Freestyle Yoga Balancing Flow I
  • 8 years ago
Freestyle Balancing Flow I

Here is a high energy Vinyasa flow with an emphasis on building one's balancing skills. We recommend you thoroughly warm up before practicing this series. Here's a fun, energizing, and challenging sequence of postures to practice in the morning or during the day. A wall would make a great prop for this sequence. Enjoy and please let us know if you try this series.

Energize with Morning Vinyasa Practice

What is Vinyasa Yoga?

Vinyasa yoga is an important form of movement synchronized to breathing taught in a range of classes. Also known as flow yoga, vinyasa transitions between movements in a way that uses breathing as an anchor through the movement flow. Vinyasa is a Sanskrit word meaning “ onnection," such as the connection between movement and breath as interpreted through a yoga asana perspective.

Energizing Properties of Vinyasa

Students and teachers benefit greatly from Vinyasa yoga in more ways than just flexibility, physical strength, and relaxation; Vinyasa yoga also has energizing properties that can be tapped into during regular morning routines. By beginning your morning with slower movements that gradually build, and by adding an anchoring breathing component, one can transition more effectively from sleep to greeting the day with readiness.

Vinyasa yoga is an example of movement-based asana practice. Its flow always returns with a series of sun salutations. Performing a "vinyasa" requires returning to a plank (Chaturanga) and upward facing dog in a series timed with breathing. Part of what contributes so much to the benefits of Vinyasa yoga is its diversity and ability to keep one engaged. The kind of energy this engagement generates is more than just physical energy; it's also positive, mental energy that prepares the yogi for embracing the day with enthusiasm.

From a Scientific Standpoint

Yoga poses increase flexibility, strengthen joints, and allow the body to gain strength; however, this formula allows another phenomenon to occur: relaxation. Relaxation in and of itself has a positive effect on the nervous system by stimulating mental energy, reducing stress, and thereby even controlling weight. Vinyasa yoga has the ability to activate the autonomic nervous system, a phenomenon that enables one to remove oneself from daily stressors. The increased brain activity of having to match muscle engagement with balance and timing also means increase neuroplasticity - a kind of coordination of the body and mind. Finally, just the ability to have low-impact exercise relieves stress that in turn releases mental and physical energy, making Vinyasa yoga the ultimate healing, energizing solution for many.

Benefits of Morning Vinyasa Flow

Many yoga practitioners start their days with yoga. Vinyasa flow is no different, but why is it good to practice in the morning? Why have centuries of yogis woken with the sun and challenged their bodies to link breathing with asanas and the vinyasas in-between? The reason lays both in yogic tradition and the benefits of starting the day with a vinyasa flow practice.

It Becomes Routine

When practitioners schedule their vinyasa practice for a specific time every day, they are more likely to get into a routine. This means more consistency and progress. When vinyasa flow is practiced in the morning, it comes first and is out of the way for the rest of the day. No more cooking dinner wondering if there is enough time to hit the mat before bedtime.

It's Better Than Caffeine

Vinyasa yoga gets the blood circulating and forces yogis to use their muscles, a natural way to wake up. Instead of going straight for a cup of coffee, start a vinyasa flow practice to both focus the mind and make it more alert.

Vinyasa Yoga is Relaxing

Vinyasa is a natural stress reliever. Focus on the breathing and mindfulness is integral to the practice. Starting the day with something that is self caring, healthy and stress relieving can set the tone for the rest of the day. Worries fade into the background as the body moves from one pose to the next, focusing its attention on alignment and balance.

Morning Practice is More Traditional

In more traditional yoga teaching, it is recommended that asanas be practiced on an empty stomach. This makes the morning ideal, as vinyasa practice can come just before breakfast. Yogic tradition also posits that sun salutations began as worship of the sun, which makes the morning a perfect time to do sun salutations.

While morning practice is beneficial, it is not for everyone. Anyone who is too busy to practice in the morning or just isn't a morning person should not be discouraged. Yoga practiced at any time of day has physical and mental health benefits. The important thing is to fit into a routine as comfortably as possible.

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