Power Yoga
Power Yoga consists of a continuous flow of different and challenging postures that create a stimulating workout, in addition to providing the other normal benefits of yoga. Expect to sweat and work hard!
In our Power Yoga classes, you can expect to raise your body temperature and breath a little harder while we flow from posture to posture.
- Enjoy age-old Yoga Body Building Techniques, including the Yoga Dhandals.
- No experience necessary.
- Includes more than 100 yoga postures.
- Seated, Standing and Inversion postures.
- Sun Salutations (and variations, to develop power and strength).
- Increase your power, core strength, coordination, and balance.
- Greater flexibility, flow concentration, and endurance.
- Pranayama Yoga (breathing techniques).
- Great for athletes looking to get that extra edge.
- Power Yoga is the Western version of the Indian Ashtanga Yoga, which emphasizes the development of your physical flexibility and nurtures your desire for self-discipline.
The name “Power Yoga” says it all. It is one of several types of Yoga that can simulate a rigorous, full-body workout and also promote mental stability and concentration. Be forewarned, however, that because this is a very physical and rigorous class, Power Yoga practice can be physically challenging the first few times you attend a class. This class is not recommended for people who are in poor physical condition or underlying health problems.
History of Power Yoga
The original concept of Power Yoga was introduced to the West by devotees of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, a renowned Sanskrit scholar who inspired Western Yogis with his Ashtanga Yoga style and philosophies.
It's small wonder, then, that Power Yoga is seen as the Western version of the Indian Ashtanga Yoga. The term "Power Yoga," however, was actually coined by Ashtanga Yoga teacher Beryl Bendere Birch, author of the widely-read book "Power Yoga: the Practice."
Power Yoga is practiced by doing a series of Yoga poses while synchronizing your breathing patterns to fit each movement (or Vinyasa), resulting in physical movements that combine perfect unity and grace. To someone who doesn’t practice Yoga, these Power Yoga movements may appear to be soft, free-flowing, and effortless, almost like a trance-like dance. But to the actual practitioner of Power Yoga, the process is really a vigorous exercise, pushing and contorting every limb to its limit, while maintaining a strong sense of inner peace and concentration that allows you to complete each move flawlessly and gracefully.
It is important to understand that the transitions of the Power Yoga poses are do
ne in a slow yet steady pace. Some poses are held longer than the normally required five breaths. This is one of the aspects of Power Yoga that raises your physical endurance and your ability to focus on a single task for a long period of time without breaking your concentration.
Even though Power Yoga demands a certain dedication and regular practice for a person to reap the full benefits, a lot of enthusiasts are nonetheless loyal to the practice. In fact, Power Yoga is actually attracting more and more practitioners.
Some benefits of Power Yoga
- It bolsters strength, stamina, and flexibility.
- It improves your ability to focus.
- It's a great way to release tension and anxiety.
- It helps you maintain proper posture.
- It tones your body.
- It's a good way to remove bodily toxins through sweat.
- It serves as a great training regime for athletes.
- It helps improve a person's performance throughout the sports spectrum, including cycling, golfing, football, and swimming.
But despite its vigorous approach to Yoga, Power Yoga still maintains a focus on the general aim of Classical Yoga, which is to unite the body, mind, and spirit.
Finally, it is through Power Yoga that a person can achieve total unity, since it connects the body, mind, and spirit at the deepest level.
