HATHA VINYASA

Vinyasa is a Sanskrit word that roughly translates as ‘to place in a special way.’ It is an effortless co-ordination of breath and body movement and is also the term used to describe a ​specific ​sequence of poses.

A brief history of Vinyasa Yoga

The concept of Vinyasa came from an ancient text called the Yoga Kuruntha.

Krishnamacharya, a Brahman born in 1888 South Indian, was one of the most influential yogis on which the modern yoga of today is based. He developed the practice known as Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

Krishnamacharya’s students were predominantly active young boys and his teachings were influenced from many disciplines including yoga, gymnastics and Indian wrestling. His dynamic asana sequences were designed to build physical fitness.

The fundamentals of Vinyasa Yoga

The Vinyasa style of yoga uses the movements of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) along with other yoga postures.  Each movement is co-ordinated with a breathing practice (pranayama) known as the ujjayi breath.

The added incorporation of the ‘dristi’ or gaze point, allows for complete focus, so the practice becomes a meditative state.

The teachings of Krishnamacharya have influenced all modern vinyasa yoga schools including Baptiste Yoga, Jivamukti Yoga, Power Yoga, and Prana Flow.

One of Krishnamacharya’s most famous students K. Pattabhi Jois went on to popularise this style of Vinyasa Yoga. He preserved in detail the teachings and refined the asana sequences without significant modification, setting three levels of practise. Primary, Intermediary and the Advanced Series.

What to expect in class

The aim in each class is to take the practitioner on a journey moving systematically and progressively from gross too subtle.

Our classes are strongly influenced by the foundation of our training. We adapt our traditional Hatha Yoga teaching to a modern Vinyasa style. Whilst maintaining the integrity of an authentic yoga experience.

Rather than being a pure physical practice like other styles of Vinyasa yoga, our aim is to create space for the practitioner to develop their awareness throughout the practice. The class moves from awareness of the gross being the physical body, to the subtle; the prana and the mind.

• In each class we begin by warming the body in three primary areas; the joints, the core and the spine.
• The main body of asana commences with Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) followed by other standing postures. These practices will increase the heart rate, work the cardio-vascular system and build strength.
• The flow of asana builds to a peak practice and then cools down slowly to bring the body and mind to a more calm and introverted state.

Whilst the breath connects the flow of movement during the asana sequence, each class also includes pranayama (breathing practices). Designed to quieten the mind and balance and re-direct prana around in the body.

Each class concludes with a guided Yoga Nidra, bringing a state of deep relaxation of the physical, mental and emotional body.

We offer classes in English, Catalan and Spanish.  As well as teaching in yoga studios, we also offer classes online.

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