reign it in)","createdAt":"2020-03-02T00:00:00+00:00","coverUrl":"eli-defaria-vCzh1jOyre8-unsplash.jpg","content":{"text":"How many scientific studies have backed up how relaxation can improve your health? More than we can count.\\n\\n\"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.\"Sidney J. Harris\\n\\nBut what is relaxation? What is stress? When scientists talk about these terms they don't mean face masks and massages. They talk about the relaxation and stress response of the body.\\n\\nPhysical responses in our body create feelings of stress and relaxation.\\n\\nStress is your body’s response to what it perceives to be danger. Here’s an interesting example from Stanford Professor Richard Sapolsky.\\n\\nYou are on the safari. Out of the corner of your eye, you see a tiger licking his chops. At that moment, what do you need? You need to be RUNNING. \\n\\nYour body hears the call. It sends extra energy into your legs. Your heart pumps faster. Your brain releases a huge wave of hormones, including adrenaline.\\n\\nLuckily, you make it to safety.\\n\\nOk, imagine that you are a zebra. The same thing happens, and you make it to safety. What happens then? You shake it off and then go about your day.\\n\\nSigh.\\n\\nHumans are different. If this happened to you, you would retell the story over and over. You'd think about it the rest of the day. It might keep you up at night.\\n\\nHumans have trouble shaking things off. \\n\\nIn science terms, this is the anticipatory response. You are no longer in danger, but you still think you are.\\n\\nWe experience psychological stress.\\n\\nFor example, you are in traffic and will be late to work. Are you in danger? No. Does your body still elevate your heart rate and release stress hormones? Yes.\\n\\nThis stress response is less strong than if it was a tiger. But, the stress response uses resources. It is expensive for the body to keep up.\\n\\nYour body needs the opposite of the stress response to replace those resources.\\n\\nYou need the relaxation response.\\n\\nWhen in the relaxation response, your heart rate slows, your energy goes towards digestion and repair. Your brain releases hormones that relax your blood vessels. Your muscles let go of tension.\\n\\nTake 10 seconds to scan your body. How do you feel right now?\\n\\nIn this fast-paced world, many of us live in a low-level of the stress response all the time. We may forget what relaxation feels like.\\n\\nThis is where \\nYoga\\n comes in.\\n\\nThe practice of yoga teaches relaxation techniques. Yoga reduces muscle tension, slows your breathing and lowers your heart rate. This creates a gentle and calm feeling in the body and mind.\\n\\nYour health improves the more time you spend in the relaxation response. Studies have shown improved immune response, reduced blood pressure, better sleep and more.\\n\\nYou will experience the feeling of peace and calm both on and off your mat. That traffic jam will feel less stressful. You'll sleep better.\\n\\nYou might be thinking \"But, I am only starting. These benefits will take too much time.\" We have good news.\\n\\nThe \\nbenefits of yoga\\n are available to beginners and advanced yogis.\\n\\nA study showed that only 10 sessions of yoga created significant improvements. Only 4 weeks of yoga improved heart and lung performance in another study.\\n\\nTo truly fight back against the stress response, you have to know its opposite. You can learn how to create the relaxation response by using the centering, grounding and breathing techniques taight in yoga. These are often techniques that youcan use anywhere (includng that traffic jam!)\\n\\n\"The only joy in the world is to begin\"Cesare Pavese\\n"}}],"relatedPosts":[],"blogContent":{"id":"ckpfueo7k9bvg0e86h65gvvrb","slug":"what-is-vinyasa","author":{"name":"My Yoga Teacher","teacherMytSlug":null,"pictureUrl":null},"title":"What Is Vinyasa Yoga: Breathe and Flow Your Way to Better Health","createdAt":"2021-06-02T19:08:26.070524+00:00","updatedAt":"2022-09-22T19:37:07.309637+00:00","coverUrl":"ckpfueo7k9bvg0e86h65gvvrbada.png","seoDescription":"Vinyasa is a style of yoga that marries breath and movement into a flowy sequence. It's often fast-paced, but there's more to it than that. Come explore with us!","content":{"text":"What Is Vinyasa Yoga?\\nVinyasa is a flow style of yoga in which you move from one asana or posture into the next in a fluid sequence. While it's related to Ashtanga, Vinyasa poses can vary from class to class while Ashtanga classes follow the same series of asanas each time.\\n\\nVinyasa yoga is a fluid and flowing style of yoga. The classes are fast-paced with an emphasis on connecting the movements with the breath. It's often referred to as \"flow yoga\" and focuses on movement and transitions, rather than spending time in a particular pose.\\n\\nVinyasa comes from the Sanskrit prefix \\nvi\\n, meaning \"in a special way,\" and the suffix \\nnyasa\\n, meaning \"to place.\" So, Vinyasa is understood to mean \"to place the body in a special way.\" This tells us that despite being a fast-paced practice, Vinyasa is about more than just moving your body about in space.\\n\\nInstead, it is synchronized movement between breath and body, done with focus and intent. A moving \\nmeditation\\n.\\n\\nWhere Did Vinyasa Yoga Come From?\\nVinyasa can be traced back to 200 BC when Patanjali began formulating Ashtanga and the \\neight limbs of yoga\\n, but Krishnamacharya is attributed with the creation of the practice, as is Rishi Vamana.\\n\\nSince its first mention in the Vedic Period (the earliest age of yoga), followers have refined the technique into what we know as Vinyasa today, using more movement with breath instead of staying in static poses.\\n\\nBenefits of Vinyasa Yoga\\nVinyasa yoga has several benefits, just like other types of yoga. It can lower stress, improve energy, and improve overall health. Let's explore some of the benefits of Vinyasa yoga.\\n\\nConnecting With Your Breath\\nBreath and breathing are powerful tools. We use breathing to soothe our nervous systems and even combat pain. Vinyasa is a wonderful practice that connects us with our breath and helps us control our bodies’ response to discomfort, pain, stress, and other physical and mental experiences.