A Dancing Yogi is starting to introduce a once a month Power Yoga Class!
Power yoga classes are recommended for yogi's with prior yoga experience who may be looking and ready to expand their practice.
Power yoga is a form of Vinyasa, which has its roots in Ashtanga yoga, an established practice from the early 20th century.
With power yoga, the emphasis is on the flow from one pose to the next, rather than approaching each pose separately. It is fast paced and intense, linking your breath to the different motions of the body.
It may seem more like an aerobics class than a relaxed, mindful yoga experience. Though it does require mindfulness and focus on breathing, it is more dynamic than meditative.
Key Differences b/t Power vs other yoga:
- Speed:
Power Yoga moves at a much faster pace. Slower, more restorative forms of yoga dont
deliver the same cardiovasular exercise benefits as power yoga.
-Sequence:
Power follows a sequence set by the instructor, there is more variability and
less structure.
- Flow:
Power yoga emphasizes flow from one pose to the next, exhaling as you
change positions.
Benefits of Power Yoga:
- Cardiovascular Health:
- Raise and sustain your heart rate
- Improve fitness, stamina, and overall health
- Strengthen heart and lungs
- Help control high BP
- Build stronger bones & muscles
- Control blood sugar levels
- Helps with weight loss
- Improves sleep
- Boosts energy levels
- Improves brain function
- Lowering risk for HD, stroke, and diabetes
- Strength:
- Hold poses for a length of time
- Fires up muscles and makes them work hard to keep you in a pose
- Boost muscle strength and endurance
- Motor Control:
- Improvements in tremors and muscle rigidity
- Increased muscle strength and power
- Weight Loss:
- Cardio workout
- Burns calories & burn more claories even when you are not excercising
- Improved muscle tone and strength
- Feel more connected to your body
- Reduce back and joint pain
- Stress Reduction:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Promote feelings of relaxation and calm
- Decrease levels of cortisol (stress hormone)
- Overall:
- Better sleep
- A stronger immune system
-Improved posture and balance
Drawbacks? Is it the right fit?
Power yoga classes do move at a fast pace and require a certain level of strength and fitness. Without a basic understanding of standard Vinyasa poses and movements, you may find it challenging to keep up. As with any workout, proper form is essential to avoid injury. If you are not familiar with the yoga poses, you may risk injury by trying a pose with incorrect form.
Power yoga classes are often 60-90 minutes long.
If you are comfortable in an intense fitness class environment, power yoga may be a good fit for you. If you have a foundation of fitness and yoga, are accustomed to longer workouts, and are familiar with other forms of yoga and yoga poses, give power yoga a try at A Dancing Yogi!
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-power-yoga#drawbacks