What is Power Yoga? and what is the difference between General Yoga and Power Yoga?….
People who are newish to Yoga often get confused with all the different names. Don’t worry – we all do! There are so many variations and names used across the Yoga Industry. General Yoga, Yoga Flow, Hatha Yoga, Intermediate Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Power Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga…etc etc! How are you possibly meant to work out the style that is right for you? Here are some tips to work out which ones to try out and explore further.
Our First TIP: All styles of Yoga are based on the same fundamentals and share common positions. So after a while, things will start to become familiar, even if you are going to classes with different names each time you go.
Now let’s talk specifically about Power Yoga. Power Yoga is one of the most popular yoga styles practiced and it is considered to be a ‘contemporary’ style of movement, but is still based on the traditional styles of yoga. A good way to describe it is a vigorous and fitness based form of yoga. You are guaranteed to move around and sweat, but you will also be focusing on your breath and your mind while moving your body.
Power Yoga, this active and athletic style of yoga, was adapted from the traditional Ashtanga Yoga system in the late 80’s, to get the attention of people who were interested in aerobics and fitness. Our research tells us that unsurprisingly, this adaption occurred in the United States by some, originally by someone named Beryl Bender. Baron Baptiste is another well-known Power Yoga teacher, and both these teachers originally studied with Ashtanga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.
Anyway, we digress……:-) just a bit of interesting background really! But let’s get onto the practical stuff, the stuff you need to know and probably WANT to know before deciding whether to do a Power Yoga Class. Is it right for you and what are the benefits?
- Like all Yoga, since it incorporates a series of poses, it improves your strength, flexibility, concentration and mindfulness.
- People who like to engage more in physical practise may prefer it as it is more of a cardio workout compared to restorative or Yin Yoga and therefore is will boost you metabolism, resulting in burning more calories, helping weightloss and improving body tone.
- Usually a Power Yoga class is set to music, usually upbeat tunes with a strong beat. If this is the sort of music that gets you motivated and energised then this may be perfect for you
- If it’s different to what you are used to, that is a HUGE benefit! It will push you outside of your comfort zone, make your concentrate, focus more in the moment which in turn, will all help you to clear your mind and de-stress from your day.
So in summary, don’t be shy! Power Yoga is a wonderful flowing but intense classes but ultimately, your experience will vary based on the studio and the teacher.
Remember every yoga class you do, is your own practise, so you’ll always be working at your own pace, regardless of the class or the type. Yoga is about how it FEELS not how it LOOKS, so go on, give a Power Yoga Class a go.
At Yoga Everyday, our Power Yoga classes are called Hour Of Power. Every level is welcome, Beginner through to Advanced/Experienced. They are our most popular classes and we love watching our wide range of our students (all ages, all sizes, all types) give these classes a go and come out with a huge smile on their face.
We’d love to welcome you to our studio so check out our timetable and come along to a Hour of Power Class and see if it’s right for you!
