You've heard of different types of yoga, but you don't know what the differences are? If you're interested in getting into yoga, vinyasa yoga might be the right practice for you! Shall I tell you more?
What is vinyasa yoga?
Vinyasa yoga is a dynamic form of yoga. It is characterized by fluid sequences synchronized with your breath. It is a perfect practice for those looking to strengthen their body, improve their flexibility, reconnect with themselves and calm the mind.
I often say it, it is possible that you are looking to improve your flexibility through yoga. In reality, by creating space in your body, yoga also allows you to make space in your head. The practice of yoga helps you gain alignment, clarity, serenity…
If you're ready to dive into vinyasa yoga , there are a few essentials you may need for an optimal practice.
What are the benefits of vinyasa yoga?
Improved flexibility
Vinyasa yoga involves a series of postures and sequences that stretch and strengthen muscles throughout your body. The fluid movements and deep breathing help loosen muscles and joints, which can help you become more flexible over time.
Body strengthening
The postures and sequences of vinyasa yoga involve many muscles, which helps strengthen your body as a whole.
By practicing regularly, you can build muscle strength and improve your posture, which can have positive effects on your overall health.
Mental and emotional balance
The combination of flowing movements, breath focus, and mental presence in vinyasa yoga can help calm your mind and reduce stress. It promotes mindfulness and allows you to connect deeply with yourself (which may feel far removed from your current state of mind), bringing a sense of calm and inner well-being.
Personally, yoga allows me to be more joyful and fully present, it is then a moment, a gift, that I offer myself during my practices 🌺
And then… Know that by combining the practice of postures (asanas) with conscious breathing (pranayamas), vinyasa yoga offers you a holistic experience to feel good in your body and in your mind.
What equipment should I use to practice vinyasa yoga?
1 - The yoga mat suitable for vinyasa
If you decide to practice vinyasa yoga, it is essential to choose a yoga mat that is specifically suited to this rather dynamic style, in which you can work up a sweat.
A good vinyasa yoga mat should provide solid grip, allowing you to hold your positions without slipping. It should also provide some thickness, to protect your joints, to support your fluid movements and sequences.
To find the ideal yoga mat for vinyasa, look for ones that are made with high-quality materials and offer good grip on different surfaces. Alma Lua yoga mats are made of:
- Eco-friendly natural rubber base (underside);
- recycled microfiber cover (top);
- water-based inks (more environmentally friendly process, without chlorine).
They are colorful, flowery, aesthetic and poetic… for a joyful practice of your yoga.
In addition to grip, make sure the yoga mat is thick enough to provide good cushioning (this is the case with Alma Lua with its 4 mm thickness).
And then, choose a yoga mat that matches your personal preferences in terms of design and color. Yoga is a personal practice, and having a mat that you like visually can motivate you and encourage you to continue this regular practice.
2 - Comfortable and practical yoga clothes
When practicing vinyasa yoga, it is essential to wear suitable clothing that offers comfort, beauty ☺ and practicality. Yoga clothing specially designed for this discipline allows you to fully enjoy each movement without restrictions.
Choose yoga clothes that allow you complete freedom of movement. Choose stretchy materials that adapt to your movements and do not hinder you during your dynamic sequences.
Also, vinyasa yoga is a practice that can make you sweat, so clothing that promotes sweat wicking will help you stay comfortable throughout the session.
Would you like clothes with a poetic and flowery soul? Clothes designed and created with the heart, that bring you joy at the idea of wearing them? Then you will love the Alma Lua collection!
I offer you “lounge wear yoga” sportswear with t-shirts, bras, flare leggings, cycling shorts and jumpsuits with enchanting and bohemian patterns. To discover the range, click here.
3 - Additional accessories
When practicing vinyasa yoga, maintaining good posture is essential to fully realize the benefits of each pose. That's where the yoga block comes in.
The yoga block is a versatile tool that can help maintain proper posture by providing extra support where you need it. Whether you need to support your hands in a downward dog pose or adjust your alignment in a triangle pose, the yoga block is here to help!
By using the yoga block, you can adjust the height and stability of your postures , allowing you to explore new variations or gradually progress into more advanced poses…
4 - The importance of conscious breathing
Conscious breathing is essential in vinyasa yoga. By using your breath as a guide, you can synchronize your movements with fluidity and develop a deep connection between your body and your mind. Which, admittedly, is not always easy to maintain with the stress of everyday life…
This is why yoga becomes a real space, a bubble of well-being, a time for you.
The practice of conscious breathing in vinyasa yoga offers many benefits for your well-being . It helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress and bring deep relaxation. In addition, it improves concentration, mental clarity and promotes emotional balance.
By incorporating conscious breathing into your vinyasa yoga practice, you open the door to a deeper and more enriching experience.
Vinyasa yoga, where the balance between effort and letting go
Listening to your body is the key to maintaining this balance between effort and letting go . My recommendation is of course to listen to your body's signals, its limits and its needs. If you feel excessive tension or pain, do not hesitate to slow down the pace, to take more accessible options for your body, or to give yourself moments of pause, in child's pose (balasana) or in downward dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana).
Mental letting go is just as important as physical effort. The practice of yoga is made to stop the fluctuations of the mind, to calm the incessant flow of thoughts. During your vinyasa yoga practice, try to bring the breath into the areas of tension and to put aside the worries of everyday life.
Focus on your breathing, on each movement and each posture. Let your mind relax, be in the present moment, and calm down.
Do you want to start practicing Vinyasa yoga? Great! I invite you to follow me on Instagram by clicking here… And to discover the Alma Lua collections by clicking here…
If you are a flowery soul, you will certainly be sensitive to my universe, to my poetry through Alma Lua.
Sarah - Alma Lua 🌺