A modern and fun yoga: Power Yoga

Power Yoga , to break away from the routine of traditional yoga.

Some people will not know Power Yoga and for good reason, it is a recent style that came from the United States in the 80s. A modern yoga reinventing traditional yoga, Ashtanga, which has become too structured for some. It gives way to a more fun practice to the rhythm of music where the asana sequences are random. However, the benefits of yoga remain the same: anti-stress virtues, work on flexibility, etc. In addition, you will always find breathing exercises (Pranayama) and relaxation. In short, it is an old yoga, but more fun!

The modern origin of Power Yoga

Unlike some older yogas from India and the wisdom of the masters, Power Yoga was born in the 80s in the United States. At the origin of power yoga , two men: Bryan Kest and Byron Baptiste. Why this innovation? They wanted to create their style, a yoga that was more fun than the more traditional Ashtanga and that followed certain rules. Indeed, the two creators thought that the sessions were repetitive and too formal. Power Yoga was born!

What is the principle of Power Yoga?

Power Yoga is a dynamic but modern yoga inspired by Ashtanga, Bikram and Iyengar. A variation of Ashtanga, less structured and less rigid! How does it work? Postures are selected from various series, which makes each session different. Power yoga exercises are reinvented according to the energy of the students or the desired benefits. However, do not be surprised if Pilates and fitness movements are inserted. You practice in a heated room and in the presence of music, energizing the realization of power yoga asanas and giving a more fun dimension. Hip-hop, Jazz, Soul, etc., an upbeat and motivating musical background!

Know that this modern yoga is made for you if you want to practice a dynamic yoga, less traditional, free and fun, but with the same benefits on the body and mind.

Fun flow of a Power Yoga session

Although a Power Yoga session is less structured, it still follows a certain logic:

• It begins with a few minutes of refocusing, with the child's pose or the folded leaf pose, in order to disconnect from the tensions of daily life,
• Next comes the Sun Salutation asana with the Ujjayi breathing exercise (Pranayama) that you find in Ashtanga,
• Afterwards, you perform an original sequence of power yoga postures which differs in each yoga class and in the presence of music,
• After which, you perform a moment of Shavasana, a posture where you lie on your back on your yoga mat and where you release each part of your body for deep relaxation,
• At the end of the class, the chanting of the mantra Om between the teacher and his students provides a feeling of connection.

The multiple benefits of Power Yoga

The benefits of Power Yoga are the same as traditional yoga. Indeed, the practice helps reduce stress and be more serene, because you are more inclined to be in the present moment. You live more consciously, here and now. The quality of your sleep is only improved. Thanks to breathing exercises (Pranayama), your breathing capacity is more optimal. As for the asanas of power yoga , they improve the flexibility of your joints, the tone of your muscles, your balance and your endurance. An ideal discipline in particular for muscle strengthening or refining your figure! Finally, Power Yoga is a way to regain your energy.

Example of a Power Yoga session

To discover a Power Yoga class , go to the video .

Find out what Ashtanga yoga is, which Power Yoga draws from.