What is Vinyasa ?

Vinyasa

Sanskrit: Vinyāsa (vinˈyäsə)

While taking a yoga class or watching a yoga video on YouTube, you may have heard an instructor say, “Take a Vinyasa” and lead you through a series of postures; High Plank, Chaturanga Dandasana, Upward-facing Dog, to Downward-facing Dog. Maybe you have taken some Vinyasa Yoga classes. Or maybe you are just stumbling across this word now. Whether Vinyasa is a strange or familiar word to you, Vinyasa is generally a misunderstood term… is it a type of yoga or something we do in a yoga class?

Origin and Definition

Vinyasa derives from the ancient language, Sankrit, word विन्यास [disposition (of limbs)] (1)

nyasa (v.) to place / within prescribed parameters
vi (prefix) in a special way / variation

Vinyasa (n.) a series of actions performed with clear intention, in purposeful order, to illuminate conscious awareness. (2)

Yogapedia defines Vinyasa as “a type of yoga that links movement and breath to attain balance in the mind and body.” (3)

The Vinyasa style is one of the most popular types of yoga practiced around the world. A tell-tell sign that you may be in a Vinyasa yoga class would be the instructor cueing the inhalation of breath for…