Power Yoga
Power yoga is all the rage! Since about the 1930s, this movement within yoga began to grow, and today it continues to grow.
Power yoga is derived from traditional Ashtanga yoga. Many people who initially described yoga as “vague” or “floaty” quickly return to it after being introduced to a power yoga class.
Power yoga classes can be taken in many places, often at gyms and other sports clubs. Come to yoga teacher training in Rishikesh to learn more about power yoga.
But what exactly is power yoga? In this blog, we explain. You can find it here:
- What exactly is Power Yoga?
- Which yogis is power yoga suitable for?
- The difference between Power Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga
- Motivating power yoga quotes
And, of course, much more. Read along?
Questions and answers
1. What is Power Yoga?
Power Yoga is an active, very physical form of yoga. It is a form of yoga derived from Ashtanga Yoga.
2. Who is Power Yoga suitable for?
Power Yoga is especially suitable for yogis who like to focus on the physical part of yoga and less on the spiritual and religious part.
The power of Power Yoga
Power Yoga is a physical, active form of yoga. Therefore, this form of yoga is often found in gyms. Power yoga is derived from Ashtanga yoga.
The mix of exercises works the muscles in a different way each time. By using muscles that are not used to it, or by using them in a different way, the muscles are stimulated to become stronger and/or more flexible.
Muscles have a kind of “muscle memory.” When you put strain on the muscles, they sort of remember the movements you make and slowly adapt to them.
This is actually quite logical, because the body adapts to the movements it makes frequently, and therefore to the way it is often loaded.
In power yoga, the exercises are always mixed up, so the muscles never quite get used to them. So the muscles are surprised in every class and never stand still in their development.
The result? Fitter, stronger and more flexible muscles!
The physical challenge also helps you get into your body and push your limits. This can help you get out of your head.
Power Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga and Ashtanga Yoga – the differences and similarities.
Power yoga, vinyasa yoga and ashtanga yoga are different forms of yoga, but they also have similarities.
To make things even more confusing, sometimes the term Vinyasa Power Yoga is used ;). In this case, Vinyasa Yoga and Power Yoga are combined.
Ashtanga Yoga
In Ashtanga Yoga, there is a fixed series of postures. You always perform this series in the same order. There are a number of different series, but they are fixed. They are quite physically intense series.
The movements are fluid and breathing plays a big role.
Read More: Kundalini Yoga, what exactly is it?
Vinyasa Yoga
In Vinyasa Yoga there is no fixed sequence of postures. It is the teacher who comes up with the series. So the series can be very physical and intense, but also very calm.
In vinyasa yoga, you synchronize your movements with your breathing. Breathing is very important in this.
A vinyasa yoga class sometimes includes breathing exercises or a short meditation. In power yoga and ashtanga yoga, apart from ujjayi breathing, you won’t find this very often.
Power Yoga
In Power Yoga, as in Vinyasa Yoga, there is no set sequence of postures. The focus here is really on the body, so the classes are very physical and intense.
Here we also move with the breath, but with less emphasis.
Who is Power Yoga suitable for?
Power yoga classes are especially suitable for athletic yogis who like to move intensely and dynamically. In the classes, the emphasis is on the exercises rather than, for example, meditation.
Since little time is spent on the mental and spiritual side of yoga in the classes, there is simply more time for the exercises. These classes are therefore much more intense than many other forms of yoga.
Building fitness, strength and flexibility, as well as learning to use the breath correctly, are important goals of this form of yoga.
If you want to start this form of yoga, it is important to find out in advance about the level of the course.
If you are a beginner and attend an advanced course, you may have problems performing the exercises. In the worst case scenario, you may even get injured.
Exercises
Power yoga exercises come in many forms. This is because yoga exercises are combined from a wide variety of yoga styles.
In some ways, however, the exercises are all similar, because each exercise is about improving muscle strength, fitness, and/or flexibility.
The Basics of Power Yoga Exercises
One of the basic exercises in this form of yoga is the so-called “mountain pose”. The mountain pose is very good for strengthening the neck and shoulder muscles.
From this pose, the yogi can literally go in many directions. So the mountain pose is actually the foundation of all standing exercises in power yoga.
Power Yoga Exercises 2.0 – for the Advanced Yogi
For the advanced yogi, the Power Yoga exercises are just as challenging as they are for the beginner. The secret lies in the creativity that allows the advanced yogi to go in all directions in Power Yoga.
Since these exercises are always aimed at improving muscular condition, it is easy for the athletic yogi to go to the gym, the place where they also work on improving muscular strength.
Just try out different fitness equipment. Don’t think about the weights, just the movement. Then think, “Can I do this movement without this equipment?”.
If the answer is “yes”, then you can experiment with your new, self-invented power yoga exercise ;).
What should you look for in exercises?
Not only in power yoga, but in yoga in general, it is important to pay attention to the following points during each exercise:
- Is my posture correct?
- Is my breathing good?
- Does the exercise feel right?
If you take these three points to heart, you will avoid incorrect posture and thus prevent injuries!
Power Yoga Quotes
For power yoga, you need a good dose of energy. Sometimes you want it, but it seems like it has to come from your toes….
Then you could use a little extra inspiration! Reading a quote can sometimes give you just the insight, motivation or strength you need to do what you need to do. That’s why we’re sharing 10 power yoga quotes with you here!
- Yoga is a light that, once lit, never goes out. The better the practice, the brighter the flame. – B.K.S. Iyengar
- The yoga mat is a good place to go when talk therapy and antidepressants aren’t enough. – Amy Weintraub
- Yoga is the fountain of youth. You are only as young as your spine is flexible. – Bob Harper
- For me, yoga is not just a workout – it’s about working on yourself. – Mary Glover
- Anyone who practices can succeed at yoga, but not someone who is lazy. Constant practice alone is the secret to success. – Svatmarama
- The warrior pose combats inner weakness and gains concentration. You see that there is no war within you. You are on your own side, and you are your own strength. – The Quote Garden
- The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean so that the soul can dwell in it. – B.K.S Iyengar
- Practice and all will come. – Sri K. Patthabi Jois
- The real wealth is health and not gold and silver pieces. – Mahatma Gandhi
- The foundation of all happiness is good health. – Leigh Hunt
Contact Us: Rishikesh Yoga Gurukulam, Tapovan, Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249192, India
+91-9300987000 [email protected]
Tags: 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh | Yoga Course in Rishikesh | Yoga Retreat in Rishikesh | Yoga School in Rishikesh