\\n\\nHeart Health\\nVinyasa classes are often fast-paced. The pace of the movements helps increase your heart rate and improve cardiovascular health. A \\n2013 study\\n in the Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy found that the quick movements of Vinyasa make it an excellent choice for light-intensity cardio exercise.\\n\\nStrength\\nA regular Vinyasa practice can increase whole-body strength. The poses in Vinyasa are challenging and move quickly, working all parts of your body, so you improve functional strength.\\n\\nStability and Balance\\nThere are several balancing poses in yoga, so it's no surprise that yoga can improve stability and balance. According to one \\n2015 study\\n, people with low vision were able to improve their sense of balance and reduce their risk of falling after a course of Ashtanga-based yoga (like Vinyasa).\\n\\nRange of Motion\\nVinyasa involves your entire body in movements that you probably aren't doing over the course of your daily life. Moving your body in this way improves and expands your range of motion. A better range of motion, in turn, can help you avoid injuries.\\n\\nStress Relief\\nVinyasa classes can be treated as moving meditations. The constant flow of movement combined with breathing can help you calm your mind and soothe your nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety. A \\n2012 study\\n found that women using CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) to quit smoking were able to lower their stress and anxiety—and quit smoking—through the practice of Vinyasa yoga.\\n\\nWhat to Expect in a Vinyasa Yoga Class\\n\\nVinyasa classes tend to offer up a lot of variety when it comes to poses, but you'll probably always find sun salutations.\\n\\nSun salutations are an ancient sequence of asanas used to express gratitude and thankfulness to the sun. Many Vinyasa classes incorporate sun salutations or an abbreviated version at the beginning of the class as a warmup. Sun salutations also provide a basic template that yoga teachers can then build on.\\n\\nDuring a Vinyasa class, you should expect to move from one pose into the next fluidly. And, while most Vinyasa classes have a faster pace, there are slower Vinyasa classes out there. The exact poses, pace, and focus will depend on the yoga teacher and their style.\\n\\nVinyasa classes tend to pull from other types of yoga and some of the most popular yoga styles actually fall under the realm of Vinyasa. So, if you see classes that mention Baptiste, Jivamukti, and even CorePower (and other \\npower yoga classes\\n), you can bet that they're Vinyasa classes and you can expect poses to flow.\\n\\nTo stay safe in a Vinyasa yoga class, you'll want to make sure that you go at your own pace, particularly if you're a beginner. The faster pace of most Vinyasa classes means that there are usually fewer alignment clues given, so be sure to reach out to the teacher before class to make sure the class is right for you. If you're brand new to yoga, you might want to consider a Hatha class to become more familiar with the poses before getting into a slower Vinyasa class and then moving onto a more traditionally-paced Vinyasa class.\\n\\nPractice With myYogaTeacher\\nVinyasa is an incredibly diverse practice that doesn't stick to a single philosophy. Yoga teachers are free to create sequences using any movements they want, leaving a lot of room for them to put their own mark on their classes. Finding a teacher that you really enjoy and resonate with can make for a fulfilling Vinyasa yoga experience.\\n\\nWith myYogaTeacher, you get access to dozens of experienced yoga teachers and more than 35 live online classes each day. If you think you want to give Vinyasa yoga a try, here are just a few of the classes we offer:\\nVinyasa Yoga:\\n Using a series of movements and breathing to energize your body, this class builds strength and flexibility while also creating a sense of wellbeing.\\nBreathe and Flow:\\n An introduction to foundational yoga asanas with a full-body flow to help you stretch, strengthen, and rejuvenate. This class includes pranayama (breathing) and meditation.\\nHatha Vinyasa:\\n A classical style of yoga put together in a dynamic, flowing way to balance your body and mind. Includes breathing techniques to purify energy channels and remove mental blocks.\\nSlow Vinyasa Yoga:\\n This class offers a steady and mindful flow for beginner yogis or those looking for a slower pace while still building strength, improving flexibility, and increasing stability.\\nYoga With Dance:\\n In this non-traditional class, you'll find a mix of contemporary dance, Indian folk martial dance, and yoga. The class is designed to improve body posture and alignment, breathing, flexibility, and strength (and it's perfect for non-dancers, too).\\nWe also have tons of power yoga classes that are built on Vinyasa's fast-based flowing style. No matter what type of yoga you're looking for, myYogaTeacher has you covered. We'd love to offer you a \\nfree two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n. You'll get access to 35+ live online classes every single day, all taught by our experienced and talented Indian yoga teachers. See you on the mat!","html":"<h2>What Is Vinyasa Yoga?</h2><p>Vinyasa is a flow style of yoga in which you move from one asana or posture into the next in a fluid sequence. While it's related to Ashtanga, Vinyasa poses can vary from class to class while Ashtanga classes follow the same series of asanas each time.</p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:600,height:400/jkAIHKWpQtK00rSGCDZu\" alt=\"Warrior Pose III\" title=\"warrior iii.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>Vinyasa yoga is a fluid and flowing style of yoga. The classes are fast-paced with an emphasis on connecting the movements with the breath. It's often referred to as "flow yoga" and focuses on movement and transitions, rather than spending time in a particular pose.