Power Yoga
Submitted by divine_sysop on March 12, 2010 - 05:32
Print
As the name suggests, ‘power yoga’ is a fast paced and strenuous exercise. It is also known as dynamic yoga. Power yoga is one of the most stimulating yoga styles that, primarily, is derived from American interpretation of Mysore Yoga (Indian Ashtanga Yoga). The term ‘power yoga’, however, was coined by the New York based Mysore Yoga teacher Beryl Bender Birch, the author of a very popular book “Power Yoga:The Practice.”
Power yoga is the ultimate sweat inducing, muscle-building vigorous workout. Power yoga exercises are not for the mild, calm or even moderate types of students. It is certainly not a beginner’s yoga.
Although power yoga is a shortened and modified version of Mysore yoga, it also borrows certain aspects from other yoga styles like Bikram Yoga and Iyengar Yoga. Some of those aspects are as follows:
- Power yoga requires the execution of basic yoga poses, like in Bikram Yoga, which guarantees an energetic workout.
- Power yoga also emphasizes on the proper form in executing yoga poses as well as perfecting them by holding the pose longer, thereby improving the endurance and flexibility of the person. This is an aspect adapted from Iyengar Yoga.
Unlike Mysore yoga, power yoga does not follow a set series of poses. Therefore, power yoga classes not only vary widely from teacher to teacher, no two classes are the same with the same teacher. What they have in common is an emphasis on strength and flexibility. The advent of power yoga heralded yoga’s current popularity, as people began to see yoga as a way to workout. Power yoga brought yoga into American gyms and appealed to people who were already fit, enjoyed exercising, and wanted a minimal amount of chanting and meditation.
Power yoga is a moving, flowing form of yoga that is almost dance-like in its grace. There is very little or almost no break between yoga poses. The individual postures are linked together by a short, flowing sequence of movements called “vinyasa”, which are further synchronized with the breath. There is a natural progression towards a meditative state as one harmonizes postures, breathing, and awareness into a symbolic whole. Each element deepens and enriches the effect of the other, until one reaches a stage where there is no separation between mind, body and breath.
Muscle training using power yoga is quite different from traditional barbell training. General heavy weight lifting exercise puts pressure on the muscles, resulting in a thicker build, whereas exercise that involves maintaining a stretched body produces slender muscles. Power yoga develops slender muscles, resulting in a leaner bodyline. The key to maximizing its effects lies in breathing. The basic technique is to breathe in and out through the nose, breathing deeply and slowly using the muscles of the lower abdomen. This relaxes the body and has a wonderful soothing effect on the mind.
Power yoga can be practiced by anyone who enjoys exercising. However, pregnant women must consult their doctor before taking up any form of exercise. Even general practitioners should seek help from a doctor or a power yoga instructor to know whether it will suit their body or not. An early morning environment is very conducive for power yoga. Power yoga should be practiced on an empty stomach.
Here are some tips one should keep in mind while practicing power yoga:
- Practice at places such as open ground, garden, or building terrace
- Wear comfortable clothes that are sweat absorbent and do not hinder free movement
- As it involves challenging poses, one should seek professional guidance
- Concentrate completely on each pose
- Proper sequence of postures should be chosen while performing them
- Challenge yourself but do not strain—slow but steady should be your power yoga mantra
Power yoga is fast becoming a popular form of yoga workout with athletes. It is also known as yoga for athletes. Effective for dieting and body shaping as well as stress relief, power yoga has also found favor among Hollywood stars. Offering more workout than traditional yoga, power yoga is less strenuous than aerobics, with the added benefit of mental soothing.
The challenge offered by power yoga is as much mental as it is physical, demanding continuous effort and concentration to maintain the momentum from one posture to the next. The aim of power yoga is not merely to achieve gymnastic goals, but to naturally pacify fluctuations of the mind through dynamic movements and breath.
Yoga in any form provides health benefit. Health conscious individuals of any age can enjoy the benefits of power yoga. Here are some great benefits that power yoga provides:
- As we sweat during workout, toxins are removed from the body
- Heals disorders of the digestive system
- Helps get rid of obesity
- Increases calorie burning capacity of the body
- Increases stamina, strength and flexibility of the body
- Improves blood circulation and immune system
- Improves concentration and self-control
Power yoga is not only about achieving excellence with different poses, it is also a method to achieve an excellence of mind. It is a beautiful way to gain a perfectly fit and healthy body.
