Power Yoga

Power yoga, as the name signifies is a vigorous and intensive form of yoga. It is a form of Ashtanga yoga that has been westernized to provide the body the ultimate exercise routine. The principles of Power Yoga remain the same as other styles of yoga. And this is essentially the union of the body and the mind. Power Yoga attempts to identify and strengthen a student’s body power, mind power and spiritual power through a rather intensive routine of yoga.

The name Power Yoga was coined by Beryl Bendre Birch, though, Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois introduced it in the West. Power Yoga takes some principles from other schools of yoga such as Iyengar yoga and Bikram yoga. Like Iyengar yoga, Power Yoga also places emphasis on the alignment of the body during ‘asanas’. Power Yoga is also performed in a heated room like Bikram yoga and offers a vigorous yoga routine like the latter.

Power Yoga Basics
• If you were to attend a class of Power Yoga as a spectator, it may not seem so intensive. The routine is designed as a series of continuous movements that seem to flow into each other. Each pose and movement is coordinated with the apt breathing technique that facilitates proper use of the muscles and limbs. What may seem like effortless flow of movements is in fact a routine that stretches every limb and muscle to its limit.

• The poses or ‘asanas’ aren’t done in a hurry but in fact in a slow but steady pace. In some ‘asanas’ the posture is held for four or five breaths. The Sun Salutation or ‘Surya Namaskar’ is the basic foundation for the Power Yoga. So if you want to join a class of Power Yoga it is important that you have a basic knowledge and experience of performing the Sun Salutation. Unlike some forms of yoga, Power Yoga is not for beginners nor is it for people who are suffering from chronic ailments.

• Power Yoga, like Bikram Yoga involves a vigorous exercise of the body and mind and aims to release toxins from it through perspiration. It is done in a heated room as this temperature is ideal for muscle exercise and to an extent helps prevent injuries.

• Power Yoga is ideally for students who are fit and athletic and are willing to take on a routine that is demanding. It is important that you speak to your doctor and also the yoga instructor before you start a class of Power Yoga. Power Yoga needs to be performed under the supervision of a trained instructor and should not be performed by beginners at home.

Advantages of Power Yoga
• Power Yoga strengthens the body, tones it and makes it flexible. It also helps build up stamina. It is great for people who play sports such as football and also for cyclists and swimmers.
• The mind is easier to calm with Power Yoga. Great focus and concentration are some of the mental benefits of this form of yoga. It is found to be great for sports such as golf.
• Power yoga builds up mental and spiritual strength and helps the students adapt a better and healthier lifestyle. It also helps greatly in dealing with stress and anxiety.

Power Yoga like the other forms of yoga are very beneficial to overall good health, but should not be performed without first consulting with your doctor.