New
New
Year 11

Vinyasa flow

I can link yoga poses together in a flowing sequence coordinated with the breath.

New
New
Year 11

Vinyasa flow

I can link yoga poses together in a flowing sequence coordinated with the breath.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: flow sequences are achieved through linking the breath with the movement.
  2. Move: balancing in more complex poses requires a combination of strength, focus and breath control.
  3. Think: linking poses boosts session intensity, enhancing cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, strength and balance.
  4. Feel: flowing through yoga poses increases body temperature, which can feel challenging but enhances flexibility.
  5. Connect: creating a seamless group sequence of poses with others achieves a harmonious and focused dynamic.

Keywords

  • (Vinyasa) flow - the style of yoga where poses are linked together in a flowing sequence, coordinated with the breath

  • Strength - the ability for the muscles to overcome a resistance

  • Flexibility - the range of movement at a joint

Common misconception

Pupils think that yoga is always slow and steady, and is only for relaxation.

Yoga can be both calming and energising, depending on the style and intention of the practice.


To help you plan your year 11 physical education lesson on: Vinyasa flow, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

It is important to know the capabilities of your pupils as you may wish to take out some of the complex poses such as headstands, however also use any of the resources you have available such as a wall to practice against.
Teacher tip

Equipment

1 yoga mat per pupil, additional material yoga pose cards, optional: blankets, bolsters and blocks per student and a speaker.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
When doing ‘a hundred’ movement, how many arm pumps should you do on the inhale?

3
Correct answer: 5
8

Q2.
Why is improving core strength important?

Correct answer: improve posture
improve ankle flexibility
improve arm strength

Q3.
What shape should your body be in when performing a plank?

Correct answer: straight line
U shape
V shape

Q4.
Where can Pilates be done?

gym only
home only
Correct answer: home and gym

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What is the name of the style of yoga where poses are linked together in a flowing sequence, coordinated with the breath?

Hatha yoga
Correct answer: Vinyasa yoga
Yin yoga

Q2.
How should you breathe when expanding your movement or lifting your body?

Correct Answer: inhale, breath in

Q3.
What does a flowing sequence help to increase?

muscle tightness
stiffness
Correct answer: body temperature

Q4.
What should you do if you are unable to do one of the poses in yoga?

Correct answer: take easier option
give up
sit at side

Additional material

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