summary
Vinyasa means "breath-synchronized movement," and Vinyasa yoga is a series of poses that will move you through the power of inhaling and exhaling. Vinyasa movements are smoothly flowing and almost dance-like, which explains why it is sometimes referred to as Vinyasa Flow or just Flow.
origins
Vinyasa Flow began as Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga by a Yogi named Sri Tirumala Krishnamacharya. He was given a place to teach yoga and eventually taught a young boy named Parrabhi Jois his learnings on the power of breathing. Jois then established an institute for practicing the specific form of Vinyasa yoga.
benefits
Like all styles of yoga, Vinyasa has both mental and physical benefits. Physically, sweat expels toxins and re-energizes your body. Mentally, the synchronized breathing relaxes your mind and helps to release any blockage of energy flow throughout your body.
good for beginners?
Absolutely! It is worth attending a couple of beginners sessions, or spenidng time with the teacher to explain the structure of the posture before your first session if you have never attended a yoga class before. A Vinyasa class is both a great place to start and to continue challenging yourself. If you like to focus on the power of breathing and flowing movement through poses, you will enjoy the Vinyasa style. Like a dance with your breath.
what to wear
Vinyasa yoga involves a lot of movement, so wear something you are comfortable in to flow from one pose to another. You will likely be working up a sweat so wear something breathable and moisture-wicking..
what to expect
Expect to move and breathe smoothly from one pose to another. Your class will most likely include Sun Salutations which is a dynamic set of 12 asanas linked together. Vinyasa yoga is almost like a dance with synchronized breath and movements; the style and sequence will vary.