Functional Vinyasa Yoga (50hrs)

Vinyasa Yoga, Functional Anatomy, Breath Anatomy & Creating Flow

Vinyasa Yoga is one of the more active styles of Yoga, in which we combine movement with the breath. The rhythm of the breath initiates the rhythm of the movements and not the other way round. During the practice we strive to use the natural breath as much as possible, that is the natural breath that originates from the diaphragm, and is also referred to as abdominal breathing. The natural breath is a smooth breath through the nose, not manipulated or forced, without sound or pauses.

From the breath, we create a series of movements that flow smoothly, one into the other. Almost as if we’re dancing through the postures. We aim for a state of  ‘sthira sukham asanam’ while we practice: firm but calm. By initiating the movements from the core of the body, we create stability, but by keeping the breath smooth and relaxed, there arises a sense of relaxation in the postures as well.

We work with the energy curve while sequencing the classes: starting gently with simple movements. Taking time to notice how the body feels at that moment and then we slowly start to increase the intensity of the movements as well as the pace of the flow. This way we can work on mobility, flexibility, and strength. The postures we practice are not the goal in and of themselves, they are but a means to an end. This allows you to determine your goal in your practice, whether that is focussed on conditioning the body, gaining mobility, or finding a sense of relaxation.

During the course of this training we approach the practice with a functional mindset: how much does your unique skeletal structure affect your ability to perform poses in a certain way and in what areas can you work on more range of motion or perhaps more strength or stability. Since Vinyasa Yoga connects the movements with the breath, we will also explore the anatomy of the breath. Finally, you will receive the tools to start creatively sequencing your classes and creating your own flows.

Vinyasa Yoga

8 Limbs of Yoga

Functional Vinyasa

Yin & Yang

Go with the Flow

Vital Energy of Breath

Poses

Functional Anatomy

Functional Yoga

Skeletal Segments

Myofascial Groups

Skeletal Variation

Skeletability

About Muscles

Breath Anatomy

Anatomy of Breathing

The Bones of the Breath

The Organs of the Breath

The Muscles of the Breath

Relaxing the Diaphragm

Yoga & the Breath

Teaching Flow

Sequencing

Energy Curve

Creating Flow

Mandala Flow

Reverse Flow

Peak Pose