Origin of Power Yoga
Different forms of yoga provide many benefits to the mind and body that makes it a powerful form of exercise. While every form of yoga yields different benefits, yoga provides numerous advantages to one of the most important parts of our bodies, the nervous system.
Today we are focusing on Power yoga and how this form of yoga improves one’s flexibility and self-discipline. Power yoga is comprised of a series of exercises that promote mental fitness and concentration.
The term ‘power yoga’ came from Ashtanga yoga guru, Beryl Bendere Birch, author of the popular book “Power Yoga: the Practice.” Power yoga was brought into the western world by the devotees of Sri K Pattabhi Jois, a renowned Sanskrit scholar who promoted this form of yoga and its ideologies in Ashtanga yoga format in the mid-1990s.
How Is Power Yoga Performed?
Power yoga is a fitness-based vinyasa practice. Power yoga includes most of the exercises from Ashtanga yoga and exercises from other yoga routines performed in a heated room.
- Power yoga is popularly known as gym yoga and includes fast exercises and challenging sets.
- Though the process is the same, classes depend on yoga gurus.
- Power yoga is practiced in a heated room.
This form of yoga primarily includes exercises that stretch one’s body to the maximum limit. Power yoga usually begins with warm-up exercises in order to relax and stretch the muscles before starting the vigorous routine.
The first set of exercises are performed using breathing exercises followed by fast-paced movements that work together to promote inner peace and concentration. Some positions are held longer than others to increase the physical endurance of a power yogi and give him/her the ability to focus on one task for a long period of time.
The heated room will give the yogi the much-needed preparation and exhaustion to enable the strict discipline that power yoga demands.
Benefits of Power Yoga
Power yoga has the benefits of a full body workout and a yoga class combined. Practicing this form of yoga can help your mind, body, and spirit because of the powerful benefits that come with practicing power yoga, including:
- Boosts flexibility
- Increases stamina
- Improves concentration and mental awareness
- Helps maintain proper posture
- Tones the entire body
- Promotes a relaxed and calm mental state
- Helps release tension and stress
- Burns a good amount of calories
Precautions to Take with Power Yoga
Practicing this form of yoga is advised for those who are physically fit and exercise regularly. It is best to avoid power yoga or consult a doctor before engaging in this practice if you are:
- Pregnant
- Have a chronic condition
- Suffer from serious injuries
- Recovering from a recent surgery
Quick FAQs
1. How many calories do you burn during power yoga?
A person who weighs about 130 pounds can burn up to 304 calories during a one-hour power yoga class.
2. Can you lose weight with power yoga?
Yes, power yoga and weight loss go hand in hand. Since power yoga is more of a cardiovascular workout, this practice gets your heart rate up and promotes weight loss in the process.
Updated by Siya Rajan on 05/08/2018
The content of this Website is for is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/styles-of-yoga/power-yoga.asp
Mehdi, S. (n.d.). The Incredible Bond Between Power Yoga And Weight Loss. Retrieved from http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/how-does-power-yoga-help-in-weight-loss/#gref
McCoy, W. (2017, September 11). How Many Calories Are Burned with One Hour of Power Yoga? Retrieved from https://www.livestrong.com/article/206811-how-many-calories-are-burned-with-one-hour-of-power-yoga/
