VINYASA YOGA BRISBANE
If you are seeking a dynamic, energising, and elegant form of movement for body, mind and soul, vinyasa yoga is for you. Vinyasa is a flowing style of yoga, connecting movement with breath and gracefully transitioning between yoga poses. At SoHo Yoga in Grange, Brisbane we offer daily vinyasa yoga classes for all levels.
WHAT IS VINYASA YOGA?
Historically yoga asana – the physical practice of yoga - was practiced as a sequence of separate poses designed to promote the flow of prana (energy) and prepare the body for long periods of seated meditation. A traditional hatha yoga practice typically places more emphasis on each individual posture, and less on the flow or connection between them.
Vinyasa yoga was developed by Sri Krishnamacharya, often referred to as ‘the father of modern yoga’ and regarded as one of the most influential yoga teachers of the 20th century. As defined by Sri Krishnamacharya, vinyasa is ‘any cycle – the intelligent unfolding of a sequence – in practice, life, art or nature’.
The word vinyasa derives from the ancient Sanskrit term nyasa which means ‘to place’ and the prefix vi which means ‘in a special way. So, unlike traditional hatha yoga classes, vinyasa yoga places significant emphasis upon the way you transition into and out of the poses and combine groups of postures into a continual flow that intelligently unfolds and has a feeling of interconnectedness.
Some vinyasa yoga classes may be fast and strong, others soft and slow. A good vinyasa yoga teacher will intelligently sequence a class to gently warm up and open the body towards deeper or stronger poses, then cool down the body and slow down movement towards the end of class in preparation for savasana - deep relaxation.
In vinyasa yoga particular emphasis is also placed on the breath and connecting each movement with an inhalation or an exhalation. This helps you to remain focused and present in the practice and enhances the flow of prana (energy) in the body. According to yoga, prana is the life force that animates all life and is fundamental to our overall health and wellbeing.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM VINYASA YOGA?
Anyone who is reasonably fit and mobile can benefit from vinyasa yoga. From a purely physical point of view, you will develop strength and stamina as well as improve balance and flexibility, as aerobic movement stretches and strengthens the muscles including the heart. In a general level vinyasa yoga class expect to build heat in the body, elevate your heart rate, and burn calories.
If you are less fit or mobile, or recovering from illness or injury, it may be advisable to start with a ‘Slow Flow’ class or similar. And always advise the teacher of any physical limitations so they can offer you props, modifications or assistance as required. Complete beginners may seek out a beginner’s yoga course to learn the fundamentals of vinyasa yoga in a safe and supported environment, before progressing to a general level class.
Vinyasa yoga benefits the mind as well as the body. It is often described as a moving meditation due to the focus on the breath and postural alignment required during the practice. This connection between body, mind and breath helps to relieve stress and anxiety. If you have a busy mind and struggle with seated meditation or being still, vinyasa yoga will help restore balance to an overly stimulated nervous system.
WHERE TO PRACTICE VINYASA YOGA IN NORTH BRISBANE
At SoHo Yoga in Grange in Brisbane’s inner north, we offer daily vinyasa yoga classes for all levels. Our early morning ‘Rise & Shine’ and ‘Vinyasa Flow’ classes are general level classes suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit and mobile. Some yoga experience is recommended, but our highly qualified and experienced teachers will offer modifications for all levels.
For a gentle introduction to vinyasa style classes, our ‘Slow Flow’ classes are suitable for complete beginners, or those recovering from illness or injury, or anyone who simply prefers a slower style of practice. We also offer a quarterly Beginner’s Yoga Immersion where you can learn the fundamentals of vinyasa yoga in a safe and supported environment.
Our popular ‘Intermediate Vinyasa’ classes are suitable for more experienced yogis seeking to deepen their practice. Held on Monday nights at 6pm, these fun and educational classes workshop a different peak pose each week and will challenge students to explore outside their comfort zone. Prepare to leave exhausted but energised and surprised at what you can achieve!