</p><p></p><p>Vinyasa comes from the Sanskrit prefix <em>vi</em>, meaning "in a special way," and the suffix <em>nyasa</em>, meaning "to place." So, Vinyasa is understood to mean "to place the body in a special way." This tells us that despite being a fast-paced practice, Vinyasa is about more than just moving your body about in space.</p><p></p><p>Instead, it is synchronized movement between breath and body, done with focus and intent. A moving <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/breathing-and-meditation\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/breathing-and-meditation\">meditation</a>.</p><p></p><h2>Where Did Vinyasa Yoga Come From?</h2><p>Vinyasa can be traced back to 200 BC when Patanjali began formulating Ashtanga and the <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\">eight limbs of yoga</a>, but Krishnamacharya is attributed with the creation of the practice, as is Rishi Vamana.</p><p></p><p>Since its first mention in the Vedic Period (the earliest age of yoga), followers have refined the technique into what we know as Vinyasa today, using more movement with breath instead of staying in static poses.</p><p></p><h2>Benefits of Vinyasa Yoga</h2><p>Vinyasa yoga has several benefits, just like other types of yoga. It can lower stress, improve energy, and improve overall health. Let's explore some of the benefits of Vinyasa yoga.</p><p></p><h3>Connecting With Your Breath</h3><p>Breath and breathing are powerful tools. We use breathing to soothe our nervous systems and even combat pain. Vinyasa is a wonderful practice that connects us with our breath and helps us control our bodies’ response to discomfort, pain, stress, and other physical and mental experiences.</p><p></p><h3>Heart Health</h3><p>Vinyasa classes are often fast-paced. The pace of the movements helps increase your heart rate and improve cardiovascular health. A <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target='_blank' title=\"https://www.longdom.org/open-access/heart-rate-response-to-vinyasa-yoga-in-healthy-adults-2157-7595.1000139.pdf\" href=\"https://www.longdom.org/open-access/heart-rate-response-to-vinyasa-yoga-in-healthy-adults-2157-7595.1000139.pdf\">2013 study</a> in the Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy found that the quick movements of Vinyasa make it an excellent choice for light-intensity cardio exercise.</p><p></p><h3>Strength</h3><p>A regular Vinyasa practice can increase whole-body strength. The poses in Vinyasa are challenging and move quickly, working all parts of your body, so you improve functional strength.</p><p></p><h3>Stability and Balance</h3><p>There are several balancing poses in yoga, so it's no surprise that yoga can improve stability and balance. According to one <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target='_blank' title=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4479589/\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4479589/\">2015 study</a>, people with low vision were able to improve their sense of balance and reduce their risk of falling after a course of Ashtanga-based yoga (like Vinyasa).</p><p></p><h3>Range of Motion</h3><p>Vinyasa involves your entire body in movements that you probably aren't doing over the course of your daily life. Moving your body in this way improves and expands your range of motion. A better range of motion, in turn, can help you avoid injuries.</p><p></p><h3>Stress Relief</h3><p>Vinyasa classes can be treated as moving meditations. The constant flow of movement combined with breathing can help you calm your mind and soothe your nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety. A <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target='_blank' title=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3304243/\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3304243/\">2012 study</a> found that women using CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) to quit smoking were able to lower their stress and anxiety—and quit smoking—through the practice of Vinyasa yoga.</p><p></p><h2>What to Expect in a Vinyasa Yoga Class</h2><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:600,height:400/NDMdyRRhmN2zNdePqbmQ\" alt=\"Down Dog Pose\" title=\"downward facing dog.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>Vinyasa classes tend to offer up a lot of variety when it comes to poses, but you'll probably always find sun salutations.</p><p></p><p>Sun salutations are an ancient sequence of asanas used to express gratitude and thankfulness to the sun. Many Vinyasa classes incorporate sun salutations or an abbreviated version at the beginning of the class as a warmup. Sun salutations also provide a basic template that yoga teachers can then build on.</p><p></p><p>During a Vinyasa class, you should expect to move from one pose into the next fluidly. And, while most Vinyasa classes have a faster pace, there are slower Vinyasa classes out there. The exact poses, pace, and focus will depend on the yoga teacher and their style.</p><p></p><p>Vinyasa classes tend to pull from other types of yoga and some of the most popular yoga styles actually fall under the realm of Vinyasa. So, if you see classes that mention Baptiste, Jivamukti, and even CorePower (and other <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/power-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/power-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-neelmani\">power yoga classes</a>), you can bet that they're Vinyasa classes and you can expect poses to flow.</p><p></p><p>To stay safe in a Vinyasa yoga class, you'll want to make sure that you go at your own pace, particularly if you're a beginner. The faster pace of most Vinyasa classes means that there are usually fewer alignment clues given, so be sure to reach out to the teacher before class to make sure the class is right for you. If you're brand new to yoga, you might want to consider a Hatha class to become more familiar with the poses before getting into a slower Vinyasa class and then moving onto a more traditionally-paced Vinyasa class.