Downward Dog. Chair Pose. Warrior Pose. Even the most novice yogi has heard these terms or has seen a video watching a more experienced yogi transform their bodies into these impressive poses. However, the greatest misconception about yoga is that a productive session is about the proper execution of the poses. Yoga is about the connection between the mind and body, and the flow that happens when moving from pose to pose. That is right, yoga is about flow. The flow from the moment you step on the mat until the end of a class is more important than any one pose.
With Baptiste Power Yoga, flow is a vinyasa style practice in which each movement is linked to breathing. Baptiste founder, Baron Baptiste is quoted to say, “The breath is the key to unlocking your body’s potential.” In Baptiste Yoga, the breath is a way of clearing the yogi’s space and letting go. Through breathing the yogi moves out any stagnant energy on the exhale and creates space for new possibilities on the inhale. When executing poses without breathing, the yogi creates the opposite of the intended effect, building discomfort and tension within the body. However, linking breath with movement the positive results, empowerment to discover new possibilities, are amplified.
The flow of Baptiste Yoga is accessible to all yogis as there is not a defined sequence of poses, like most methods of vinyasa yoga. Baptiste Yoga offers more of a blueprint that encourages creativity to empower the yogi no matter where they are in their practice. After consistent practice, the yogi will begin to feel the flow throughout their body during a yoga class. It is as if the body knows what is coming next without the yogi having to consciously think about it.
As the area’s only Baptiste affiliate studio, Yoga Body Shop, is proud to connect our community the principles of Baptiste Power Yoga. At Yoga Body Shop, our teachers are trained and practice in the Baptiste style. They are encouraging, uplifting, positive and energetic while also being grounded, attentive and aware. Students find this style of teaching to be a powerful experience. Why not experience it for yourself? No matter your previous experience, Yoga Body Shop has a class for you.