Introduction
Are you curious to know what Yoga Flow is? Flow yoga is another term for Vinyasa yoga. It is a transitioning movement between two postures. As the body experiences a gentle flow while moving from one to another posture, it creates a sense of flow. Thus, the name flow yoga because it creates a smooth transition between the two postures and the body movement is so. The first yoga posture might be stationary or the doer must need to hold it for a moment but the other would be more active. Vinyasa or the yoga flow is said to have spread from the movement practice taught by Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya and spread amongst his students and yoga enthusiasts.
A little about Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya
Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya is known as the “Grandfather of Modern Yoga” due to his major contribution to yoga and resulting in its spread throughout the world. In 1916, he traveled to the Himalayas to learn yoga. He met his guru, Sri Ramamohan Brahmachari and spent the next seven and a half years there learning Ashtanga (Raja) Yoga. “Ashtanga” means “eight limbs” of yoga, thus, Ashtanga Yoga. Later, in 1933, he taught yoga to Indian and Western students, first in Mysore then in Madras, both in South India. It is from there where his famous students Indra Devi, BKS Iyengar, TKV Desikachar (son). In Mysore, he also taught various other types of Ashtanga Yoga, original and traditional forms of it. When he moved to Madras, he modified it to a new style of yoga which is now known as Vinyasa Yoga.
How is flow yoga performed
It has a drifting sequence from one yoga posture to another while focusing on maintaining the correct rhythm of breath. If the rhythm of the breath is disturbed the constant movements would quickly turn into an exhausting experience rather than being helpful. This is why breathing correctly is rudimentary and very important in any yoga posture, especially in this practice. Since it creates a rhythm of the inhaling and exhaling of the breath through the nose, it creates a concentration; that could also feel as a meditation or relaxation of the mind and body being in perfect synchronisation.
Benefits of flow yoga
As the postures shift in a flowy manner from one to another with a combination of yoga postures, they aid in strengthening muscles and joints, along with gradually boosting flexibility and stamina. Performing yoga flow enhances the capacity of the body and mind to focus and function more competently, especially after the practice as it relaxes the mind even though the body might feel tired. The tiredness does not exhaust the performer but can tire you as some of the postures can be vigorous and dynamic. Whereas, the others are more of immobile movements. These movements bring balance and stability, improves heart’s health, increases lung capacity, relaxes mind and lowers stress as well as strengthens muscles, and develops and improves endurance.
Whom is it suitable for?
Yoga flow might sound easy and fun to some but to others it might seem very difficult and tiring. So, how to decide if it’s suitable for you or not? This could be for any who is looking for some cardio workout without going to the gym and doing cardio exercises, wants to have some dynamic, fun and vigorous exercises, wants to strengthen their muscles but wants to take a break from regular gym workouts or simply someone who wants something challenging! Beginners might find it quite hard if they have no experience regarding yoga. If they are well versed with Hatha Yoga, it will be much easier for them to perform flow yoga postures then. Prior yoga experience comes in handy as flow yoga consists of dynamic and very energetic movements combined with slower or static poses as well. The instructor would need to focus on the shifts from one pose to the next and is less likely to focus on each pose individually. Therefore, flow yoga is recommended for intermediate to advanced level learners who know basic postures already.