</p><p></p><h2>Practice With myYogaTeacher</h2><p>Vinyasa is an incredibly diverse practice that doesn't stick to a single philosophy. Yoga teachers are free to create sequences using any movements they want, leaving a lot of room for them to put their own mark on their classes. Finding a teacher that you really enjoy and resonate with can make for a fulfilling Vinyasa yoga experience.</p><p></p><p>With myYogaTeacher, you get access to dozens of experienced yoga teachers and more than 35 live online classes each day. If you think you want to give Vinyasa yoga a try, here are just a few of the classes we offer:</p><ul><li><div><strong>Vinyasa Yoga:</strong> Using a series of movements and breathing to energize your body, this class builds strength and flexibility while also creating a sense of wellbeing.</div></li><li><div><strong>Breathe and Flow:</strong> An introduction to foundational yoga asanas with a full-body flow to help you stretch, strengthen, and rejuvenate. This class includes pranayama (breathing) and meditation.</div></li><li><div><strong>Hatha Vinyasa:</strong> A classical style of yoga put together in a dynamic, flowing way to balance your body and mind. Includes breathing techniques to purify energy channels and remove mental blocks.</div></li><li><div><strong>Slow Vinyasa Yoga:</strong> This class offers a steady and mindful flow for beginner yogis or those looking for a slower pace while still building strength, improving flexibility, and increasing stability.</div></li><li><div><strong>Yoga With Dance:</strong> In this non-traditional class, you'll find a mix of contemporary dance, Indian folk martial dance, and yoga. The class is designed to improve body posture and alignment, breathing, flexibility, and strength (and it's perfect for non-dancers, too).</div></li></ul><p>We also have tons of power yoga classes that are built on Vinyasa's fast-based flowing style. No matter what type of yoga you're looking for, myYogaTeacher has you covered. We'd love to offer you a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\">free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher</a>. You'll get access to 35+ live online classes every single day, all taught by our experienced and talented Indian yoga teachers. See you on the mat!</p>"},"category":[],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"loading":false,"blog_content":[{"type":"HTML","value":"<h2>What Is Vinyasa Yoga?</h2><p>Vinyasa is a flow style of yoga in which you move from one asana or posture into the next in a fluid sequence. While it's related to Ashtanga, Vinyasa poses can vary from class to class while Ashtanga classes follow the same series of asanas each time.</p>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:600,height:400/jkAIHKWpQtK00rSGCDZu\" \n alt=\"Warrior Pose III\"\n title=\"Warrior Pose III\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/jkAIHKWpQtK00rSGCDZu\"\n alt=\"Warrior Pose III\"\n title=\"Warrior Pose III\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/jkAIHKWpQtK00rSGCDZu\"\n alt=\"Warrior Pose III\"\n title=\"Warrior Pose III\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <p>Vinyasa yoga is a fluid and flowing style of yoga. The classes are fast-paced with an emphasis on connecting the movements with the breath. It's often referred to as "flow yoga" and focuses on movement and transitions, rather than spending time in a particular pose.</p><p></p><p>Vinyasa comes from the Sanskrit prefix <em>vi</em>, meaning "in a special way," and the suffix <em>nyasa</em>, meaning "to place." So, Vinyasa is understood to mean "to place the body in a special way." This tells us that despite being a fast-paced practice, Vinyasa is about more than just moving your body about in space.</p><p></p><p>Instead, it is synchronized movement between breath and body, done with focus and intent. A moving <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/breathing-and-meditation\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/breathing-and-meditation\">meditation</a>.</p><p></p><h2>Where Did Vinyasa Yoga Come From?</h2><p>Vinyasa can be traced back to 200 BC when Patanjali began formulating Ashtanga and the <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\">eight limbs of yoga</a>, but Krishnamacharya is attributed with the creation of the practice, as is Rishi Vamana.</p><p></p><p>Since its first mention in the Vedic Period (the earliest age of yoga), followers have refined the technique into what we know as Vinyasa today, using more movement with breath instead of staying in static poses.</p><p></p><h2>Benefits of Vinyasa Yoga</h2><p>Vinyasa yoga has several benefits, just like other types of yoga. It can lower stress, improve energy, and improve overall health. Let's explore some of the benefits of Vinyasa yoga.</p><p></p><h3>Connecting With Your Breath</h3><p>Breath and breathing are powerful tools. We use breathing to soothe our nervous systems and even combat pain. Vinyasa is a wonderful practice that connects us with our breath and helps us control our bodies’ response to discomfort, pain, stress, and other physical and mental experiences.</p><p></p><h3>Heart Health</h3><p>Vinyasa classes are often fast-paced. The pace of the movements helps increase your heart rate and improve cardiovascular health. A <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target='_blank' title=\"https://www.longdom.org/open-access/heart-rate-response-to-vinyasa-yoga-in-healthy-adults-2157-7595.1000139.pdf\" href=\"https://www.longdom.org/open-access/heart-rate-response-to-vinyasa-yoga-in-healthy-adults-2157-7595.1000139.pdf\">2013 study</a> in the Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy found that the quick movements of Vinyasa make it an excellent choice for light-intensity cardio exercise.</p><p></p><h3>Strength</h3><p>A regular Vinyasa practice can increase whole-body strength. The poses in Vinyasa are challenging and move quickly, working all parts of your body, so you improve functional strength.</p><p></p><h3>Stability and Balance</h3><p>There are several balancing poses in yoga, so it's no surprise that yoga can improve stability and balance. According to one <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target='_blank' title=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4479589/\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4479589/\">2015 study</a>, people with low vision were able to improve their sense of balance and reduce their risk of falling after a course of Ashtanga-based yoga (like Vinyasa).