A simple explanation of Vinyasa is the movement of asanas linked with breath. If you've ever practiced Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar), then you've practiced Vinyasa. Each movement is carefully coordinated with inhalations and exhalations, making a dance between body and breath.
Vinyasa can be found in many yoga classes, but can differ drastically from class to class. Ashtanga yoga is executed in Vinyasa style. This means the asanas are performed using the breath to guide, while creating heat within the body. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois refers to this as the blood boiling, which is necessary for the body to release toxins. In contrast to a Vinyasa class, Ashtanga yoga sticks to certain poses practiced in order while following a specific series. While Ashtanga and Vinyasa are linked, Vinyasa style has developed to encompass more than one style of yoga. A Vinyasa class can be gentle, moving slowly and building upon Sun Salutations. It could also be extremely vigorous, flowing through many asanas. A Vinyasa teacher may change the class every time, or stick to certain poses, but the flow of body and breath will remain each time.
Sometimes instructors will give the class the option to "go through your vinyasa" before continuing to another pose. This means flowing through Chaturanga, Upward-Facing Dog and finishing with Downward-Facing Dog.
With no particular rules or sequence structure, this is a great style to practice if you get bored easily. It allows for creativity from the teacher, and allows the student the possibility to learn something new each practice. The level of intensity can vary, so it's important to try different teachers and classes before making a final judgment as to whether this is for you or not. Vinyasa can mean a myriad of things, but it's agreed that linking breath with movement allows the body to release many impurities through breathing and sweating. Benefits like that seem worth the breath.
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