Break It Down: Vinyasa
VINYASA, TRANSLATED:
“To move or arrange in a special way”. It can also mean “movement” or “position of the limbs”.
Written by Kristine Owen Wood | Photographed by Caitlin Varrin
What is Vinyasa?
One term, many meanings!
Vinyasa, translated:
“To move or arrange in a special way”. It can also mean “movement” or “position of the limbs”.
Vinyasa, the style of yoga:
refers to a strong, dynamic, continuously flowing practice which aims to seamlessly integrate movement and breath. a.k.a, ‘Moving Meditation’: The relative quick pace of Vinyasa Flow with its emphasis on matched breath/movement and fluid transitions between poses allows many practitioners to relax habitual thought-loops and enter an embodied “flow state” of being. Same same but different? Styles of yoga at Yogalife which are synonymous with, derived from, or closely related to Vinyasa include “Ashtanga”, “Rocket”, “Sattva”, “Flow”, and the “Yang” portion of “Yin/Yang”.
Why break it down?
Vinyasa classes tend to move more quickly than slower styles like Hatha and in order to “keep the flow”, might not always provide as much in-depth alignment instruction. This can sometimes result in confusion for newbies! It can also create a situation where the most often-repeated set of movements are amongst the least fully-understood.
Potency of practice:
Developing a clear understanding of how to approach Vinyasa for your body, through your body, is essential for unlocking the full potential of your “flow state” experience. Below is a step-by-step guide to aid you in this journey!
Vinyasa, the flow of movement:
“Vinyasa” can also refer to a very specific cycle of poses that repeats throughout any of the above-mentioned class styles.
Rise & Shine!
Vinyasa will often appear first in the course of opening Sun Salutations as a method of evenly warming up the body.
The groove that binds us:
Subsequent Vinyasas alternately serve as fire-stokers, neutralizers, palate-cleansers, and an efficient, elegant method of transitioning from pose to pose.
Full Vinyasa, unmodified
Click on image for more details!
Half Vinyasa, unmodified
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Awesome Mods
Mythbuster: modifications are not in any way “lesser” the main pose. In fact, modifications are a highly intelligent way to adapt poses to meet your practice where it’s at and ensure that you build the space and strength you need to evolve, sustainably.
Forward Fold & Halfway Lift
Place blocks underneath hands = more room to stretch out backs of legs & lift through chest
High Plank >> Low Plank
Lower knees to floor = more power to practice correct upper body alignment & thus gain strength. Place blocks under hands to create more height & space in plank.
Upward Facing Dog
Cobra instead! All of the backbendy goodness without undue strain on wrists, low back, or feet. Blocks under hands = more space for spine to lengthen & curve.
Downward Facing Dog
Try Puppy Pose instead! An active version of Child’s Pose (press palms into floor & keep chest & shoulders lifted), it relieves hamstrings and takes pressure out of shoulders and wrists while maintaining energy. Or, place blocks under hands to create more length and space throughout the shape.
Whether you're in that full flow or working with modifications and props, there is a comfortable way to build strength through vinyasa for every yogi!
Listen to what makes your body sing and let that be what guides your practice.
Namaste
35 Day Yoga Tour Challenge: Tips and Tricks
With our next 35 Day Yoga Tour Challenge kicking off on February 17, we wanted to share some tips and tricks to not only ready you for this amazing undertaking, but to ensure you get the most out of it! You can learn all about the challenge here but essentially by signing up at Yogalife Studios South or North you are committing to completing 30 classes in 35 days. 10 out of 30 classes have to be Non-Hot Flow style classes and workshops count for 2 (there's your first hot tip!)
We want you to see what we have to offer; to get out of your comfort zone... or maybe more in it with a restore and renew class; to explore different styles and teachers while submerging yourself in your practice.
If you've never done a yoga challenge before it can seem a little daunting but it's all about intention and integrity (and maybe a little time management!) Know that you deserve a daily practice and the benefits show up almost immediately. It becomes this thing that you crave... you NEED! To commit an hour to yourself (almost) every day is a simple, beautiful gift.
TIP 1: SET AN INTENTION FOR YOUR CHALLENGE:
Know why you're on your mat.
Connect with that purpose every time you arrive.
Mindfully choose how you are using your energy.
Feel guided by your own fire.
find more info on intention here!
Every Yogalifer wants to support you in this journey. We have all completed challenges of our own and thrive off seeing others come down this path. You will get to know us from our classes, workshops and interactions around the studio. In yoga we call this KULA... community!
TIP TWO: LET EVERYONE AROUND YOU KNOW YOUR GOALS
Reach out to your instructors and fellow yogis.
Share your intention and goals for the challenge.
Connect with fellow yogis to make yoga dates.
Celebrate your excitement with EVERYONE!
As you get into the groove of this near-daily commitment, make sure you are taking the proper steps to stay healthy, rested and hydrated. We are offering a juice cleanse option along with the challenge; an amazing way to compliment your practice and heighten your health. In general, staying hydrated and choosing to practice without pain are two of the most important things you can do... always!
TIP THREE: TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF NO MATTER WHAT
Always listen to your body and choose rest (in your practice AND life) when you need it.
Drink water like it's going out of style.
Eat clean! Honour your body and give yourself the upper hand for this challenge.
Educate yourself on your options: juicing, vitamins, cleanses.
I'll never forget my first 30 day hot yoga challenge... there were days that I couldn't fathom leaving my bed, let alone PRACTICING! So those days I would take all the child's poses I needed, an early savasana, and made sure I communicated to my instructor that I would be that girl who looked half asleep but was definitely breathing. I was forced out of my comfort zone because I had made a commitment to myself. There was no bowing out for me and holy heck did it pay off. I think it was around day 9 that I actually saw colours brighter... stuff tasted better, sounded better, made more sense and fed me in ways I never knew imaginable. The best part of the whole thing...? I DID IT!
Once you're in it, you're IN IT.
We can't wait to see all your beautiful faces in our classes, filling up our hallways and our ears with your excitement and intention. If you have any questions or hesitations around this commitment, drop us a line! info@yogalifestudios.ca
“Be a lamp to yourself. Be your own confidence. Hold on to the truth within yourself as to the only truth.” ~ Buddha
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