</p><p></p><h3>Range of Motion</h3><p>Vinyasa involves your entire body in movements that you probably aren't doing over the course of your daily life. Moving your body in this way improves and expands your range of motion. A better range of motion, in turn, can help you avoid injuries.</p><p></p><h3>Stress Relief</h3><p>Vinyasa classes can be treated as moving meditations. The constant flow of movement combined with breathing can help you calm your mind and soothe your nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety. A <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target='_blank' title=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3304243/\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3304243/\">2012 study</a> found that women using CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) to quit smoking were able to lower their stress and anxiety—and quit smoking—through the practice of Vinyasa yoga.</p><p></p><h2>What to Expect in a Vinyasa Yoga Class</h2>\n <picture>\n <source \n type=\"image/webp\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:webp/compress/resize=width:600,height:400/NDMdyRRhmN2zNdePqbmQ\" \n alt=\"Down Dog Pose\"\n title=\"Down Dog Pose\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <source \n type=\"image/jpg\"\n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/NDMdyRRhmN2zNdePqbmQ\"\n alt=\"Down Dog Pose\"\n title=\"Down Dog Pose\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n <img \n data-srcset=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=w:930,fit:crop/quality=value:75/output=format:jpg/resize=width:600,height:400/NDMdyRRhmN2zNdePqbmQ\"\n alt=\"Down Dog Pose\"\n title=\"Down Dog Pose\"\n \n \n class=\"lazyLoadingImg\"\n />\n </picture>\n <p>Vinyasa classes tend to offer up a lot of variety when it comes to poses, but you'll probably always find sun salutations.</p><p></p><p>Sun salutations are an ancient sequence of asanas used to express gratitude and thankfulness to the sun. Many Vinyasa classes incorporate sun salutations or an abbreviated version at the beginning of the class as a warmup. Sun salutations also provide a basic template that yoga teachers can then build on.</p><p></p><p>During a Vinyasa class, you should expect to move from one pose into the next fluidly. And, while most Vinyasa classes have a faster pace, there are slower Vinyasa classes out there. The exact poses, pace, and focus will depend on the yoga teacher and their style.</p><p></p><p>Vinyasa classes tend to pull from other types of yoga and some of the most popular yoga styles actually fall under the realm of Vinyasa. So, if you see classes that mention Baptiste, Jivamukti, and even CorePower (and other <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/power-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/power-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-neelmani\">power yoga classes</a>), you can bet that they're Vinyasa classes and you can expect poses to flow.</p><p></p><p>To stay safe in a Vinyasa yoga class, you'll want to make sure that you go at your own pace, particularly if you're a beginner. The faster pace of most Vinyasa classes means that there are usually fewer alignment clues given, so be sure to reach out to the teacher before class to make sure the class is right for you. If you're brand new to yoga, you might want to consider a Hatha class to become more familiar with the poses before getting into a slower Vinyasa class and then moving onto a more traditionally-paced Vinyasa class.</p><p></p><h2>Practice With myYogaTeacher</h2><p>Vinyasa is an incredibly diverse practice that doesn't stick to a single philosophy. Yoga teachers are free to create sequences using any movements they want, leaving a lot of room for them to put their own mark on their classes. Finding a teacher that you really enjoy and resonate with can make for a fulfilling Vinyasa yoga experience.</p><p></p><p>With myYogaTeacher, you get access to dozens of experienced yoga teachers and more than 35 live online classes each day. If you think you want to give Vinyasa yoga a try, here are just a few of the classes we offer:</p><ul><li><div><strong>Vinyasa Yoga:</strong> Using a series of movements and breathing to energize your body, this class builds strength and flexibility while also creating a sense of wellbeing.</div></li><li><div><strong>Breathe and Flow:</strong> An introduction to foundational yoga asanas with a full-body flow to help you stretch, strengthen, and rejuvenate. This class includes pranayama (breathing) and meditation.</div></li><li><div><strong>Hatha Vinyasa:</strong> A classical style of yoga put together in a dynamic, flowing way to balance your body and mind. Includes breathing techniques to purify energy channels and remove mental blocks.</div></li><li><div><strong>Slow Vinyasa Yoga:</strong> This class offers a steady and mindful flow for beginner yogis or those looking for a slower pace while still building strength, improving flexibility, and increasing stability.</div></li><li><div><strong>Yoga With Dance:</strong> In this non-traditional class, you'll find a mix of contemporary dance, Indian folk martial dance, and yoga. The class is designed to improve body posture and alignment, breathing, flexibility, and strength (and it's perfect for non-dancers, too).</div></li></ul><p>We also have tons of power yoga classes that are built on Vinyasa's fast-based flowing style. No matter what type of yoga you're looking for, myYogaTeacher has you covered. We'd love to offer you a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\">free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher</a>. You'll get access to 35+ live online classes every single day, all taught by our experienced and talented Indian yoga teachers. See you on the mat!