Power Yoga- Yoga for New Generation!!!!

A new form of yoga that focuses on a more fitness-based approached has been developed. It is called Power Yoga, a method closely modelled after the Ashtanga style of practice. The term Power Yoga became widely used in the mid-'90s when many yoga teachers tried new ways to make Ashtanga Yoga more accessible to the western audience. Both Power and Ashtanga Yoga focuses on strength and flexibility. The only difference between the traditional method and Power Yoga is that the latter does not require the performance of a series of poses. It took the basics of yoga and gave it a dose of aerobics to tone the muscles, sharpen focus, and strengthen the heart.

Power Yoga is a very accessible exercise. To practice this new yoga method, all that is needed is a flat floor surface, a mat or towel, and enough overhead space to extend the arms. It can be performed by individuals of different ages and level of physical condition. However, not all poses should be attempted by everyone. Proper posture and alignment should always be maintained during stretch or posture to avoid injuries. These activities should be stopped when there is fatigue, pain, or dizziness. In addition, the mental component of yoga is as important as its physical activities. Concentration and meditation should not be taken for granted. Yoga should be done with an open and gentle mind when one performs yoga positions and posture. Impatience, self-criticism, and comparing oneself with others may hamper the improvement of one's physical and mental health.

Who Invented Power Yoga?

Two American yoga teachers are most often credited with the near simultaneous invention of power yoga: Beryl Bender Birch, based in New York, and Bryan Kest, based in Los Angeles.
Not coincidentally, both these teachers had studied with Ashtanga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Using the term power yoga differentiated the intense, flowing style of yoga they were teaching from the gentle stretching and meditation that many Americans associated with yoga. Another name often associated with power yoga is Baron Baptiste. Baptiste has his own method, which is only taught by teachers he certifies.

Power yoga involves bit of Surya Namaskar

Basically, power yoga involves the moves of the traditional yogic Surya Namaskar (or Sun salutation) mixed with flexibility training and strength training. The Surya Namaskar consists of 12 exercises with specific breathing patterns done in a continuous graceful sequence.
They counteract the effects of the previous exercise. They also expand and contract the muscles of the ribcage and waist. Practising the Surya Namaskar daily will make the spine flexible and trim inches off the waist.

The advantages of power yoga

It increases lean muscle tissue, which means improved calorie burning, reduction in your body's fat percentage and increased BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate).
This makes for a stronger you, leaving you with strength for your everyday life.
It works your stomach and back muscles constantly, increasing your core strength.
This increases the heartbeat harmoniously.
Power yoga, like the traditional yoga, helps reduce stress and relax your body.
It also helps improve concentration, which is particularly good for students.

Summary:

Traditional Yoga combines meditation and deep-breathing along with stationary poses, but Power Yoga is being promoted as aerobics with meditation – the new way to burn up calories, mold your butt, sweat away the tires around your waist, and attain spiritual enlightenment all at the same time! Power Yoga is a continuous series of vigorous non-stop exercises, accompanied by deep-breathing. Most Power Yoga’s are closely modeled on the Ashtanga style of practice but unlike Ashtanga, Power Yoga does not follow a set series of poses. So Power Yoga routines can vary from guru to guru. But they all emphasize strength and flexibility.

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