Power Yoga
What is power yoga?
Power yoga is nothing but a derivative of ashtanga yoga. This form of yoga was designed for the more westernised world and is targeted mainly towards weight loss. It can also be a finer derivative of the vinyasa yoga. As mentioned in one of my previous articles, yoga can be combined and customised as per the requirements of your body. The word itself explains that this form of yoga involves a lot of body movements and energy.
Power Yoga
Even though power yoga is a derivative of ashtanga yoga it does not have a specific pattern or order to it. It completely depends on the instructor and the body mechanism as to how this yoga can be fashioned. This yoga helps establish a serious workout by involving extensive stretching. It is known to transform the body and spirit of the person into one that is stronger and more agile whilst keeping it relaxed and stress-free.
This is one of the forms of yoga that does not emphasize on chanting and meditation, but it completely depends on the practitioner if they want to include it in their sessions. Meditation can be included towards the end of the session, depending on the person’s interests. It targets a person’s physical and emotional needs.
Benefits of power yoga
Power yoga is designed for people who do not prefer the traditional form of yoga. Traditional yoga stresses a lot on breathing and mind and is very slow. Power yoga on the other hand is a vigorous and fast-paced. Due to the vigorous workout it is mainly targeted towards weight loss. But since yoga is a form of workout designed for the body, mind and soul, this yoga also carries with it certain other benefits which are listed below:
- This yoga helps rid the body of any disorders emanating from faulty lifestyles and modern day work culture.
- It tones the core body and increases flexibility, strength and stamina.
- Helps relieve stress and tension
- Improves concentration
- Increases metabolism
- Creates tension within inactive muscles and thus works on flexibility
- It strengthens the heart by increasing the heart rate.
- The increase in heart rate and metabolism give the individual a complete workout and this helps in weight loss.
- It aims to deeply connect the mind, body and spirit and thus promotes overall health.
- Since this is a high-powered form of yoga and involves a lot of movement it is known to help reduce built up stress, anxiety or anger.
- Due to the high-energy movements involved in this type of yoga, it helps the body sweat more and is thus a great way to release toxins.
Postures and positions
Before starting a power yoga session it is important to do some simple exercises to warm up the muscles for a vigorous workout. This is done to prevent any strain or injury. Like every other form of yoga, power yoga is heavily connected to breathing during transitions from one pose to another. Power yoga is a combination of the ashtanga yoga poses with the vinyasa breathing.
The poses may vary from sun salutations, standing, sitting or lying, inverted or twisted poses but all done vigorously to increase the heart rate and to burn calories. This form of yoga like certain other forms can be customised as per the body requirements. So the asanas performed are usually ashtanga poses, but the individual can choose the type of asana depending on an individual’s body mechanism.
So, you want to shed those extra kilos? look good and feel good about yourself? Then then power yoga is the best option.