</p>"},{"type":"CTA","value":"[CTA-DEFAULT]"}],"isSlugACategory":false,"searchCategory":"what-is-vinyasa","showPopUp":false,"popUpType":null,"showedPopup":false,"windowWidth":null,"ctaPath":"free-trial-o","redirectURL":"#","ctaContent":[{"id":"ckxrz2i14tov40c25g1dpicsg","name":"[CTA-DEFAULT]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz37hsu0cj0a76mgb4594m","name":"[CTA-FREECLASS]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Classes – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz4d5stsye0b75dtlx1w0n","name":"[CTA-TRENDS]","description":{"html":"<p>Get ahead of the next trend and practice with authentic Indian yoga teachers! Sign up today and <strong>get 2 free private yoga sessions PLUS 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong>. No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>Practice with Authentic Indian Yoga Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"ckxrz6nq0tqdr0c258titvagg","name":"[CTA-REVIEWS]","description":{"html":"<p>Find out what all the hype is about! <strong>Get 2 free private yoga sessions and 2 weeks of unlimited group classes</strong> with authentic yoga teachers. 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No credit card required when you sign up today!</p>"},"title":{"html":"<p><strong>Online Hatha Yoga Sessions – </strong><u><strong>Live & Interactive</strong></u></p><p><strong>with Authentic Indian Teachers</strong></p><p></p>"},"linkText":"Start Free Trial","linkUrl":"https://www.myyogateacher.com/signup"},{"id":"cky90p88g3zgc0d23yz6taont","name":"[CTA-NASAL]","description":{"html":"<p><strong>Get 2 free private sessions </strong>to relieve post nasal drip and clear out your sinus. </p><p><strong>PLUS, 2 weeks of unlimited group classes </strong>with authentic Indian yoga teachers. 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It's often fast-paced, but there's more to it than that. Come explore with us!","content":{"text":"What Is Vinyasa Yoga?\\nVinyasa is a flow style of yoga in which you move from one asana or posture into the next in a fluid sequence. While it's related to Ashtanga, Vinyasa poses can vary from class to class while Ashtanga classes follow the same series of asanas each time.\\n\\nVinyasa yoga is a fluid and flowing style of yoga. The classes are fast-paced with an emphasis on connecting the movements with the breath. It's often referred to as \"flow yoga\" and focuses on movement and transitions, rather than spending time in a particular pose.\\n\\nVinyasa comes from the Sanskrit prefix \\nvi\\n, meaning \"in a special way,\" and the suffix \\nnyasa\\n, meaning \"to place.\" So, Vinyasa is understood to mean \"to place the body in a special way.\" This tells us that despite being a fast-paced practice, Vinyasa is about more than just moving your body about in space.\\n\\nInstead, it is synchronized movement between breath and body, done with focus and intent. A moving \\nmeditation\\n.\\n\\nWhere Did Vinyasa Yoga Come From?\\nVinyasa can be traced back to 200 BC when Patanjali began formulating Ashtanga and the \\neight limbs of yoga\\n, but Krishnamacharya is attributed with the creation of the practice, as is Rishi Vamana.\\n\\nSince its first mention in the Vedic Period (the earliest age of yoga), followers have refined the technique into what we know as Vinyasa today, using more movement with breath instead of staying in static poses.\\n\\nBenefits of Vinyasa Yoga\\nVinyasa yoga has several benefits, just like other types of yoga. It can lower stress, improve energy, and improve overall health. Let's explore some of the benefits of Vinyasa yoga.\\n\\nConnecting With Your Breath\\nBreath and breathing are powerful tools. We use breathing to soothe our nervous systems and even combat pain. Vinyasa is a wonderful practice that connects us with our breath and helps us control our bodies’ response to discomfort, pain, stress, and other physical and mental experiences.\\n\\nHeart Health\\nVinyasa classes are often fast-paced. The pace of the movements helps increase your heart rate and improve cardiovascular health. A \\n2013 study\\n in the Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy found that the quick movements of Vinyasa make it an excellent choice for light-intensity cardio exercise.\\n\\nStrength\\nA regular Vinyasa practice can increase whole-body strength. The poses in Vinyasa are challenging and move quickly, working all parts of your body, so you improve functional strength.\\n\\nStability and Balance\\nThere are several balancing poses in yoga, so it's no surprise that yoga can improve stability and balance. According to one \\n2015 study\\n, people with low vision were able to improve their sense of balance and reduce their risk of falling after a course of Ashtanga-based yoga (like Vinyasa).\\n\\nRange of Motion\\nVinyasa involves your entire body in movements that you probably aren't doing over the course of your daily life. Moving your body in this way improves and expands your range of motion. A better range of motion, in turn, can help you avoid injuries.\\n\\nStress Relief\\nVinyasa classes can be treated as moving meditations. The constant flow of movement combined with breathing can help you calm your mind and soothe your nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety. A \\n2012 study\\n found that women using CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) to quit smoking were able to lower their stress and anxiety—and quit smoking—through the practice of Vinyasa yoga.\\n\\nWhat to Expect in a Vinyasa Yoga Class\\n\\nVinyasa classes tend to offer up a lot of variety when it comes to poses, but you'll probably always find sun salutations.\\n\\nSun salutations are an ancient sequence of asanas used to express gratitude and thankfulness to the sun. Many Vinyasa classes incorporate sun salutations or an abbreviated version at the beginning of the class as a warmup. Sun salutations also provide a basic template that yoga teachers can then build on.\\n\\nDuring a Vinyasa class, you should expect to move from one pose into the next fluidly. And, while most Vinyasa classes have a faster pace, there are slower Vinyasa classes out there. The exact poses, pace, and focus will depend on the yoga teacher and their style.