What is vinyasa flow yoga?

Vinyasa flow is a dynamic form of yoga deriving from astanga vinyasa. It makes use of vinyasa (linking movements from the astanga practice) to join postures together; however, the postures are choreographed by the teacher rather than following the traditional astanga sequences. Variations in the postures can make vinyasa flow more or less challenging, but in general this is a demanding form of yoga in which you can expect to work hard and sweat. Vinyasa flow offers the opportunity to explore a range of postures and cultivate a balance of strength and flexibility within a context of mindfulness of your whole experience on the mat.



What is Jess’s approach to teaching it?

My classes take the form and principles of astanga vinyasa as their starting point, so you will get the most out of them if you have a good grounding in astanga and are accustomed to using bandhas and ujayi breath. As in all my classes, there is an emphasis on cultivating awareness of ‘edge’, which might be described as the place where expansion is possible, and in distinguishing where dynamism turns into force, and both body and mind begin to tighten and contract. Expansion in yoga opens out of dwelling deeply in our experience in the moment, refraining from trying to make anything happen and being with what just is, so you will be encouraged to keep bringing your attention back to what you are experiencing right now and simply letting it be.



Vinyasa krama

Vinyasa krama is the art of linking postures, on the breath, into fluid sequences. Sequences can be geared to exploring particular areas of the body, to creating certain energy states (calming or energising), or to working with specific injuries or health conditions. The most profound form of vinyasa krama evolves out of ongoing practice and deepening attunement to our own bodymind, through which sequences perfectly geared to unwinding our own particular complexes of held physical and emotional tension begin to emerge spontaneously.



What students say about vinyasa flow

“For me these classes are strong, which builds strength and flexibility on a physical, mental and emotional level, and they leave you with a feeling of being totally relaxed and happy at the end of the class.”—Shubashnee

“The vinyasa flow classes are both fun and challenging – they allow you to work on other postures and develop your skills in a safe and supportive way ... I like the way after working through some of the primary series you can then concentrate on one area and do the prep work to a more advanced posture / sequence where you may not have been before.”—Lysanne

“I love the vinyasa flow class because it has introduced me to asanas that I had not tried before and is helping me lose my fear of inversions. Flow and Slow Yoga is also great because it allows you to move dynamically as well as work on your flexibility and take time to listen to your body. By the end of the class, you feel rejuvenated.”—Eva Maria



FAQS ABOUT VINYASA FLOW

• What's the difference between vinyasa flow and hatha yoga?

Strictly speaking, vinyasa flow is a form of hatha yoga. ‘Hatha’ simply denotes any physical form of yoga. These days, however, the term hatha is often used to refer to less dynamic styles of yoga in which there are pauses between postures rather than one posture flowing into the next linked by vinyasa. This type of hatha yoga is generally less physically challenging than vinyasa forms.

• Do I need to be fit to do a vinysasa flow class?

You need to have a reasonable basic level of fitness and the desire to work hard and sweat, but you don’t need to be super-fit. The most important thing is to respect your current level of fitness and stamina, and practise where you actually are rather than where you aspire to be.

• Do I need to be flexible to do a vinyasa flow class?

In many ways, a stiff body offers an easier, safer starting point for yoga than one that is very mobile. In my classes, I encourage people to adapt postures where appropriate, so that everyone can practise safely given how flexible they are now. The emphasis is on internal experience rather than on striving to achieve the the full posture.

• Will vinyasa flow improve my fitness and flexibility?

Regular practice of vinyasa flow yoga will increase your strength (particularly in the upper body) and general flexibility. It can also help you to relax and cope better with stress, normalise your body weight, increase your sense of well-being, improve your immunity, loosen the grip of unhelpful habits and addictions, and foster a generally healthier and more harmonious lifestyle. In addition to all this, it will bring increasing self-knowledge, wisdom and joy, and a deepening sense of acceptance. Ultimately, like all forms of yoga, astanga vinyasa is a spiritual practice. It brings us closer to the true nature of reality and into relationship with what we really are.

• Can I do a vinyasa flow class if I have health problems or injuries?

It depends on what they are. If you have any health problems or injuries, please speak to me about them before coming to a class so that I can advise you individually on whether this form of yoga is suitable for you.

• Should I practise vinyasa flow if I have a cold or flu ?

If you’re only mildly ill, it may be helpful to practise – sometimes the internal heat raised can help to flush a virus out. However, please respect your classmates, be aware that in a public class there may be people with compromised immunity, and do your practice at home! If you have a temperature and / or your energy level is low, practise real yoga: respect your body and rest. If you’re up to it, do a gentle restorative practice, using blankets, bolsters and other props to help you rebalance and recuperate. Make this an exercise in listening to your body – which is what all yoga is fundamentally about. Wait until you feel more energetic before returning to a vigorous practice.

• Can I come to a vinyasa flow class if I’m pregnant?

Vinyasa flow is vigorous, so if you’re new to yoga and pregnant, you will find a prenatal yoga class more suitable.

If you already have a vinyasa flow practice, your pregnancy is problem free and you feel like moving energetically, there’s no reason to stop practising. Every pregnancy is different, so be guided by what your body tells you it wants. Many postures can be adapted as your body changes. A number of women stop practising at around seven months, but others continue right up to the birth.

• I’ve recently had a baby – how soon can I come to a vinyasa flow class?

This depends on individual circumstances – how fit you were before the birth, what sort of birth you had, whether you are new to dynamic yoga and so on. Listen to your body and let it tell you what it needs. If you have had a baby within the past few months and have done little or no vinyasa flow before, please speak to me before coming to a class.

• Can I practise during my period?

The best way to discover what works for you during menstruation is to experiment. Yoga is about developing awareness, so pay attention to how you feel physically and emotionally after practising and how your cycle is affected in the longer run. You may find that the approach you choose to take changes several times during your menstruating life, or varies from month to month.

• I belong to a religion; will yoga conflict with this?

People of all faiths and none practise yoga. Although most of the forms of hatha yoga commonly practised today came originally from India, yoga pre-dates hinduism and seems to have emanated simultaneously within many cultures. Yoga is not a religion but a tool for mindfulness. As such it will enhance your awareness whatever your religious affiliations.