What The Heck Is Vinyasa Yoga?
There are many varieties of yoga to help you find the one that suits your needs. One of the most popular forms of yoga in North America is called vinyasa yoga, sometimes known as "astanga-vinyasa Yoga". Vinyasa is the younger school of yoga derived from its parent school astanga or ashtanga yoga. Both of these schools emphasize routines that are fast and difficult.
Go With The Flow
In case you're wondering, vinyasa means "breath-synchronized movement". Some have also hinted that there is no exact English translation, but for now, that's the best translation we are going to get. You not only learn how to put your body into eye-opening poses with vinyasa yoga, but you are also taught how to breathe when you go into them.
Often, you'll hear people or the media refer to vinyasa yoga as "flow yoga" or just "flow." This is a slightly more elegant version of the super-athletic astanga yoga, where you try to flow from one position to another like water rising and cresting in ripples and waves. Some people find it best to think of themselves doing a slow dance as opposed to doing vinyasa yoga or flow.
Must Learn In Class
Vinyasa yoga not only needs to be seen to be believed, it needs a qualified instructor to teach you what to do. Although videos and DVDs can help you once you've learned the basics, you can't just mirror what you see in a DVD. You can really hurt yourself that way, giving yourself sprains, strains or worse.
The best way to learn vinyasa yoga is to watch your instructor and then try to mimic him or her. The instructor then comes over and nudges you into the correct position. You then try to memorize how that feels, in order to help when you attempt any of these positions on your own. It will seem overwhelming at first, which is why you need practice.
Where To Find
Vinyasa yoga classes are usually help in community colleges, health clubs and sometimes at your local YMCA. There are also health clubs and spas only for yoga. You can check in the Yellow Pages, from recommendations from a trusted friend or from online advertising. You really should sit in on a class to get a taste of the instructor's style before you put any money down.
Some yoga classes are not touched by religion, but keep in mind that yoga originated in India. Quite a lot of Hindu teachings may be taught. Try not to be offended. At heart, all religions teach the same thing - how to be nice to yourself and to each other.