\\n\\nVinyasa classes tend to pull from other types of yoga and some of the most popular yoga styles actually fall under the realm of Vinyasa. So, if you see classes that mention Baptiste, Jivamukti, and even CorePower (and other \\npower yoga classes\\n), you can bet that they're Vinyasa classes and you can expect poses to flow.\\n\\nTo stay safe in a Vinyasa yoga class, you'll want to make sure that you go at your own pace, particularly if you're a beginner. The faster pace of most Vinyasa classes means that there are usually fewer alignment clues given, so be sure to reach out to the teacher before class to make sure the class is right for you. If you're brand new to yoga, you might want to consider a Hatha class to become more familiar with the poses before getting into a slower Vinyasa class and then moving onto a more traditionally-paced Vinyasa class.\\n\\nPractice With myYogaTeacher\\nVinyasa is an incredibly diverse practice that doesn't stick to a single philosophy. Yoga teachers are free to create sequences using any movements they want, leaving a lot of room for them to put their own mark on their classes. Finding a teacher that you really enjoy and resonate with can make for a fulfilling Vinyasa yoga experience.\\n\\nWith myYogaTeacher, you get access to dozens of experienced yoga teachers and more than 35 live online classes each day. If you think you want to give Vinyasa yoga a try, here are just a few of the classes we offer:\\nVinyasa Yoga:\\n Using a series of movements and breathing to energize your body, this class builds strength and flexibility while also creating a sense of wellbeing.\\nBreathe and Flow:\\n An introduction to foundational yoga asanas with a full-body flow to help you stretch, strengthen, and rejuvenate. This class includes pranayama (breathing) and meditation.\\nHatha Vinyasa:\\n A classical style of yoga put together in a dynamic, flowing way to balance your body and mind. Includes breathing techniques to purify energy channels and remove mental blocks.\\nSlow Vinyasa Yoga:\\n This class offers a steady and mindful flow for beginner yogis or those looking for a slower pace while still building strength, improving flexibility, and increasing stability.\\nYoga With Dance:\\n In this non-traditional class, you'll find a mix of contemporary dance, Indian folk martial dance, and yoga. The class is designed to improve body posture and alignment, breathing, flexibility, and strength (and it's perfect for non-dancers, too).\\nWe also have tons of power yoga classes that are built on Vinyasa's fast-based flowing style. No matter what type of yoga you're looking for, myYogaTeacher has you covered. We'd love to offer you a \\nfree two-week trial of myYogaTeacher\\n. You'll get access to 35+ live online classes every single day, all taught by our experienced and talented Indian yoga teachers. See you on the mat!","html":"<h2>What Is Vinyasa Yoga?</h2><p>Vinyasa is a flow style of yoga in which you move from one asana or posture into the next in a fluid sequence. While it's related to Ashtanga, Vinyasa poses can vary from class to class while Ashtanga classes follow the same series of asanas each time.</p><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:600,height:400/jkAIHKWpQtK00rSGCDZu\" alt=\"Warrior Pose III\" title=\"warrior iii.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>Vinyasa yoga is a fluid and flowing style of yoga. The classes are fast-paced with an emphasis on connecting the movements with the breath. It's often referred to as "flow yoga" and focuses on movement and transitions, rather than spending time in a particular pose.</p><p></p><p>Vinyasa comes from the Sanskrit prefix <em>vi</em>, meaning "in a special way," and the suffix <em>nyasa</em>, meaning "to place." So, Vinyasa is understood to mean "to place the body in a special way." This tells us that despite being a fast-paced practice, Vinyasa is about more than just moving your body about in space.</p><p></p><p>Instead, it is synchronized movement between breath and body, done with focus and intent. A moving <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/breathing-and-meditation\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/breathing-and-meditation\">meditation</a>.</p><p></p><h2>Where Did Vinyasa Yoga Come From?</h2><p>Vinyasa can be traced back to 200 BC when Patanjali began formulating Ashtanga and the <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/articles/ashtanga-yoga-eight-limbs\">eight limbs of yoga</a>, but Krishnamacharya is attributed with the creation of the practice, as is Rishi Vamana.</p><p></p><p>Since its first mention in the Vedic Period (the earliest age of yoga), followers have refined the technique into what we know as Vinyasa today, using more movement with breath instead of staying in static poses.</p><p></p><h2>Benefits of Vinyasa Yoga</h2><p>Vinyasa yoga has several benefits, just like other types of yoga. It can lower stress, improve energy, and improve overall health. Let's explore some of the benefits of Vinyasa yoga.</p><p></p><h3>Connecting With Your Breath</h3><p>Breath and breathing are powerful tools. We use breathing to soothe our nervous systems and even combat pain. Vinyasa is a wonderful practice that connects us with our breath and helps us control our bodies’ response to discomfort, pain, stress, and other physical and mental experiences.</p><p></p><h3>Heart Health</h3><p>Vinyasa classes are often fast-paced. The pace of the movements helps increase your heart rate and improve cardiovascular health. A <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target='_blank' title=\"https://www.longdom.org/open-access/heart-rate-response-to-vinyasa-yoga-in-healthy-adults-2157-7595.1000139.pdf\" href=\"https://www.longdom.org/open-access/heart-rate-response-to-vinyasa-yoga-in-healthy-adults-2157-7595.1000139.pdf\">2013 study</a> in the Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy found that the quick movements of Vinyasa make it an excellent choice for light-intensity cardio exercise.</p><p></p><h3>Strength</h3><p>A regular Vinyasa practice can increase whole-body strength. The poses in Vinyasa are challenging and move quickly, working all parts of your body, so you improve functional strength.