Power Yoga
Power Yoga is closely modeled after another style of yoga called Ashtanga. This style of yoga is a vigorous, fitness based style of yoga.
Some people associate power yoga with "gym yoga". Power yoga, though, doesn't follow a set series of yoga poses so the classes offered can vary widely. Since power yoga emphasizes strength and flexibility, it was introduced into the gyms of America as more and more people wanted yoga as a way to work out.
Power Yoga is a more advanced form of yoga which helps to build muscles because it requires increased amounts of strength, focus and energy. Even though it may appear to be evolved from the basic movements of yoga, it is definitely not a basic course.
Power Yoga differs from regular yoga in that you are required to have a deeper, more focused participation. Whereas in yoga you hold 1-3 breaths, in power yoga you hold for five full breaths.
Your muscles are being challenged because your mind and body have to work together to continue a succession without giving up and continuing holding a position. This type of yoga takes it to a whole new level because posing, moving, breathing and increasing flexibility are all happening together at the same time.
To make the core and back stronger, power yoga uses isometric exercises to build core strength. The word isometric originates from the words "same" and "length" which means holding one position without moving.
Training the core of your body allows for more flexibility and balance which can increase the strength and health of your entire body. When you practice power yoga, you are in a room generally with a higher temperature in order to help keep the muscles warm and to release additional toxins from the body (via sweat).
Below are some of the benefits/effects of power yoga on your body:
- By using your own body weight for resistance your arm and shoulder strength are multiplied
- Your spine is being supported better than ever by your lats and other back muscles
- Hip flexors are stretched and rebuilt
- Holding postures for extended breaths increases mental endurance and physical stamina
- Strength, flexibility and endurance increases
- Refine and sharpen abdominals and obliques through building core muscles
- Power yoga tightens and lengthens (where needed) calves, hamstrings, quads and glutes
- Posture begins to correct itself over time
How does yoga compare to power yoga and is it more beneficial? These are two entirely different types of yoga so there is no comparison.
Yoga and Power Yoga have similar foundations (stress management and flexibility) but people choose one over the other for obvious reasons: yoga is used to calm and meditate and power yoga is used for physical prowess.
When practicing yoga, though, you don't want too much stress placed on physical exercise or you will miss out on the mental and spiritual benefits of yoga.
No matter why you choose yoga, make sure it is for the right reasons: to harmonize the body, mind and spirit. Power Yoga will allow you to take your fitness to a higher level, build muscle and has an undeniable effect on your total body.
Some people associate power yoga with "gym yoga". Power yoga, though, doesn't follow a set series of yoga poses so the classes offered can vary widely. Since power yoga emphasizes strength and flexibility, it was introduced into the gyms of America as more and more people wanted yoga as a way to work out.
Power Yoga is a more advanced form of yoga which helps to build muscles because it requires increased amounts of strength, focus and energy. Even though it may appear to be evolved from the basic movements of yoga, it is definitely not a basic course.
Power Yoga differs from regular yoga in that you are required to have a deeper, more focused participation. Whereas in yoga you hold 1-3 breaths, in power yoga you hold for five full breaths.
Your muscles are being challenged because your mind and body have to work together to continue a succession without giving up and continuing holding a position. This type of yoga takes it to a whole new level because posing, moving, breathing and increasing flexibility are all happening together at the same time.
To make the core and back stronger, power yoga uses isometric exercises to build core strength. The word isometric originates from the words "same" and "length" which means holding one position without moving.
Training the core of your body allows for more flexibility and balance which can increase the strength and health of your entire body. When you practice power yoga, you are in a room generally with a higher temperature in order to help keep the muscles warm and to release additional toxins from the body (via sweat).
Below are some of the benefits/effects of power yoga on your body:
- By using your own body weight for resistance your arm and shoulder strength are multiplied
- Your spine is being supported better than ever by your lats and other back muscles
- Hip flexors are stretched and rebuilt
- Holding postures for extended breaths increases mental endurance and physical stamina
- Strength, flexibility and endurance increases
- Refine and sharpen abdominals and obliques through building core muscles
- Power yoga tightens and lengthens (where needed) calves, hamstrings, quads and glutes
- Posture begins to correct itself over time
How does yoga compare to power yoga and is it more beneficial? These are two entirely different types of yoga so there is no comparison.
Yoga and Power Yoga have similar foundations (stress management and flexibility) but people choose one over the other for obvious reasons: yoga is used to calm and meditate and power yoga is used for physical prowess.
When practicing yoga, though, you don't want too much stress placed on physical exercise or you will miss out on the mental and spiritual benefits of yoga.
No matter why you choose yoga, make sure it is for the right reasons: to harmonize the body, mind and spirit. Power Yoga will allow you to take your fitness to a higher level, build muscle and has an undeniable effect on your total body.
Recommended Product:
Build strength, stamina and endurance for everything in your life with Gaiam's Power Yoga Total Body Workout DVD. Yoga expert Rodney Yee guides you through a challenging yoga sequence that creates detoxifying heat in your body and helps you build inner and outer strength. For more info a and customer reviews visit the product page on Amazon here
