What Is Slow Flow Yoga? Relax, Breathe, and Move Smoothly

How to perform Slow Flow Yoga

Hi, my name is Elyce Elowen, and I do yoga myself as well as help others walk through their yoga path. 

I am glad to invite you today as a guest and let you discover more about what is slow flow yoga, a rather peaceful type of exercise, which helps to improve your health and clear your mind. 

Don’t think that just because you’ve been practicing yoga for several years, or you are fresh from your first DVD of beginners yoga, you are in the wrong place.

Here in this article, I will take you through what slow-flow yoga is about and how you are going to make that strength and flexibility without stressing. 

For those of you who have issues keeping up with fast vinyasa yoga classes, then this is just what the doctor ordered. Ready to dive in? 

Now let’s transition gently into the specifics of the program and ensure your yoga journey is stress-free!

What Is Slow Flow Yoga?

Slow flow is a moderate and nurturing combination of vinyasa yoga in which movements follow breaths but at a slower intensity. 

It also focuses on transitions from one pose to another so there is ample time to get in touch with each asana. 

It combines smooth movement with the ability to rest, so this style will suit beginners, persons new to yoga, or those who are too relaxed.

While Vinyasa yoga (vinyasa flow yoga) classes involve yoga with speed and the main purpose is to sustain, slow flow yoga is all about stability and awareness. 

You walk deliberately and allow the breath to dictate the next step is taken. This makes it an excellent yoga class for beginners and all those people who need to gain strength with no implication of getting an injury or feeling stressed.

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How to Prepare for Slow-Flow Yoga

How to Perform Slow-Flow Yoga
Source: Flow Beautifully

Before stepping into a yoga session, consider these preparation tips:

Choose a Calm Space: Practice in a low-noise, low-interference environment where there are no distractions.

Use Yoga Props: Those rubber blocks or straps at the base of the machine can be useful for novices to feel more at ease.

Wear Comfortable Clothing: Choose comfortable/amiable fabrics that allow free and easy movements.

Hydrate and Warm Up: It is a relaxing style in some sense, but a light warm-up gets the body ready. [1]

Warm-Up Exercises for Slow-Flow Yoga

Stretching prepares the body with the right temperature for smooth operations during dance. 

Here are a few gentle warm-ups:

  • Cat-Cow Stretch: Now that you are ready, start by relaxing your spine and start walking in rhythm with your breaths.
  • Seated Forward Fold: Lengthen all the hamstrings, and free up the lower back muscles.
  • Child’s Pose: A neutral stance to slow down your breathing to prepare for recording.

How to Perform Slow-Flow Yoga

How to Perform Slow-Flow Yoga

Follow these tips to move with ease:

  1. Start with Your Breath: Slow deep breaths will help in calming your thoughts.
  2. Flow Smoothly Between Poses: Shift your position smoothly from one posture to the other – no haste!
  3. Focus on Alignment: Slow flow allows you to align your spine properly because you have enough time.
  4. Pause and Rest: It is OK to own one’s body and pause the class or go back to the Child’s Pose if need be.

Great yoga sequences are moves such as Downward Dog, Cobra Pose, and Seated Twists. 

You will also learn modifications of vinyasa yoga poses that are also presented in a gradual manner.

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Benefits of Slow Flow Yoga

Here are some key benefits of practicing yoga:

  • Reduces Stress: This also helps to reduce the rate at which the nervous system is working.
  • Improves Flexibility: Static stretching is used to extend muscles gradually in order not to cause harm.
  • Builds Strength Gradually: There is a way to involve muscles while exercising them without putting much effort.
  • Perfect for Beginners: Taking beginner-classified yoga classes with a slow flow is easier and very gentle.
  • Enhances Breath Awareness: You pay more attention to the rhythm of your breathing. [2]

Modifications for Slow Flow Yoga

Each human being has a different physical build and therefore one needs to adjust the poses he or she is doing to the level of fitness. 

If you’re new to yoga flow yoga, try these tips:

Use Props: In case you have stiff hamstrings, yoga blocks will come in handy.

Bend Your Knees: Forward folds rarely involve severe bending.

Skip Advanced Transitions: If you are confused, then it is best to go for the basic transitions.

Tips and Tricks for an Enjoyable Slow Flow Yoga Practice

Be Kind to Yourself: Don’t worry, being able to complete all the poses at once is quite right.