</p><p></p><h3>Stability and Balance</h3><p>There are several balancing poses in yoga, so it's no surprise that yoga can improve stability and balance. According to one <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target='_blank' title=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4479589/\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4479589/\">2015 study</a>, people with low vision were able to improve their sense of balance and reduce their risk of falling after a course of Ashtanga-based yoga (like Vinyasa).</p><p></p><h3>Range of Motion</h3><p>Vinyasa involves your entire body in movements that you probably aren't doing over the course of your daily life. Moving your body in this way improves and expands your range of motion. A better range of motion, in turn, can help you avoid injuries.</p><p></p><h3>Stress Relief</h3><p>Vinyasa classes can be treated as moving meditations. The constant flow of movement combined with breathing can help you calm your mind and soothe your nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety. A <a rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target='_blank' title=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3304243/\" href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3304243/\">2012 study</a> found that women using CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) to quit smoking were able to lower their stress and anxiety—and quit smoking—through the practice of Vinyasa yoga.</p><p></p><h2>What to Expect in a Vinyasa Yoga Class</h2><img src=\"https://media.graphcms.com/resize=width:600,height:400/NDMdyRRhmN2zNdePqbmQ\" alt=\"Down Dog Pose\" title=\"downward facing dog.png\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /><p>Vinyasa classes tend to offer up a lot of variety when it comes to poses, but you'll probably always find sun salutations.</p><p></p><p>Sun salutations are an ancient sequence of asanas used to express gratitude and thankfulness to the sun. Many Vinyasa classes incorporate sun salutations or an abbreviated version at the beginning of the class as a warmup. Sun salutations also provide a basic template that yoga teachers can then build on.</p><p></p><p>During a Vinyasa class, you should expect to move from one pose into the next fluidly. And, while most Vinyasa classes have a faster pace, there are slower Vinyasa classes out there. The exact poses, pace, and focus will depend on the yoga teacher and their style.</p><p></p><p>Vinyasa classes tend to pull from other types of yoga and some of the most popular yoga styles actually fall under the realm of Vinyasa. So, if you see classes that mention Baptiste, Jivamukti, and even CorePower (and other <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/power-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-neelmani\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/group_classes/power-yoga-for-intermediate-level-by-neelmani\">power yoga classes</a>), you can bet that they're Vinyasa classes and you can expect poses to flow.</p><p></p><p>To stay safe in a Vinyasa yoga class, you'll want to make sure that you go at your own pace, particularly if you're a beginner. The faster pace of most Vinyasa classes means that there are usually fewer alignment clues given, so be sure to reach out to the teacher before class to make sure the class is right for you. If you're brand new to yoga, you might want to consider a Hatha class to become more familiar with the poses before getting into a slower Vinyasa class and then moving onto a more traditionally-paced Vinyasa class.</p><p></p><h2>Practice With myYogaTeacher</h2><p>Vinyasa is an incredibly diverse practice that doesn't stick to a single philosophy. Yoga teachers are free to create sequences using any movements they want, leaving a lot of room for them to put their own mark on their classes. Finding a teacher that you really enjoy and resonate with can make for a fulfilling Vinyasa yoga experience.</p><p></p><p>With myYogaTeacher, you get access to dozens of experienced yoga teachers and more than 35 live online classes each day. If you think you want to give Vinyasa yoga a try, here are just a few of the classes we offer:</p><ul><li><div><strong>Vinyasa Yoga:</strong> Using a series of movements and breathing to energize your body, this class builds strength and flexibility while also creating a sense of wellbeing.</div></li><li><div><strong>Breathe and Flow:</strong> An introduction to foundational yoga asanas with a full-body flow to help you stretch, strengthen, and rejuvenate. This class includes pranayama (breathing) and meditation.</div></li><li><div><strong>Hatha Vinyasa:</strong> A classical style of yoga put together in a dynamic, flowing way to balance your body and mind. Includes breathing techniques to purify energy channels and remove mental blocks.</div></li><li><div><strong>Slow Vinyasa Yoga:</strong> This class offers a steady and mindful flow for beginner yogis or those looking for a slower pace while still building strength, improving flexibility, and increasing stability.</div></li><li><div><strong>Yoga With Dance:</strong> In this non-traditional class, you'll find a mix of contemporary dance, Indian folk martial dance, and yoga. The class is designed to improve body posture and alignment, breathing, flexibility, and strength (and it's perfect for non-dancers, too).</div></li></ul><p>We also have tons of power yoga classes that are built on Vinyasa's fast-based flowing style. No matter what type of yoga you're looking for, myYogaTeacher has you covered. We'd love to offer you a <a title=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\" href=\"https://www.myyogateacher.com/free-yoga-classes.html\">free two-week trial of myYogaTeacher</a>. You'll get access to 35+ live online classes every single day, all taught by our experienced and talented Indian yoga teachers. See you on the mat!</p>"},"category":[],"utmCampaign":null,"utmMedium":null,"utmContent":null,"utmSource":null,"utmTerm":null,"utmSearchString":null,"imageHyperlink":[]},"recommendations_group_class":null}© Copyright 2020 MyYogaTeacher Inc