Vinyasa Yoga: The Runner’s Gateway to Yoga

For runners, vinyasa styled yoga classes most appeal to them. These classes are high energy. Your heart rate will increase, you’ll get sweaty, your muscles will burn, and you will flow from pose to pose. These class are most similar to a short, energizing run.

What is Vinyasa Yoga?

Ok, I looked up the translation of the Sanskrit word, “vinyasa” and got so many answers, but it boils down to a flowing sequence of movements synced to breath. Vinyasa yoga is an umbrella that covers many yoga styles, including Power Yoga, Asthanga, Baptiste Yoga, and Jivamutki. You’ll also hear the classes called Flow Yoga, Dynamic Flow, or other variations.

Group session

These classes can be in a heated or non-heated room. There is a great room for variety from class to class. There will be a lot of dynamic movement, a lot of up and down from planks to standing poses. You may even prep or practice for inversion like head or hand stands.

Don’t be scared to try vinyasa style yoga as a beginner. It is a lot of fun. Read the class descriptions to see if the class is all-levels and suitable for beginners. Call the studio and ask for their recommendation. Also let the teacher know you’re new to yoga, they’ll subtly modify their teaching to help you. (And read my Anxious Person’s Guide to Trying Yoga, Maybe).

An aside: The word “vinyasa” is also used in class as the name of a specific sequence: Chaturanga (plank) to upward-facing dog to downward-facing dog.

Vinyasa Yoga: Runner’s Gateway to Yoga

Vinyasa yoga can benefit runners by helping with balance, strengthening core, and increasing mobility and flexibility, as I wrote in my 7 Ways Yoga Benefits Runners. Classes can be vigorous and challenging, leaving you feeling happy-tired like a run.

Vinyasa yoga was my gateway to yoga. I loved the “workout” in these classes and how it was similar and different from my runs. I enjoyed leaving soaked in sweat and yet, infused with energy. From there, I became more open to other styles of yoga, like Yin and Restorative.

There is so much variety in vinyasa yoga – even within the same studio, same class, taught by a different instructor. If you don’t like it, try a new different teacher, a different class, or different studio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA4OLCHgLAI

Here is short yoga video by Adriene of a Sun Salutation flow, which forms the foundation of many vinyasa classes. Enjoy!