What is vinyasa yoga?

A vinyasa is a smooth transition between asanas in styles of modern yoga such as Vinyasa Yoga, Karma Yoga, Bikram Yoga, and Ashtanga Yoga. Vinyasa is also a yoga pose. Vinyasas bring strength and flexibility to the body.

Vinyasa means to link or bind with, or to place in a special way.  Most commonly it is used in yoga as the process of linking breath and movement in asana practice. In fact, Vinyasa is the Sanskrit term for Asana (Posture).

Yoga poses and asanas are different names for the same thing. The Sanskrit word vinyasa came from the prefix vi, which means variation, and the suffix Nyasa, which means “within prescribed parameters.” Srivatsa Ramaswami, a student of Krishnamacharya for more than thirty years.

Here are a few examples of vinyasa yoga poses, so let’s take a look.

• Plank or Chaturanga
• Downward-facing dog, one-legged dog, knee to nose
• Chair pose, boat pose

Vinyasa is all about moving your body using yoga poses and yoga asanas in a rhythmic way. You can do it at a fast pace or a slower pace depending on your level of interest and energy. Vinyasa is great for athletic people.