Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Flow Yoga?

D. Messmer
D. Messmer

Flow yoga, also known as Vinyasa yoga, is a term that encompasses several styles of yoga. What they all share is a focus on synchronizing the body's motions and the breath. This synchronization results in a very steady workout, and it increases mental focus.

The concept of Vinyasa, which is central to flow yoga, is that each motion of the yogi's practice has an accompanying inhalation or exhalation. Similarly, the yogi also uses breaths to measure the time that he or she spends in each pose, or asana. For instance, during a typical sun salutation, a yogi will inhale while raising the arms over the head, exhale while placing the hands at his or her feet, inhale while raising the head slightly, exhale while moving the feet back, inhale into the upward dog position, then exhale while moving into the position of the downward facing dog. Once in this pose, the yogi will inhale and exhale for five deep breaths before reversing the entire process and continuing to attach a specific breath to each motion.

There are many health benefits when partaking in yoga.
There are many health benefits when partaking in yoga.

Achieving this breath synchronization ultimately increases the positive effects of the yoga practice. The steadiness of the breath helps the yogi maintain the proper pace of the entire yoga series. Similarly, the control of the breath ensures that the heart rate remains consistent throughout and prevents the yogi from rushing through poses that are particularly challenging. The breath regulation also helps to maintain a consistent body temperature, which is particularly important as a yogi engages postures that require intense stretching, because the extra heat allows the muscles to stretch further.

Upward facing dog is one of the basic poses in flow yoga.
Upward facing dog is one of the basic poses in flow yoga.

In addition to these physical benefits, flow yoga has the added benefit of providing a yogi with greater mental focus. The constant focus that the breath requires forces the yogi to be very aware of each movement and thus can help him or her maintain proper form throughout the yoga practice. It also can help the yogi block out distractions, resulting in a kind of moving meditation.

Vinyasa yoga, also called flow yoga, features a continuous series of poses, or asanas, that can provide a challenging yoga session.
Vinyasa yoga, also called flow yoga, features a continuous series of poses, or asanas, that can provide a challenging yoga session.

There are several styles of yoga that fall under the category of flow yoga, and some make use of the Vinyasa concept to greater degrees than others. The styles of yoga that make use of Vinyasa are Anusara yoga, Ashtanga yoga, Bikram/Hot Yoga, Jivamukti yoga, Kundalini yoga and Power Yoga. Some of these disciplines utilize Vinyasa from start to finish.

At some yoga studios, a type of flow yoga is practiced that is loosely based on the challenging Ashtanga style.
At some yoga studios, a type of flow yoga is practiced that is loosely based on the challenging Ashtanga style.

Ashtanga yoga, for instance, is a style of flow yoga in which the yogi synchronizes every single motion of the practice to a breath. If the yogi maintains the proper breath, he or she could determine exactly how many breaths a series would take before beginning the practice. By contrast, a style such as Bikram yoga utilizes Vinyasa during each pose, but doesn't necessarily rely on it between poses.

Discussion Comments

truthunter

Yoga and Hindusm are inseparable. Before getting involved, investigate thoroughly.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • There are many health benefits when partaking in yoga.
      By: Kenneth Man
      There are many health benefits when partaking in yoga.
    • Upward facing dog is one of the basic poses in flow yoga.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Upward facing dog is one of the basic poses in flow yoga.
    • Vinyasa yoga, also called flow yoga, features a continuous series of poses, or asanas, that can provide a challenging yoga session.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Vinyasa yoga, also called flow yoga, features a continuous series of poses, or asanas, that can provide a challenging yoga session.
    • At some yoga studios, a type of flow yoga is practiced that is loosely based on the challenging Ashtanga style.
      By: Andrey Kiselev
      At some yoga studios, a type of flow yoga is practiced that is loosely based on the challenging Ashtanga style.
    • Flow yoga can be practiced outdoors as well as in a studio.
      By: godfer
      Flow yoga can be practiced outdoors as well as in a studio.
    • Flow yoga is believed to increase mental focus.
      By: hammett79
      Flow yoga is believed to increase mental focus.