What is Vinyasa Yoga?

Vinyasa Yoga is rooted in the teachings of Sri T Krishnamacharya, a master yogi from the Himalayas who influenced two of the most impactful modern yoga teachers: Sri K Pattabhi Jois, the founder of Ashtanga Yoga, and Sri BKS Iyengar, the founder of Iyengar Yoga. The word Vinyasa comes from Sanskrit, where Nyasa means "to place" and Vi means "in a special way."

At its core, Vinyasa Yoga connects three key elements: Intention, Breath, and Movement. Breath is guided by Ujjayi Pranayama, or "Victorious Breath," which involves breathing in and out through the nose with a slight constriction of the throat to create an ocean-like sound. This breath heats the body, sharpens focus, and encourages relaxation. Movement in Vinyasa is intentional — each inhale and exhale is paired with a specific motion, creating a seamless flow through poses. This thoughtful sequencing helps align the body and mind, both on and off the mat, fostering a sense of balance and energetic wellbeing.

The transition from one year to the next invites us to reflect, reset, and set new intentions. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra reminds us that yoga exists only in the present moment — the time to begin is now. Each moment is an opportunity to step forward on your path and embrace the fullness of life. There’s never been a better time to start — join us at Ground Floor Yoga in Franklin, TN.