5 Mandala Yoga Flows to Unlock Your Creativity

Kayla Nielsen practicing Grasshopper Flow

Before you began practicing yoga, what did you imagine it was like? Be honest — did you picture lots of quiet, meditative poses and gentle, relaxing movements? After you've practiced a few times, you'll quickly come to realize that there are a multitude of styles of yoga. And while some are calming and reflective, others definitely keep your heart pumping throughout the class.

One fun style to try is a mandala yoga flow (also called a circular yoga flow). It's active, it demands your attention, and it’s a whole lot of fun. If your yoga practice feels stagnant lately and you want to shake things up a bit, we think you'll love mandala flows.

What is a Mandala Flow?

In Hinduism and Buddhism, the mandala is an ancient spiritual symbol that represents wholeness. In yoga, the mandala is a visual tool used during meditation to hone focus and establish a sacred and enlightened place. A mandala-style yoga flow draws upon this wholeness and shape to create a dynamic sequence that has you moving around your mat in a circular pattern, much like the shape of a mandala itself. It can require a lot of focus and stamina as you’ll be constantly changing asanas, though there are slower-paced and more gentle flows, too.

Benefits of a Mandala Yoga Flow

  • Breaks you out of your usual routine

  • Challenges your body awareness and coordination

  • Inspires creativity on and off the mat

  • Gets you thinking outside the box

  • Focuses your attention to the present moment

  • Increases stamina and flexibility


 

5 Mandala Yoga Sequences to Inspire Creativity

Calvin's Around the World Class
 

1.
Around the World with Calvin Corzine

In this complete, 60-minute vinyasa class, you'll practice both heart and hip-openers that will keep you on your toes.

Practice this class on Alo Moves.

 

Patrick's Infinite Flow class
 


2.
The Infinite Flow with Patrick Beach

If you're game to try a medley of poses from the more basic forward folds to skilled arm balances, you can't go wrong with this 45-minute flow. 

Practice this class on Alo Moves.

 

Ashley's Circle the Mat class
 

3.
Circle the Mat Ashley Galvin

Practice chest-opening poses like Wild Thing and Fallen Triangle, as well as fiery arm balances like Firefly in this dynamic power flow.

Practice this class on Alo Moves.

 

Kayla Neilsen in Grasshopper pose.
 

4.
Grasshopper Flow with Kayla Nielsen

Up for a challenge? This class will take you on a twisty and bendy ride into the peak Grasshopper Pose.

Practice this class on Alo Moves.

 

MC Yogi in his Journey Home class
 

5.
Journey Home with MC YOGI

If you’re more in the mood for a chill mandala flow, this quick and gentle one fits the bill. 

Practice this class on Alo Moves.


Want to try these classes for free and more? Get unlimited access to the full library of yoga, fitness, and meditation classes with a free 14-day trial to Alo Moves.

Previous
Previous

13 Halloween-Inspired Yoga Poses to Get You In a Spooky Mood

Next
Next

Fun Pose Friday: Twisted Roots