Power Yoga

Power Yoga is an active and athletic style of yoga adapted from the traditional Ashtanga system in the late '80s to appeal to aerobic-crazed Westerners. Power yoga doesn't stick to the same sequence of poses each time like Ashtanga does, so the style varies depending on the teacher. Classes called "vinyasa" or "flow" in your gym or studio can be vastly different but, in general, stem from this movement and from Ashtanga as well. Power yoga is a form of yoga that is based on a choreographed sequence of poses known as Asana, and during the process, the joints in the body unwind, muscles get relaxed and the energy gets moved. When an athlete performs power yoga, they build strength and flexibility and are able to focus better as tension in the mind and body is released. The main emphasis of power yoga is on building strength and improving flexibility. A power yoga exercise workout involves practice of a series of poses while keeping the breathing synchronized at the same time. This allows harmony between the body and mind. Power yoga follows a particular sequence of poses, like sun salutation, warrior pose, balancing pose and then the triangle pose. Next are the floor practices and the seated postures, and finally the sava asana or meditation, which is the most important part of power yoga practice. This enables you to incorporate all the subtle changes made during the practice. It is also not advisable for those with any chronic illnesses or health problems. One needs to be physically fit in order to attempt a power yoga workout.

Physical Benefits of Power Yoga:

»» Increases metabolism and burns calories and improves breathing
»» Increased Range of Motion
»» Strengthen Tendons & Ligaments
»» Strengthen Ankles & Kneesst
»» Improved Balance
»» Decrease Injuries
»» Improve Recovery Time
»» Increase Body Awareness

Mental Benefits of Power Yoga:

»» Mind / Body Awareness
»» Controlled Breathing & Heart Rate
»» Presence
»» Control & Release of Stress & Anxiety
»» Pre-Game Clarity & Focus
»» Training Discipline & Concentration
»» Relaxation for Healing & Recovery Test

Tips to keep in mind for doing Power Yoga

»» If you are pregnant or suffer some ailment, then it is advisable to speak with your doctor before signing up for a class. You must also speak with your yoga instructor, if you have joined a class or planning to. The teacher at the class will be able to tell you which poses you should attempt and which ones to leave out.?
»» It is believed that an early morning practice of Power yoga is supposed to be very beneficial for yoga students. Do speak with a yoga expert before you try it though.
»» It is advisable to wear comfortable and sweat absorbent clothes while practicing power yoga. Also, work with a yoga expert instead of learning the postures through a DVD or book.
»» Try to follow a series of exercises and concentrate on every posture.
»» Do not over exert while doing power yoga. Try to follow the slow and steady mantra when you start doing Power yoga.
»» Power Yoga burns more than 240 calories over 30 minutes!! Power Yoga calls for the large muscle groups, especially your legs, to function constantly. The periods can range from half an hour to an hour. Power Yoga burns the maximum calories, so long as you do the sessions often enough (3 to 5 times per week) and long enough (30 to 60 minutes a session).

A few pro athletes who practice yoga:

»» Many of our Pittsburgh Steelers and numerous other NFL players.
»» Joel Zumaya – Detroit Tigers
»» Barry Zito – San Francisco Giants
»» Kevin Garnett – Boston Celtics
»» Tom Brady – New England Patriots