Finding Your Yoga: Is Vinyasa Yoga Right for You?

Just like you have a pizza preference, preferred workout location, or favorite type of toothbrush, you’ll definitely figure out that not all yoga is created equal.

You’ll find a preference. So how do you find the type of yoga that works for you?

There are so many yoga words floating around. Ashtanga, hatha, Iyengar, vinyasa. There’s power yoga, HIIT yoga, yoga for your core, yoga for flexibility. Aaaaaaaaaaall the yogas!

Sometimes, particularly if you’re just starting your yoga journey, you need guidance.

Then you can come try out my class, Go With the Flow - Vinyasa Yoga! We have a lot of fun!

Vinyasa yoga is one you probably hear a lot. It’s almost a buzzword. Especially in yoga studios and gyms!

So let’s talk about what it is and if it’ll be the right fit for you!

What is vinyasa yoga anyway?

A vinyasa is a smooth transition between asanas (poses). The idea of vinyasa yoga is that you glide from one pose to the next seamlessly, using your breath to guide your physical movements.

Vinyasa yoga is a practice where many asanas are performed in what is called a flow. The practice is often not the same each time and fairly unstructured, which is nice because it creates new challenges each time. Plus, no one gets bored of the same old routine!

While many instructors do make sure there are modifications in a vinyasa yoga class, there are a few things you should know before trying one out.

Vinyasa yoga isn’t for everyone right away.

What is your fitness level?

I am in no way saying that if you’re unfit, you should avoid vinyasa yoga.

However, if you prefer a slower, relaxed yoga practice, vinyasa yoga isn’t for you. It’s usually a pretty fast paced practice and you’ll definitely get your daily dose of cardio by doing it! So be prepared to sweat.

Also, if you’re not familiar with matching your breath to your movements, and controlling your breathing (when you maybe feel like you’re dying...lol), then you might want to wait on this practice.

Unless it’s specifically labeled for beginners. Then, by all means, go for it.

Are you an experienced yogi?

I believe anyone can do any kind of yoga practice. But why make it more difficult than it has to be?

Not knowing the poses when you’re in a big group of yoga enthusiasts can be pretty embarrassing. Which, I might add, is a benefit of taking myYogaTeacher classes. No one can see you but your teacher! And that’s only if you want them to.

If you’re not very experienced in the world of yoga, I recommend practicing common vinyasa yoga poses that you’ll encounter in a vinyasa yoga class. And practice them before taking the class!

Here are some examples of vinyasa yoga poses you should be familiar with:

Upward facing dog.

Downward facing dog.

Chaturanga.

Warrior 1, 2 and 3 (three separate poses).

Plank.

Low lunge.

And be prepared to quickly move from one pose to the next in your vinyasa practice. Because it can be challenging.

Speaking of challenges.

What are the goals of your practice?

Do you want to be challenged? Do you prefer focusing on core strength and posture or overall strength and flexibility? Do you want cardio or do you want slow and steady? Weight loss? Building muscle?

It’s important to examine what your goals are before you begin your practice. Even day to day.

One day your goal may be to get in some cardio and another day your goal may be to focus on stress relief. Whatever your goal is, make sure the type of yoga you’re going to practice that day matches your needs.

Vinyasa yoga can be extremely challenging or moderately challenging. Either way it’s not the easiest form of yoga to do. The focus will almost always be on overall strength, flexibility, cardio, and synchronizing the breath with the flow of movements.

That’s why vinyasa yoga is excellent for weight loss! It’s easy on your joints but also a vigorous workout. I just want to make sure you’re prepared for it!

So the truth is vinyasa yoga is right for anyone and everyone who wants to give it a go. But it’s always safe to go into something new well-prepared, right?

There’s a difference between being challenged in your practice and being so frustrated that you want to quit after the first sun salutation. I want you to feel like you are capable and empowered in whatever type of yoga you choose! So take these questions into consideration before jumping into your first vinyasa yoga class.

You’re always invited to try out my Go With the Flow - Vinyasa Yoga class! We have a lot of fun. I promise you’ll burn calories, sweat, and be challenged. And if you get frustrated, I’m right there to help and chat about how to make the class work for you!

Not a myYogaTeacher member yet? You should check it out! There are 35+ different classes offered daily. Group and 1:1 classes. It’s such a supportive environment to practice yoga! Grab your 2-week free trial here!