What is power yoga?
Power Yoga is a dynamic and vigorous style of yoga that combines fluid movements with challenging postures. It focuses on strengthening the body, improving flexibility, and elevating cardiovascular endurance.
Unlike traditional yoga, Power Yoga does not follow a fixed sequence, allowing instructors to design creative classes. It combines elements of Ashtanga Yoga with a focus on physical activity, ideal for those seeking a more intense workout.
In addition to the physical benefits, Power Yoga helps to reduce stress by connecting movement and breath, promoting a more focused and calm mental state.
The history of power yoga
Power Yoga became popular in the mid-1990s thanks to two American instructors who had studied with the Ashtanga guru, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Both sought to adapt this discipline to the needs of Western students, leaving behind the rigid sequence of Ashtanga postures, which always followed a set order.
Bryan Kest, from Los Angeles, and Beryl Bender Birch, in New York, are recognized as the creators of Power Yoga. Kest was a student of David Williams, one of the first Western students of Jois, while Bender studied with Norman Allen, another of the guru’s early disciples.
Kest had the opportunity to study directly with Jois in Mysore, India, while Bender worked with him during his visits to the United States in the 80s. Both have a deep understanding of yoga philosophy, which is clearly reflected in their teachings and writings.
Principles and essence of Power Yoga
Yoga, including Power Yoga, is based on concentration and transformation. This practice aims to generate high levels of energy, freedom, concentration, and vitality.
However, the importance of working within one’s own limits is always emphasized, allowing for natural growth and avoiding excessive effort. Classes often promote an environment of healing and respect for each individual.
The dynamics of Power Yoga
Unlike traditional Ashtanga, Power Yoga offers freedom to the instructor to decide the postures and the order in which they are taught. Although it is perceived as a physical exercise due to its dynamic approach and the influence of athletics from the vinyasas, this practice maintains the essence of yoga by uniting body and mind in a holistic experience.
Benefits of Power Yoga for Health
Improves flexibility, posture, endurance, and concentration, as well as burning many calories. It also relieves tension and eliminates toxins through sweating. If you are looking for a complementary style, you can learn about the benefits of Hatha Yoga.
What you need to know about Power Yoga
It is not only an intense physical workout, but also a practice that fosters mind-body connection. Although it is perceived as exercise due to its dynamism, it respects the fundamental principles of yoga, such as mindfulness and inner balance.
Classes are highly customizable, as instructors have the freedom to adapt the sequences according to the needs of the group. This makes it an ideal option for both those looking to strengthen the body and those who wish to reduce stress and improve their concentration.
Additionally, it is important to remember that, although challenging, Power Yoga should always be practiced while respecting your body’s limits, promoting growth and expansion in a safe and sustainable way.
The 5 most well-known poses of power yoga
Imperfections are part of us, these 5 poses will help you discover yours, and will reveal the wisdom and fun of not being perfect. Remember that you can do them as a sequence or individually, it’s up to you. Enjoy it to the fullest.
- Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): A fundamental pose in Power Yoga that strengthens the arms and stretches the back, shoulders, and legs while calming the mind.
- High Plank (Phalakasana): Ideal for building strength in the core, arms, and shoulders. It is a foundational pose for dynamic transitions in Power Yoga sequences.
- Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): A powerful pose that works the strength of the legs, improves balance, and develops concentration and stamina.
- Chaturanga Dandasana: An essential part of the vinyasas, it strengthens the arms, shoulders, and core while preparing the body for more advanced movements.
- Boat (Navasana): Perfect for developing a strong and stable core, this pose also improves overall endurance and balance.
