What is Power Yoga?

The latest fitness buzzword which has been gaining popularity all over the world and has been much acclaimed, is ‘power yoga’.

Now, what is power yoga?

As defined by Mogre, the COO of Gold’s gym India, "this type of yoga is a fusion of yoga with functional and flexibility training, both of which train the body to perform better. It is a yoga that completely deviates from traditional form of yoga. In simple terms, it is an ‘east meet west routine’."

In general terms, power yoga can be described as a vigorous fitness based exercise that emphasizes on improving the strength and flexibility of the body. The term power yoga has differentiated the intense, flowing style of yoga from the gentle stretching and meditation that most Americans associate with yoga.

Mostly, power yoga is close to the Ashtanga yoga but it does not include a set series of power yoga poses. It is a fitness based approach to the Vinyasa yoga. The main difference between power yoga and the traditional form of yoga is that it involves much of physical exercise and minimal amount of chanting and meditation.

Brief history

Two American yoga teachers, Beryl Bender Birch, based in New York, and Bryan Kest, based in Los Angeles, who had studied with Ashtanga master, Sri K.Pattabhi Jois, are often credited for the invention of power yoga. Baron Baptiste is another name associated with power yoga. But he has his own method, which is taught only by teachers whom he certifies.

The term power yoga came to be widely known in the 90s, when the yoga teachers were struggling to make yoga accessible to American students.

Power yoga is packed with a variety of modules. And the classes vary according to the instructor. Generally, power yoga comes with three programs:

1) Core power yoga which focuses on strong abdominals and back includes both Prana or Vinyasa power yoga which focuses on the abs, and Alternative muscle toning moves.

2) Unlocking Athletic Power to develop flexible strength with an emphasis on abs, back, hips and pelvis.

3) Soul of Strength, a fast-moving power yoga program with a distinct "mid-body" emphasis and challenging moves.

This form of yoga appeals to those people who are already fit and enjoy exercising without much chanting and meditation. Read on to know the benefits of power yoga.