Vinyasa Yoga
Vinyasa yoga is a broad concept referring mostly to dynamic practices. The word Vinyasa means synchronization of movement and breath — the teacher guides the student to move from pose to pose while intentionally inhaling and exhaling.
At Studio Naim we practice Vinyasa, Yin yoga, Power yoga, Jivamukti, Kundalini, Iyengar, Shadow yoga, Ashtanga, and online yoga classes via Zoom.
Vinyasa vs. Ashtanga
Ashtanga is a fixed sequence developed in Mysore by Pattabhi Jois. Vinyasa is essentially a "freestyle" version — creative, varied, and not bound to a fixed sequence. The teacher may focus on twists one class, standing poses another, or inversions the next.
Vinyasa and Meditation
Vinyasa practice is often called "meditation in movement." Focusing on the sequence and the breath helps free the mind from distraction. At the end of class you'll feel the difference not only in your body but in the clarity and relief given to the mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vinyasa classes can vary greatly in difficulty depending on the class and the teacher. Most classes are open to all levels, and some are specifically designated for beginners or advanced practitioners.
Vinyasa, which evolved from Ashtanga Vinyasa, was shaped into a yoga method in 1948 by Pattabhi Jois, and has been gaining momentum in the West ever since.
The main, essential difference between Ashtanga and Vinyasa yoga lies in the sequences of the practice. Ashtanga is more traditional and fixed, with a limited set of practice series. Vinyasa, by contrast, uses the same movements and postures but varies the sequence — each teacher can essentially create their own flow, which is where the great variety in Vinyasa classes comes from.
