What is vinyasa yoga?

By yum · Updated 3 November 2026

Vinyasa yoga is a style of yoga where you move from pose to pose in time with your breath. Instead of holding each pose for a long time, the poses flow into each other, one movement on each inhale or exhale. The word roughly translates as “to place in a special way”. The result is a dynamic, warm and surprisingly meditative class, where your body works and your mind gets a break.

That’s the short answer. Here’s what it feels like in practice, and how to tell if it’s for you.

In short

• Vinyasa links movement and breath: one movement per inhale or exhale.
• Poses flow together in a sequence, often built around sun salutations.
• The pace can be anything from calm to quite fast. It depends on the class.
• You warm up, you sweat a little, and your head often feels clear afterwards.
• If you’re completely new, start with a beginner class before you jump into a fast flow.

What does vinyasa mean?

Vinyasa is Sanskrit and is often translated as “to place in a special way”. Think of it as a dance, where each breath carries you into the next movement.

In practice it means two things. The poses are put together in a deliberate order. And your breath sets the pace. You lift your arms as you breathe in, fold forward as you breathe out, and so on. When it clicks, you almost forget to think.

How is a vinyasa class built?

Every class is different, but many vinyasa classes follow an arc:

1. Arriving. A few minutes to notice your breath and land in your body.
2. Warm-up. Gentle movement for your back, hips and shoulders.
3. Sun salutations. A set series that warms up the whole body and sets the rhythm.
4. Flow. Standing poses, balances and maybe a twist or two, linked into sequences.
5. Cool-down. Seated and lying poses that calm the body again.
6. Rest. A few minutes lying still on your back. Many people say it’s the best part.

What makes it vinyasa is the connection between the poses. The transitions are part of the yoga, not just the way from A to B.

What’s the difference between vinyasa and hatha yoga?

Both styles use many of the same poses. The difference is mostly in pace and rhythm.

	Vinyasa	Hatha
Pace	flowing, from calm to fast	usually calmer
Poses	linked into a sequence	often held longer, one at a time
Breath	drives the movement	supports the pose
Feeling	warm, dynamic, meditative in motion	steady, thorough, meditative in stillness

Hatha is also an umbrella term for many physical styles of yoga. So you’ll often see classes that blend the two. Not sure which style to pick? Read which type of yoga should I choose?

Is vinyasa yoga good for beginners?

Yes, if you start in the right place. Vinyasa can feel like joining a dance where everyone else knows the steps. That’s normal. It takes a few classes before the sun salutations stick.

A few tips:

• Start with a beginner class. You learn the poses before you have to flow between them.
• Use your own breath. If the pace is too fast, take an extra breath. Nobody’s counting.
• Rest when you need to. Child’s pose is always an option.
• Use blocks. They make poses more accessible, not less serious.

If it’s your first time, also read our yummy beginner’s guide to yoga and a letter to the beginner yogi.

What do you get out of vinyasa yoga?

Many people find that vinyasa gives them strength, flexibility and calm. Your body warms up, and because you’re following your breath all the time, there’s not much room left for your to-do list.

We won’t promise you miracles. But we can say that lots of our students use vinyasa as their regular breather in the week. And that it’s fun when it starts to flow.

If you have injuries, pain or are pregnant, talk to your doctor first, and always tell the teacher before class.

What is vinyasa like at yum?

Vinyasa shows up in several of our classes, in different ways:

• yum in the sky is a fairly slow-paced flow with movement from hatha and vinyasa. You’ll sweat a little, and your breath is with you the whole way. Intermediate and up.
• yum on fire is our most physical class, inspired by vinyasa, hatha, ashtanga and jivamukti. Expect headstands and handstands too. For experienced students.
• yum basic elements is made for beginners and is a good place to learn the poses a vinyasa flow builds on.

See all descriptions on class descriptions, and find times on schedule and booking.

How we do it at yum

• Classes: yum in the sky and yum on fire draw on vinyasa. yum basic elements is for beginners, and yum on earth and yum at sea are for all levels.
• Class size: 18 people at most. All classes are taught in English.
• Props: Mats, blocks, bolsters, blankets and straps are free.
• Booking: via Mindbody. Cancel at least 4 hours before, or there’s a DKK 75 fee.
• Where: Alliancevej 22, 2450 Copenhagen SV, by the canal in Sydhavnen. The entrance is to the left of the café.
• Training: Our 200-hour yoga teacher training is a Vinyasa training. Read why choose a Vinyasa yoga teacher training.

Want to feel it for yourself? Start with yum intro: 30 days of unlimited yoga for DKK 399 (DKK 359 under 30). You can try both calm and more dynamic classes and find your own pace. And if vinyasa gets under your skin, have a look at our yoga teacher training in Copenhagen. Questions? Write to yoga@yum.dk. Or come by Alliancevej 22 for a coffee after class.

FAQ

What is vinyasa yoga?

Vinyasa yoga is a style of yoga where you move from pose to pose in time with your breath. The poses flow together in a sequence, often with sun salutations, instead of being held for a long time one at a time.

What does the word vinyasa mean?

Vinyasa is Sanskrit and is often translated as “to place in a special way”. It’s about putting poses together deliberately and letting the breath drive the movement.

What’s the difference between vinyasa and hatha?

Vinyasa links poses into a flowing sequence where the breath sets the pace. In hatha, poses are usually held longer, one at a time, and the pace is often calmer.

Can beginners do vinyasa yoga?

Yes. It’s a good idea to start with a beginner class, so you learn the poses before you have to flow between them. Take an extra breath or a rest whenever you need to.

Which classes at yum are vinyasa?

yum in the sky is a fairly slow-paced flow with movement from hatha and vinyasa. yum on fire is more physical and inspired by vinyasa and ashtanga, among others. Beginners can start with yum basic elements.