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What Is 'Power Yoga'?
Yoga is very popular now and for good reason. It is a great way to relax and get fit. Power yoga is a particular type of yoga that is used primarily in the Western cultures (although not exclusively). It is the term used to describe a much more physical, rigorous and fitness-based style of yoga. It is a Vinyasa-style yoga that is modeled after Ashtanga yoga.
Overview
Power yoga is the general term that has been applied to several different kinds of yoga that are more vigorous and aerobic in nature. It was designed to be more appealing to more Western cultures – especially during the aerobics and fitness surges of the eighties and nineties. The term “power yoga” is really just a more Western name for Ashtanga yoga which is the more physically aerobic style of yoga. Where Power yoga differs from Ashtanga yoga is that it really does not follow a set series of positions (asanas) in a given session. This is also a more Western approach to yoga.
Power yoga does emphasize flexibility and strength, however. It also focuses on the yogi’s desire for increased self-discipline.
What It Is
Based on the name, power yoga is very self-explanatory. It is the basic principles of yoga (concentration, mind-body connection and mental stability/awareness) with a rigorous, full-body workout combined.
Power yoga is very aerobic, and some find the workouts very challenging in the beginning. This is because unlike other aerobic workouts, power yoga demands the most of both your body and mind – including your complete body, all the way to the core.
Power Yoga Incorporates:
- Basic yoga poses.
- Synchronization of breathing with body movements and positions.
- Emphasis on the mind-body-spirit connection.
- Emphasis on proper form.
- Holding poses for longer time periods than other styles of yoga – often longer than the standard five breaths.
- Improving endurance.
- Improving flexibility.
- Demanding the most of your body while still maintaining inner peace, outer grace and concentration.
- Pace is still relatively slow, but steady and demanding – hence the aerobic element.
- Most poses use the “Sun Salutation Pose” as the foundation.
- Expect a warm-up.
- Rooms are typically heated to encourage respiration, circulation and complete muscle activity as well as a release of toxins through sweat.
- A very challenging workout – especially for the beginner – with extraordinary results.
Power yoga is very popular because it is very effective both as a means of physical fitness and health but also a means of establishing inner calm and peace. However, beginners should be prepared for a tough workout at first. The positions are demanding and can push your body to its limits of endurance and flexibility. You should be committed to staying with the routine so that you can get the most benefit from the activity.
Benefits of Power Yoga
The benefits of power yoga are many. This is because you not only get all of the benefits of yoga but also all of the benefits of a real aerobic workout.
- Improved concentration and focus.
- Improved mental, emotional, spiritual and physical strength.
- Improved flexibility, movement and range of motion (joints, muscles and more).
- Improved stamina & endurance.
- Relief from tension & anxiety.
- Improved posture.
- Increased overall muscle tone & strength.
- Removal of body toxins through sweat.
- Excellent overall performance training routine.
- Excellent training for specific sports (like cycling, swimming or golf).
- Develop increased personal discipline.
- Power yoga does not stress the body in a harmful way (as opposed to high-impact aerobics, for example).
- Provides a wonderful individual routine or serves as a warm-up to other workouts.
- Ideal for every level of fitness.
- Can reduce pain associated with stress and anxiety.
- Relaxation, calm and inner peace.
Final Thoughts
Power yoga is a wonderful way to stay fit, healthy and mentally and spiritually aware. Remember that, even with a focus on rigorous physical control, the foundation is still yoga. The unity of the mind, body and spirit will be at the heart of any effective power yoga routine.
Anyone who tries this yoga workout and really commits to it will be pleased with the complete body results and the impact that this kind of program can have on one’s entire life. The overall nurturing and improvement of your natural health and strength, through the discipline of power yoga, can transform your lifestyle.
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