Yoga flow is another interesting variation to traditional yoga. It is quite hard to specify this yoga style not just because it is not too different from the traditional yoga itself but also it divides into several types as well.
We can define three other types under the category of Yoga Flow:
- Slow Flow Yoga
- Power Flow Yoga
- Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga.
Vinyasa means motion coordinated with the breathing. The base is usually sun salutation, which is supported by other positions of classical yoga. The boundaries between Power Yoga and Vinyasa Flow Yoga are not direct. It strongly depends on the approach of each teacher. But Power Yoga is generally more focused on physical exercise and it is slightly closer to styles such as aerobics. In contrast, Vinyasa Flow yoga is built on breathing and on the very essence of Yoga.
What are the Benefits of Vinyasa Flow Yoga?
Vinyasa Yoga evolved from Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, popular especially in the US, it is basically Ashtanga Vinyasa freestyle.
Yoga Flow keeps us moving in the presence of mind and gives us the opportunity to fully experience the present, but it also has no predetermined structure like Ashtanga yoga does which gives the instructor a chance to be more creative than in traditional yoga.
Dynamic pace of vinyasa flow yoga primarily warms your body up and helps the heat circulate through your body Thanks to the heat you will start sweating which leads to a better elimination of toxins from the body. Power yoga style helps to lose weight and the muscles get more powerful than in regular yoga. Breath is the basis which the motion comes from and the transitions from position to position are aligned with the breath and its various phases. Vinyasa often uses breath more than one technique. If you are not sure what to expect, check out our Vinyasa Yoga Flow video we will be publishing here very soon.
Which Yoga is Best for You?
If you aren´t sure which type of yoga is the best for you, there are a few tips that could help you decide.
Choosing between exercising traditional yoga and vinyasa flow is influenced by several factors. The first is certainly your advancement. If you are a yoga beginner, or you are going to start, it might be better to try traditional yoga first. Due to the slower pace, it is easier to keep up with the positions and the process getting into them. It is better to have some experience with the positions, you get to know the position closely and learn how to breathe through it first.
Another very important factor is your nature. Traditional yoga works better for people who are fast, impetuous and who like being always busy or are in a hurry all the time and think relaxation and sleep are waste of time. Our bodies and our minds need to relax and traditional yoga is the perfect exercise for this. On the other hand, if you feel to be the complete opposite of the characteristics above, yoga flow is the best choice for you.
It is useful to think about your expectations and advancement before starting the lessons. We are all different and what works for one person doesn´t need to work for another. Yoga flow allows you to calm your mind but challenges your body a little bit more than the traditional style. It is definitely beneficial to combine yoga styles as well so if you are not sure yet, just go and try different lessons, the world is your oyster! Yoga flow is for sure worth trying.
