All about the Vinyasa

Any experienced yogi is aware of the Vinyasa -- that series of poses that you do about 100 times during the practice to link your other poses together. But if you're new you yoga, trying to get in to it or just plain curious as to what goes on in one of those classes, Fitsugar has put together a video of the Vinyasa. Basically, a Vinyasa serves a specific purpose -- to link the practice all together and get you focusing on your breath through a series of fluid motion.

Though my weak wrists have meant I struggle with downward dog, I find Vinyasas very calming-yet-invigorating. It's a great way to renew your body throughout the practice. Here's how it goes:

1. Inhale: move into plank position
2. Exhale: Chaturanga, which means lowering yourself to the ground
3. Inhale: Upwards facing dog -- shine your heart forward
4. Exhale: Downward-facing dog -- make an upside down V with your body
5. Inhale: Jump through for the next pose (either to seated or standing)