Vinyasa should start somewhat easy, have a challenging middle part and then get easier again toward the end.

The only part that is easy is the option to take breaks and modify poses but a teacher who loves boat pose crunches and chair pose variations for half the class can wear me out like nothing else

Anonymous wrote:I’ve practiced vinyasa yoga for 25 years. Whether or not it is challenging depends on me, the day, and the instructor. Or if I’m doing my personal practice at home how much I want to push myself. I no longer do certain postures like headstand or scorpion due to neck and shoulder issues (not yoga injuries), but I find plenty more ways to challenge myself.

Meditating is a whole other issue…! Still very much a work in progress

Why are you asking, OP?

NP
I agree. If I drank the night before, didn't sleep well or I'm hours from starting my period, I am slacking off, weak and worn out.
It is challenging every time, even when I keep up and do well. I can't imagine anyone who doesn't agree it's challenging could even handle the classes I go to.
I wish I could find an ashtanga yoga place near me as that has always been my favorite. Location inconvenience and less ideal styles kept me away for so long I'm just content to have found a style that I can tolerate.

Dramatically depends on myself and the instructor. I have taken exceptionally challenging Vinyasa classes and also restorative vinyasa classes, its really about what you put into it (and to be clear, some days putting less into it is what is good for you!).

I’ve practiced vinyasa yoga for 25 years. Whether or not it is challenging depends on me, the day, and the instructor. Or if I’m doing my personal practice at home how much I want to push myself. I no longer do certain postures like headstand or scorpion due to neck and shoulder issues (not yoga injuries), but I find plenty more ways to challenge myself.

Meditating is a whole other issue…! Still very much a work in progress

Why are you asking, OP?

I like the workout but I physically cannot do some of the jumps and foot placements because of lack of flexibility. I was just in a vinyasa class the other day where we had to move from plank to mountain very quickly and as the sequence sped up later in class, it was just not possible for me. I cannot jump my feet up like that while my hands are still on the ground. Same thing with moving from a down dog into a warrior pose. I can do it, but not with just a single step. I have to lift up a hand to get my foot to the right place, and that means doing to slower to maintain balance.

But I do find it to be a good workout with the right instructor. I've done it enough that I can usually modify for myself to catch up even though I'm not moving through the poses the exact same way.

I like hot Vinyasa flow. The class I do fairly regularly is pretty challenging but I can't tell if I'm sweating because of the heat, or the pace.

I don't enjoy slow pace yoga classes. I know people find them relaxing/enjoyable, but I feel like they are a snooze-fest.

I find it challenging. I’ve been practicing since 2000 though so clearly I am no spring chicken.

Depends on how fast the pace is. These days I find a fast paced class really challenging. I would love to find a slower class that isn't beginner level or super focused on breathing.

I'm in an extremely friendly, accommodating Vinyasa class in my neighborhood, and I think it's designed to provide some challenge, without being too intense. So, perhaps really depends on the instructor?

Challenging! It’s overwhelming for me.

"Vinyasa" means "to place in a special way." I find it challenging to make sure that I intentionally place my body properly and consciously through each movement, coordinating each shift with the movement of the breath. But it's also exciting because it makes each time, and each movement, a different experience!

Depends on what your definition of vinyasa yoga is. I practice Ashtanga yoga Advanced, so to me Primary series is a rest day. Yes, I can jump through and pike up to head stand and hand stand. Practicing since 2007.

It's a good workout. I can't really do the full vinyasa with jump back and jump through, I step. Still a good workout for me. YMMV

Do you find vinyasa yoga a challenging workout or easy?