What Is Vinyasa Yoga + Why Is Everyone Crazy About It?

Vinyasa yoga has my heart.

It’s my style of yoga.

I like getting sweaty and slightly out of breath, moving my body, flowing through the poses.

It’s almost like a dance.

A moving meditation that quiets your mind and lets you sweat out all the stress and anxiety.

But what exactly is Vinyasa yoga?

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link for my favorite yoga mat. An affiliate link is marked with an asterisk (*). If you purchase something via a link, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you! You can check out my disclosure policy for more details.

How amazing is it that there’s a yoga style for absolutely everybody?

I’m all for people shopping around and choosing a yoga style that that serves them with precisely what they need.

For some, it’s calm and meditation.

Others, a deeper connection to their spirituality.

And for some people, it’s sweat and tears, and sore muscles, and this… dizzying freedom.

Whichever style you choose, make sure it’s something that keeps you inspired. Motivated to keep practicing, learning, and reaping the benefits of yoga into your life so that you can be everything you aspire to be.

Vinyasa yoga might be your type of yoga if you…

think regular yoga is too slow and boring (I feel ya!)
don’t really get the hype with yoga
are short on time and want an actual workout
want to get in better shape

Vinyasa yoga is hands down one of the most popular styles of yoga in the world.

If you’ve ever been bored in a yoga class, or if you feel like you need something more out of your yoga practice, Vinyasa yoga may be just what you’ve been looking for.

Are you ready to journey towards healing, growth, and happiness?

Get instant access to the free 4-week Beginner Yoga Calendar and start your yoga adventure today!

What is Vinyasa yoga?

You might remember from our Sanskrit lesson that the literal meaning for vinyasa is to place in a special way. In modern yoga, a vinyasa means a specific short sequence of poses.

It goes like this: plank → Chaturanga → Upward Facing Dog → Downward Facing Dog.

In Vinyasa flow yoga, this short sequence, the vinyasa, is repeated multiple times between other sequences. A palate cleanser of sorts, if you will!

Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic flow of movement. Every movement is linked to the breath.

All the flowing and vinyasas are sure to get your heart pumping and your butt sweating.

It’s also great for gaining strength and flexibility in your body.

Why are people so crazy about Vinyasa yoga?

One of the reasons why Vinyasa flow yoga is so popular is because of the creativity and the various possibilities of sequencing.

This makes it perfect for people who get bored easily. No two classes are the same. There are no rules. The classes are fun, varied, and keep you and your body constantly guessing.

If you go to a yoga studio, keep your eye out for classes like hot vinyasa, slow vinyasa or slow flow, core vinyasa, or power yoga!

Vinyasa classes are generally sweaty, quick-paced, and in a studio setting the class is usually set to music.

Sometimes it almost feels like a dance. There is this special rhythm and heat in Vinyasa yoga.

With an exceptional teacher, even a 90-minute class will fly by. All of a sudden you find yourself in Savasana, completely exhausted yet exhilarated.

Pssst! Looking for the perfect non-slippery and extra-grippy yoga mat for sweaty Vinyasa sessions? My favorite is the Jade Yoga Travel Mat. (*)

How is Vinyasa yoga different from Ashtanga yoga?

Ooh, an excellent question, my friend.

Well, we’ve already established that Vinyasa yoga is fun.

Ashtanga is… well, if you like rules and routine and doing the same thing over and over again, it might be perfect for you.

The main difference between the two is that an Ashtanga series (there are 6!) includes the same poses in the same order every time. There are vinyasas between the poses and each pose is held for five breaths. Very, very long breaths.

There is also more of a spiritual aspect in Ashtanga, and the eight limbs of yoga are a prominent part of the practice.

Ashtanga yoga classes are generally void of music. Boooooooooooo!

Vinyasa yoga flows for beginners

30 minutes

60+ minutes

Vinyasa yoga flows for the intermediate/advanced

30 minutes

60+ minutes

I hope Vinyasa yoga steals your heart too.

Yoga BFFs for life, you know?

Maybe you want to get in better shape and gain a goddess-like body.

Maybe you don’t really vibe with the slow, meditative, boring kind of yoga.

Or maybe you’re really short on time and want to practice the type of yoga that gives you an actual, sweaty workout.

Give Vinyasa yoga a try! Who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love. Crazier things have happened. Orange things. Scary things.

Don’t forget to take breaks when needed or skip vinyasas if that’s what feels best.

Listen to your body and enjoy the ride. You got this.

Have you fallen in love with Vinyasa yoga like I have? Please share your experience down in the comments!

Are you ready to journey towards healing, growth, and happiness?

Get instant access to the free 4-week Beginner Yoga Calendar and start your yoga adventure today!

Vivi

Hi, I’m Vivi! I have a passion for helping women put their health and happiness first, grow into the most glowing version of themselves, and dazzle the world with their magic. After over 3 years of practice and successfully managing my depression with yoga, I’m here to help you start and build a thriving home yoga practice. I’m into bullet journaling, discovering new healthy habits, and spending my nights bundled up with a book and a cup of tea. Also, puppies. Cause who doesn’t love puppies?