What Is Slow Flow Yoga?

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If you are wondering what is slow flow yoga and what are the benefits then this article is for you. Here we will take you through the definition and benefits of this special type of yoga. stay tuned. 

Yoga has been an efficient practice for ages, which helps to develop and detoxify our body and mind. It is a workout that is spiritual almost as much as it is physical. In the fast-paced modern life, you can always turn to it to overcome the stress. Still, joining a yoga class that suits your need can be a bit confusing.

The improvisation and personalisation across time have given rise to different schools and styles of yoga. With different kinds of usage and interpretation, there have been several types of them actually.

Likewise, you will find Slow Flow Yoga as a type which is quite popular in the recent times. Based on the classic version, it is a method that strives to be beneficial for both the body and the soul.

What Is Slow Flow Yoga

What Is Slow Flow Yoga?

Slow Flow Yoga is a low-impact workout, which can help you to get in shape gradually. It is in sharp contrast to the power yoga or the aerobics-based active version of it.

This type of Yoga is actually a combination of a modified Vinyasa Flow and Hatha Yoga. It does not have as many transitions as the classic Vinyasa yoga but has more flow than Hatha Yoga.

The workouts are designed in such a way that it gradually warms up the muscles and joints. Thus, it retains the calm rhythm of flow yoga, with ample time to find the perfection in poses.

One of the greatest characteristic features of this yoga is that it is suitable for all age groups. It encourages you to stay in the moment while improving your attention span. The slow speed gets to you, cools down the mind, and you get a better perspective of the surroundings.

Vinyasa And Hatha Yoga Makes Up Slow Flow Yoga

Vinyasa And Hatha Yoga Makes Up Slow Flow Yoga

The Vinyasa Yoga puts emphasis on the breath, movement, and poses as a whole. It is also known as flow yoga, as it leads to a gradual transition between various poses.

The practice is somewhat different from the traditional practice of holding yoga poses i.e. Hatha Yoga. In the case of the classic Vinyasa, it is relatively faster paced. Following the transitions can be tougher, which may not be productive enough for you.

The approach is a tad athletic, with synchronization of breath with the movements. So, if you miss the pose, you will fall out of sync. It can disturb the mental calmness too, which defeats the whole purpose.

Characteristics And Features

Slow Flow Yoga takes the best of both and builds on it. It gives the yogis the freedom to create the dance attuned to their own rhythm.

In this style, learning how to move, breathe, and stretch between poses is the primary focus. You have time to learn and introspect on the poses, and how they can be modified, as per your physical limitations.

The slow speed helps to get your mind synced with the body being at ease too, even if you are a beginner. The mind-body connection is one of the main goals in Slow Flow yoga. It teaches to prove, to find the limitation of your body, and then rise above it with the help of your mind.

Also, read our post on How Yoga Works?

Who Is It For?

Even though it looks easier, do not mistake this cult of Yoga as a practice only for beginners or those with limitations. The practice gets gradually advance with the level, as the series progresses.

The speed of transition may appear slow to you, but the challenges have their own specialty. Even if you have some experience in yoga, this has lots to teach you, improve you. As it can be personalized to great extents, you have enough time for introspection.

You do not need to rush to the next style or pose, but have time to know yourself- body and mind. Slow Flow Yoga is a spiral of the journey that goes both inward and outward at the same time.

Also Read our Post on Meaning of The Word Yoga along with Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga.

What Are The Benefits Of Slow Flow Yoga

What Are The Benefits Of Slow Flow Yoga?

Any kind of yoga comes with a unique set of benefits. In the case of Slow Flow Yoga, it is more special because all levels of learners can reap good results. Yoga is a union of body, mind, and soul to achieve peace and perfection.

In this case, this style of Yoga can be described as dance-like movements with meditative moments, held together by rhythmic breathing practice. As it comes from Vinyasa Yoga, some of the benefits are directly influenced by it.

The practice can lessen the woes and lessen the chance of ailment if done regularly. This can help the yogis in two major ways- physical well-being and mental health.

Also, do not forget to read our post on How Many Calories Does Yoga Burn?

Physical Benefits Of Slow Flow Yoga

  1. Practicing Slow Flow Yoga improves flexibility and strength. The asana and poses stretch the body, muscle, and soft tissues i.e. the tendons, ligaments, etc.

    When you are working out at a stretch, you can store lactic acid on the muscles. This yoga prevents lactic acid build-up in muscles. Thus, it prevents muscle fatigue and prevents tissue damage.

  2. This is good for the joints too. It increases mobility on the joints like hip and shoulder. It is great for people who are suffering from arthritis or any kind of joint trouble. This is good for the synovial fluid in the joints too.

  3. Slow Flow Yoga uses the body of the yogi as the weight prop. While it develops the muscles, it has another major positive side. The core strength is built up, and you can gain total body awareness. So you can be aware when your posture is slouched, and rectify it by yourself. Also, improved flexibility is great for the elder generation.

  4. You will also see an improvement in the basal metabolic rate. It can help in weight loss and control the high cholesterol level.

  5. With the constant movement, the internal major organs get the benefit too. They experience a natural pressure with the twist, bend, and torsion of the limbs and torso. This is like a natural massage on them. It has a number of positive impacts to correct a handful of chronic conditions.

    Constipation, asthma, menopause syndrome, or even thyroid troubles can have less impact when you practice daily. Besides, it results in more blood flow to the vital organs. They get more nutrients with the flow. On the other hand, they can remove the excretory products easily too.
  6. It also results in improved balance and flexibility. It also increases your stamina and endurance. With better flexibility and core strength, you have less risk of injury. When you practice daily, you get habituated with the rhythm. You do not get bored and carry on the tough jobs too, with apparent ease.

  7. As it includes deep breaths and holding them in, these directly increase the lung capacity and the amount of oxygen in the blood. As it reduces stress, it is good for the heart also.

  8. Slow Flow Yoga removes excess Carbon Dioxide from the blood. In addition to that, it improves the natural immunity a lot. Also, your body can heal itself faster. In the same way, increased body heat helps the muscles to stay relaxed. Also, it increases the sweating to remove the toxins from the body.

  9. In children and adolescents, it causes a growth sprout.

Also, read our post on How To Start Acro Yoga.

Mental Health Benefits Of Slow Flow Yoga

Mental Health Benefits Of Slow Flow Yoga

  1. Through a series of exercises with controlled breathing, it helps to reduce stress and tension. Even if you are a beginner, you will feel more relaxed in just one or two sessions.
  2. The repetitive exercises give ample opportunity to self-evaluate.
  3. It increases the concentration, with the introduction of the meditative poses.
  4. It is highly beneficial for children. Often they are exposed to the adult world, and subsequently, the stress that comes with it. Often, it is not possible for them to handle it.

With the introduction of Slow Flow Yoga, they can cope better, which is good for their physical health too. Also, it increases their self-esteem with the feeling of wellness.

Conclusion

As you can see from the points above, Slow Flow Yoga has quite a number of benefits, both physiological and psychological. It increases your physical capacity and mental aspects.

The style is easy to learn, even if you do not have any prior experience. It is more like a dance-based meditative yoga. You can practice it without taxing yourself too much. Yet, Slow Flow Yoga can transform you, push you towards the path of enlightenment with the body and soul, both.

Also read our article on Yoga Early Story and How To Open Blocked Fallopian Tube Through Yoga