Practice Regularly: The integral things that need to be done regularly are strength and flexibility exercises.

Listen to Your Breath: The breath should dictate your movements in harmony.

Join Beginner Yoga Classes: If you are new to yoga, yoga classes for beginners are a perfect place to start your yoga journey.

Safety Precautions

Avoid Overstretching: You only go as far as is comfortable for your body.

Consult with a Doctor: If you have health conditions, consult your doctor before you do anything due to these do’s and don’ts.

Stay Hydrated: Hydrate yourself every before and after your practice session.

Take It Easy: Remember that it is all about getting relaxed and therefore do not endanger your body by stressing it more than it should.

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My Experience and Suggestions

Considering my experience teaching yoga classes for first-timers still, I have realized that practicing yoga assists people in coming back to their breath and muscles. 

It is a good one for those who experience pressure in fast vinyasa yoga yoga classes. This is why I always persuade my students to pay attention to the slightest progress and cheer it up. 

Take your time! Never be nervous, and be sure to avoid bumping into people and walking in an awkward manner. 

I have found that this style gradually becomes endearing and within no time, you feel balanced in all your daily activities apart from practicing.

FAQs

Is slow-flow yoga for beginners?

Yes! It is ideal for first-timers because it is not as fast and vinyasa offers a chance to learn each pose.

What sets slow-flow yoga apart from vinyasa yoga?

Although it also includes movements that are just as fluid, the movement in this type of yoga is much, much slower thus accompanied by movements that require one’s breath control and relaxation.

How many times a week should one practice slow flow yoga?

Ideally, you would exercise 3-5 times a week because the exercise is aimed at helping you gain strength, and flexibility as well as develop your mindfulness level.

What should I wear if going for slow flow yoga?

Loose comfortable clothing, which can stretch with the body movements should be worn.

Case Study

words of hsvakr;

I tried but I honestly hate doing that. I’ve found it easier to just be mindful of what I’m eating for the most part…I’ve lost 13 pounds since July which obviously isn’t much but I’m happy with it. reddit.com

VeryFit Life Last Words

Slow-flow yoga is a method of yoga that is mild but carries a potent impact on your body and mind. 

Whether you know nothing about yoga or if you do vinyasa yoga, then this will allow you to get a slower pace as you practice. 

At some point, for some of you, weight loss becomes about achieving the right balance in your life physically, in your head, and your heart.

Based on my practice, you should try slow-flow yoga. This can help you to get rid of stress and introduce flexibility while moving at a slow pace. 

However, it is important to know that every single practice is a process. Take your time and be diligent, stick to your schedule and plan, and learn to have fun doing it.

Taking a deep breath helped; let me guide you easily into a new, healthier, and more relaxed ‘you’.

Source:

Peloton, T. (1970, January 1). Everything you need to know about slow flow yoga, including why it’s perfect for beginners.

Bell C. Why practice slow flow yoga? | Hugger Mugger Yoga Products. Hugger Mugger. Published November 9, 2023.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this site is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions or concerns. The website and its creators are not responsible for any injuries, damages, or adverse effects that may result from using the information provided. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of these terms.

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Elyce Elowen is a certified yoga therapist and instructor (C-IAYT, 500-hour RYT) with nearly a decade of experience helping individuals achieve balance and well-being. She collaborates with medical experts to design programs for mental wellness, chronic pain, and stress management, and provides mindfulness training for communities and organizations. Beyond yoga, Elyce has a passion for creativity and personal growth. She’s a freelance writer, sharing insights on yoga, mindfulness, and self-improvement, and previously worked as an art instructor and community organizer, empowering others through education and self-expression. In her downtime, Elyce enjoys hiking, reading, and creating art, always inspired by her belief that true strength comes from presence and growth.

Andrea Cintulova is a passionate yoga teacher and has a deep love for movement and mindfulness. She came from a background in modern gymnastics and dance, and yoga was something she discovered in her university years and never stopped. Hatha was her starting point and then she moved on to Ashtanga, Acro, Bikram and Vinyasa, which were her favorites because they were fluid and creative. Andrea is a certified Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga teacher and has taught Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga classes in Europe, corporate yoga in Vienna, rooftop sessions and international workshops. She is still inspiring students to build strength, flexibility, and inner peace on and off the mat through VeryFit Life.

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