Vinyasa yoga is a breath-synchronized movement system characterized by rhythmic pacing and dynamic flow.

Your Vinyasa teacher designs a series of breath-connected postures (asanas) that encourage integration of body and mind. Inhaling and exhaling cues inform the movement of interwoven asanas. Called “vinyasas”, these sequenced grouping of asanas vary from class to class. The emphasis of breath in tandem with movement, along with a deliberate ordering of postures builds flexibility, strength and energy. As breath and body coordinate, the mind follows their union improving clarity and focus. Vinyasa yoga cultivates an ability to skillfully move and smoothly transition from asana to asana, leading to a sense of well-being and contentment.

Although the breathing, asana and instruction techniques used in Vinyasa classes are traditional (based on the teachings of Sri T. Krishnamacharya and his students Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, and T.K.V. Desikachar), the practice of Vinyasa yoga is also an American story of innovation. Adaptive and creative balance of the fundamental yoga tenet -the ability to direct the mind without distraction or interruption- with physically challenging and goal-oriented sequences is ideally suited for western temperament and lifestyles. Vinyasa yoga is one of the most popular forms of hatha yoga in the United States.

A Vinyasa class might begin with Sanskrit chanting, meditation or yoga philosophy. Next, a warm-up and heating sequence typically including Sun Salutations begins the asana portion. The class builds to an invigorating variety of intelligently sequenced vinyasas. The class then winds down with a less intense cooling period, and lastly, the resting posture (Savasana). Throughout class, the breath is the medium for both timing and movement – either counted out by the teacher or silently by the student.

Vinyasa teachers are trained to assist students in variations and/or modifications of the postures. Props such as blocks and belts are often used to adapt postures and insure correct alignment and safe practice. Alongside classic yogic techniques such as smooth, sounding breath (Ujjayi pranayama), energy conservation locks (Bandhas) and gaze direction (Drishti), your teacher will bring his or her own creativity to the class. Music, poetry and playful class themes along with traditional teachings weave a unique blend of challenge and fun for all levels of yoga practitioners.

Vinyasa class levels range from Beginner, Beginner/Intermediate, Intermediate to Intermediate/Advanced.  General level classes are suitable for beginners with some experience and seasoned practitioners alike. However, absolute beginners should investigate our on-going Beginner Vinyasa Series in order to develop the fundamental skills necessary to insure a safe and long-lived yoga practice.

Serious Vinyasa students should endeavor to develop daily personal yoga practice. One or two classes per week, though, is a good start. As you progress to three or four classes per week, the practice remains completely flexible, working in the mildest or strongest way needed at that particular time or circumstance. With an attitude of fun, compassion and joy, even the most challenging levels of asana practice are achieved. Consistent class attendance bolstered by an individual practice is ideal. All of our Vinyasa teachers are available for private yoga sessions. One or several private lessons with individualized attention to your particular needs and challenges helps realize your practice goals.

Following is a brief description of Vinyasa levels. It is recommended that you seek the advice of your teacher if you are unsure which level is right for you.

LUNCH VINYASA
Well-rounded 45- minute lunchtime class designed for students of all levels. Moderate to quick flow pace.

VINYASA GENERAL LEVEL
Classes are open to all level of students. Some classes are faster paced and teach more asanas, some are moderately paced and focus more on alignment. Your teacher will modify the level of difficulty based on the students present. Variations to assist beginners and challenge advanced practitioners are offered.

VINYASA BASICS/BEGINNER
An on-going series of classes suitable for absolute beginners and experienced practitioners alike.  Each week will focus on a particular aspect of Vinyasa style yoga. Rotating throughout the month, we will examine standing, forward bending and back bending poses as well as Sun Salutes and inversion. Fundamentals are taught at workshop pace, where questions can be answered and the more subtle aspects of practice explored.

VINYASA BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE
Appropriate for both beginning and experienced students. Variations of asanas are offered to challenge students along with more detailed alignment instruction. A moderate flow pace.

VINYASA INTERMEDIATE
Open to students with yoga experience, classes combine a quicker flow pace with intermediate asanas.  Inversions and arm balances are practiced along with more challenging asana variations.

VINYASA INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED
Designed for students with at least one year experience as well as competence in Sun Salutations, full-wheel (Urdhva Danurasana), and inversions. Classes combine a quick-paced flow with more advanced variations of asanas.

Historically, the roots of Vinyasa style are Vinyasa Krama Yoga, an ancient system of physical, psychological and spiritual development. Krama means step, nyasa means “to place” and the prefix vi translates as “in a special way”. This logical Vinyasa Krama (movement and sequence methodology) was brought back to use and prominence by the legendary 20th Century yogi Sri T. Krishnamacharya. All honor and respect to our Grandfather of modern yoga traditions and patron sage of Yoga Sutra studio.

Philosophically, classical yoga derives from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra (c. 200 bce – 200 ce). Chapter 2, verse 1 explains Kriya Yoga (Yoga of Action), the practical branch of yoga which leads to self-betterment in all aspects of life. The three teachings therein are Tapas (purifying heat, discipline, consistent practice), Svadhyaya (self- study and inquiry into human nature) and Ishvara Pranidhana  (humility and surrender of the fruits of practice).

Following this three-fold path of health, relationship and quality of action, we climb the ladder of human achievement freely, happily and with grace.

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The Vinyasa Room at Yoga Sutra

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Yoga Sutra - Yoga Studio and Yoga Classes in New York City
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