Many of us are not familiar with Power Yoga as we have not been introduced to it. Power Yoga is known as the western version of Ashtanga Yoga, brought by the Indians.
The term Power Yoga was coined by Beryl Bender Birch, a teacher of Ashtanga Yoga and also the author of Power Yoga.
Yoga was brought to the west by the renowned Sanskrit Scholar, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. The people in the west were inspired with his Ashtanga Yoga and philosopies.
Power Yoga is described as the practice of yoga poses, which are done continuously in a series of excercises, without stopping. This practice is accompanied by the Vinsaya, which is know as “riding the breath”. This enables you to make certain movements from one pose to another.
Power Yoga is characterized by vigorous exercises which challenge your physical ability, mental ability and concentration. This enables you to reach your inner power and connect with it.
What makes Power Yoga different is that the poses are done faster with a rhythm. This practice is essential and helps to increase your physical endurance.
Power Yoga helps you to maintain and keep up a good focus for a longer period of time, without breaking or distracting your concentration. If you need to fully concentrate on something, Power Yoga may be just the right type of yoga for you.
Power Yoga has some similarities with the modified versions of Ashtanga Yoga. Certain practices connected with Iyengar yoga and Bikram yoga also have influences on Power Yoga.
As with Bikram yoga, you will notice that Power Yoga also applies the execution of the common basic yoga poses, which is a good practice because even beginers can do it.
Power Yoga has also adapted some of the practices of the Iyengar Yoga, which gives emphasis on the form and alignment during the practice. It also includes practice in holding a pose for longer without breaking, which aims to achieve maximum benefits.
Although Power Yoga has been influenced by many types of yoga, it is still closely aligned to Classical Yoga. Its aims are to unite the body, the spirit and the mind uniquely. The main objective of yoga is for you to be able to connect to your inner power and to reach every level through the poses and practices.
With the help of Power Yoga, you can dig more deeply into your physical, mental and spiritual power.
Power Yoga is also considered a good training for athletes. It helps them to concentrate more deeply and also aids with the prevention of injuries and recovery from any injuries they may experience.
If you decide you wish to do Power Yoga, first you should know if your health condition can withstand the practice. Power Yoga is done in a perfectly designed and heated room. This is to increase strength and flexibility, increase your concentration, release tension and create stamina and tone in your body, which is achieved and released through sweat.
Power Yoga can be taught by teachers but there may be some differences, depending on who is teaching it. People who are healthy and fit can practice Power Yoga. If you enjoy doing excercises and if you want less chanting, Power Yoga is the best style for you.
