A yoga flow is quite simply really. It's a number of poses flowing together to create movement. It can be used to warm-up, cool down or just to get deeper into a particular pose. The number and sequencing of poses in these series can definitely vary depending on the teacher, and what you are using them for.

You could consider a sun salutation a flow series, the ultimate yoga flow even. Although typically yoga flows are a bit shorter and simpler than the sun salutation. Some other poses that I use in my warm up could be sunflowers and moon flowers. I also create flows from simple basic poses, such as flowing between Mountain Pose and Forward Fold. I also often use a chair flow that I created to get deeper and lower into chair pose.

How to Identify a Yoga Flow

1.) Repeated movements

2.) A Pattern repeated more than once on each side of the body

3.) Any number of poses can be included, from 2 to 12 are most likely

4.) Working with the breath, one breath for each movement

Create your own Yoga Flow

These mini series of flows are a great and simple way to practice yoga. You can easily create your own. Find a pose that you like to do or what to get better at. Using the practice makes perfect principal (or at least practice makes better principal). Taking your chosen pose and link it to at least 2 to 3 poses that transition nicely, smoothly and easily on both sides or either side of that pose, after just repeat. See the below example.

Grounding Lifestyle's Chair Flow (Utkatasana Flow)

1.) Sitting down and back into chair

2.) Exhale sweeping your arms back behind you folding your chest closer towards your thighs

3.) Inhaling back to chair

The simple chair flow above just allows for movement and breath and enables you to easier sick deeper and deeper into chair pose. Works on ankle flexibility, shoulder range of motion, lengthening of the spine, opening the chest as well as strengthening the quadriceps, glutes, and upper back. The movement itself helps to build up heat within the body. This particular movement also stimulates digestive, circulatory and reproductive systems. Mentally this pose builds focus, develops willpower, stimulates the mind and reduces stress. Consult your doctor and or practice caution with this pose if you have low blood pressure, insomnia or any knee injury.